9 questions · about 14% of the marks we indexed · examined in 5 of 5 sessions.
Questions by year
2026
2026 May/June · Paper 11 · Q3 (a, b)5.5 marks1937 elections and Congress Rule
2025
2025 May/June · Paper 11 · Q1 (b, d)15 marksConstitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Road to independence 1940–1947
2025 May/June · Paper 11 · Q3 (a, b, c)12.5 marksConstitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Reforms and protest 1909–1919
2024
2024 May/June · Paper 11 · Q3 (a, b, c)12.5 marksOfficial paper ↗1937 elections and Congress Rule · Constitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Partition of Bengal and the Muslim League 1905–1906
2023
2023 May/June · Paper 11 · Q2 (a, b, c)12.5 marksConstitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Partition of Bengal and the Muslim League 1905–1906
2023 May/June · Paper 11 · Q3 (a, b, c)12.5 marks1937 elections and Congress Rule · Constitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935
2022
2022 May/June · Paper 11 · Q1 (a, b, c, d)25 marksRoad to independence 1940–1947
2022 May/June · Paper 11 · Q3 (b, c)10.5 marksConstitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Partition of Bengal and the Muslim League 1905–1906
2022 May/June · Paper 11 · Q4 (a)2 marksReforms and protest 1909–1919
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References only, not question text. Open Official paper ↗ where Cambridge publishes the paper,
or see the official Cambridge past-papers page; for other papers, ask your
school. “Paper 42” means Paper 4, variant 2.
Practice questions
Original questions written by HomiLabs in the style of the exam, with answers and mark schemes. They are not
Cambridge past paper questions and have not been reviewed by Cambridge. Try each one before opening the answer.
Q1Constitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Nehru Report of 1928.[4]
(b)Explain why Allama Iqbal's address to the Muslim League at Allahabad in 1930 was important to the Pakistan Movement.[7]
Show answer
(a) Drawn up in 1928 by an all-parties committee chaired by Motilal Nehru, as a reply to the Simon Commission; it asked for dominion status for India; it proposed joint electorates instead of separate electorates, with seats reserved for Muslims only where they were a minority; it gave Muslims about a quarter of the seats in the central legislature rather than the one-third they wanted; it proposed a strong central government holding the residuary powers.
1 mark per accurate point, up to 4: 1928 / all-parties committee; chaired by Motilal Nehru; reply to the all-British Simon Commission; dominion status; joint electorates / end of separate electorates; reserved seats for Muslims only where in a minority (none in Punjab and Bengal); about one-quarter Muslim seats at the centre; strong unitary centre with residuary powers; Sindh to be separated from Bombay only if it could pay for itself.
(b) It was the first time a leading Muslim figure, speaking as President of the Muslim League, proposed a separate Muslim state in the north-west (Punjab, NWFP, Sindh and Balochistan joined together), so the idea of a homeland moved from private discussion into League politics; it argued that Muslims were a separate nation with their own religion, culture and laws, which gave the Two-Nation Theory a clear philosophical basis; it showed that Muslims would not accept a united India dominated by a Hindu majority; it inspired later thinkers such as Chaudhry Rahmat Ali and fed into the Lahore Resolution of 1940; in his letters of 1936–37 Iqbal urged Jinnah to give a lead to the Muslims and to work for a separate Muslim homeland.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (3–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (5–7): explains reasons, 5–6 for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons to credit: first public proposal of a Muslim state in the north-west by a League president; set out the Two-Nation idea (Muslims a separate nation with Islam as a complete way of life); made clear that Muslims rejected a Hindu-majority unitary India; influenced Rahmat Ali, the youth and the 1940 Lahore Resolution; Iqbal's letters to Jinnah (1936–37) persuaded him to give a lead. Narrative of the speech alone stays in L2.
Q2Constitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Simon Commission of 1927–1930.[4]
(b)Explain why the Simon Commission was opposed by many Indian politicians.[7]
Show answer
(a) A commission of seven British MPs led by Sir John Simon, appointed in 1927 to review the 1919 reforms; it had no Indian member; it was met by 'Simon Go Back' protests and black flags when it arrived in 1928; its report (1930) proposed responsible government in the provinces and ending dyarchy there, and kept separate electorates.
1 mark per accurate point, up to 4: appointed 1927 / to review the working of the 1919 Act; led by Sir John Simon; seven members, all British MPs; no Indian member; arrived 1928; boycotted by Congress and part of the Muslim League; 'Simon Go Back' protests / black flags; report 1930 recommended ending dyarchy in provinces / provincial responsible government; separate electorates retained.
(b) It had no Indian members, which was seen as an insult because Indians were not allowed to decide their own constitution; Congress wanted dominion status at once and the commission only promised a review; it split the Muslim League (Jinnah's group boycotted, Shafi's group co-operated) because some Muslims feared their interests would be ignored; its report offered no clear move towards self-government at the centre.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: all-white membership seen as an insult; Indians denied a say in their own future; Congress demand for dominion status ignored; recommendations too limited (no responsible government at the centre); fear that minority interests would not be protected.
Q3Constitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Communal Award of 1932.[4]
(b)Explain why many Muslims were not satisfied with the Communal Award.[7]
Show answer
(a) Announced by the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald in August 1932 because Indians could not agree on minority representation at the Round Table Conferences; it kept separate electorates for Muslims, Sikhs, Europeans and others; it also gave the depressed classes (untouchables) separate electorates; Gandhi fasted against this, and the Poona Pact (1932) replaced it with reserved seats for the depressed classes within joint electorates.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) Separate electorates were kept, but Muslims in Punjab and Bengal were not given a clear majority of seats in line with their share of the population, so they could not be sure of controlling their own provinces; the Award was a British decision rather than an agreement with Congress, so it did not solve communal mistrust; Muslim demands such as one-third of central seats were not settled by it.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Credit: no statutory majority in Punjab/Bengal; imposed not agreed; did not settle central representation; showed the failure of the RTCs.
Q4Constitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Delhi Muslim Proposals of 1927.[4]
(b)Explain why the Nehru Report (1928) was rejected by most Muslim leaders.[7]
Show answer
(a) Muslim leaders meeting in Delhi (March 1927) offered to give up separate electorates in return for: one-third of the seats in the central legislature; Sindh to be separated from Bombay as a new province; reforms in the NWFP and Balochistan to bring them level with other provinces; representation according to population in Punjab and Bengal.
1 mark each for up to 4: 1927, Muslim leaders in Delhi; willing to accept joint electorates; on conditions: one-third of central seats; Sindh a separate province; reforms in NWFP and Balochistan; seats by population in Punjab and Bengal.
(b) It proposed joint electorates, ending the separate electorates Muslims had held since 1909; it gave Muslims about a quarter of central seats instead of the one-third Jinnah asked for; it proposed a strong centre with residual powers, which would leave Muslim-majority provinces under a Hindu-majority centre; no seats were reserved for Muslims in Punjab and Bengal; Congress refused Jinnah's amendments at the Calcutta convention, which Jinnah called the 'parting of the ways'.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: joint electorates; less than one-third representation at the centre; strong unitary centre / residual powers to centre; no reserved seats in Muslim-majority provinces; Congress refusal of amendments.
Q5Constitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe four of Jinnah's Fourteen Points of 1929.[4]
(b)Explain why Jinnah produced the Fourteen Points.[7]
Show answer
(a) Any four, e.g.: a federal constitution with residual powers for the provinces; uniform autonomy for all provinces; one-third Muslim representation in the central legislature; separate electorates to continue; Sindh to be separated from Bombay; reforms in the NWFP and Balochistan; religious freedom for all communities; a fair share of government jobs for Muslims; protection of Muslim culture, education and language; one-third Muslim ministers in central and provincial cabinets.
1 mark for each accurately stated point, up to 4.
(b) As a reply to the Nehru Report, which had ignored Muslim demands; to set out the minimum safeguards Muslims needed in any future constitution; to unite the divided Muslim League behind one clear programme; to show the British that Muslims had their own demands that had to be considered at future talks.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: response to the Nehru Report; Congress rejected his amendments in 1928; protect Muslim rights as a minority; reunite the League (Shafi and Jinnah groups); state Muslim position before the Round Table Conferences.
Q6Constitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe Allama Iqbal's Allahabad Address of 1930.[4]
(b)Explain why Chaudhry Rahmat Ali's ideas were important to the Pakistan Movement.[7]
Show answer
(a) Given in December 1930 as President of the Muslim League's annual session at Allahabad; Iqbal said Muslims were a separate nation with their own religion and culture; he proposed that Punjab, the NWFP, Sindh and Balochistan be joined into a single Muslim state; it could be self-governing within or outside the British Empire.
1 mark per point up to 4: date/place; Muslim League session; Muslims a separate nation; north-western provinces named; single state; self-government within or without the Empire; first major call for a Muslim homeland from the League platform.
(b) In his 1933 pamphlet 'Now or Never' he coined the name 'Pakistan', formed from the names of the Muslim-majority regions, which gave the demand a name people could rally around; he argued Muslims were a separate nation who should not accept an Indian federation; although the League did not adopt his scheme at the time, his name and idea spread among students and later became the accepted name of the new state.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: coined the name Pakistan; popularised the separate-homeland idea among students (pamphlet published in England, 1933); rejected federation; built on Iqbal's address; later adopted for the state.
Q7Constitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the Second Round Table Conference of 1931.[4]
(b)'The Government of India Act of 1935 was the most important constitutional development for Muslims between 1927 and 1935.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) Held in London from September to December 1931; Congress attended this time, with Gandhi as its only representative, after the Gandhi–Irwin Pact; Muslim delegates included the Aga Khan, Jinnah and Allama Iqbal; it deadlocked over the minorities question because Gandhi claimed to speak for all Indians and refused separate electorates; the conference ended without agreement and the British government said it would decide the communal question itself (the Communal Award of 1932).
1 mark per accurate point, up to 4: London, Sept–Dec 1931; followed the Gandhi–Irwin Pact; Gandhi attended as sole Congress representative; Muslim delegates (e.g. Aga Khan, Jinnah, Iqbal); deadlock over minority representation / separate electorates; Gandhi claimed Congress represented all of India; ended without agreement; led to Ramsay MacDonald's Communal Award (1932).
(b) Agree: the 1935 Act brought provincial autonomy, so Muslims could form governments in Muslim-majority provinces; it kept separate electorates; Sindh was separated from Bombay and became a Muslim-majority province; the federal structure became the basis of later constitutions (it was adapted as Pakistan's interim constitution in 1947). Disagree: the Nehru Report (1928) showed Muslims that Congress would not protect their interests and led Jinnah to speak of a 'parting of the ways'; Jinnah's Fourteen Points (1929) set out the Muslim demands that guided League policy; Iqbal's Allahabad Address (1930) first proposed a Muslim state in the north-west; the Round Table Conferences gave Muslim leaders an international platform and the Communal Award (1932) confirmed separate electorates and weightage before the 1935 Act. Judgement: e.g. the Act turned earlier demands into law, but the ideas behind the Pakistan Movement came from the earlier proposals.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general answer. L2 (3–6): describes relevant events with little explanation. L3 (7–10): explains the given factor OR other factors. L4 (9–13): explains the given factor AND other factors. L5 (13–14): as L4 with a supported judgement on 'how far'. Points to credit: for the 1935 Act: provincial autonomy and responsible provincial government; separate electorates retained; Sindh a separate province; federal framework later used by Pakistan; but the federation was never put into effect and the Governor-General kept wide powers. Other developments: Nehru Report united Muslims against Congress proposals; Fourteen Points defined Muslim demands; Allahabad Address and the Pakistan idea; Rahmat Ali's 'Now or Never' (1933); Round Table Conferences; Communal Award.
Q8Constitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the outcome of the First Round Table Conference (1930–1931).[4]
(b)'The Round Table Conferences (1930–1932) achieved nothing.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) It met in London from November 1930; Congress boycotted it because of the Civil Disobedience Movement; the princes, Muslim leaders and other groups agreed that India should become a federation; little else was decided without Congress, so the British released Gandhi and made the Gandhi–Irwin Pact (1931) to bring Congress to the next conference.
1 mark per point up to 4: London, Nov 1930–Jan 1931; Congress absent; princes agreed to join a federation; agreement on federal idea / responsible provincial government; no final settlement; led to Gandhi–Irwin Pact.
(b) Agree: the second conference broke down over the minorities question when Gandhi claimed to speak for all Indians; Congress boycotted the first and third conferences; no agreement was reached between communities, so the British had to impose the Communal Award. Disagree: the idea of an all-India federation was accepted; Muslim leaders (including Iqbal at the second conference) put their case directly; the discussions led to the White Paper of 1933 and the Government of India Act 1935, which gave provincial autonomy. Judgement: they failed to produce agreement between Indians, but they shaped the 1935 Act.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Achieved nothing: Second RTC deadlocked over minorities; Gandhi's claim to speak for all Indians; Congress boycotted first and third conferences; no communal agreement, so the Communal Award was imposed. Achieved something: princes and Muslims accepted an all-India federation; provincial responsible government agreed in principle; Muslim case (Jinnah, Aga Khan, Iqbal at the third) heard directly; led to the 1933 White Paper and the Government of India Act 1935 (provincial autonomy). A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q9Constitutional proposals and the Pakistan idea 1927–1935 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the main features of the Government of India Act 1935.[4]
(b)Explain why both Congress and the Muslim League criticised the 1935 Act.[7]
Show answer
(a) Any four: a proposed all-India federation of British provinces and princely states (never put into effect because the princes did not join); dyarchy ended in the provinces, which got provincial autonomy with elected ministers; dyarchy introduced at the centre; Sindh separated from Bombay and Orissa from Bihar; Burma separated from India; a Federal Court set up; the franchise widened to millions more voters; separate electorates kept; the Governor-General and governors kept emergency powers.
1 mark per accurate feature, up to 4.
(b) Congress: it fell far short of dominion status; the Governor-General and governors kept wide emergency powers; the princes' nominees would be unelected in the federal legislature. Muslim League: the federal centre would be dominated by Hindus, threatening Muslim interests; the governors' powers meant provincial autonomy was limited; Jinnah called the federal scheme 'thoroughly rotten, fundamentally bad and totally unacceptable'. Both nevertheless fought the 1937 provincial elections under it.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Credit explained reasons from both parties; one party only max 5.
Q10Road to independence 1940–1947 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Gandhi–Jinnah talks of 1944.[4]
(b)Explain why the Gandhi–Jinnah talks failed.[7]
Show answer
(a) Held in September 1944 at Jinnah's house in Bombay, lasting about three weeks; Gandhi's offer was based on the Rajagopalachari formula; the Muslim League was to support the demand for independence and join an interim government; after the war a commission would mark out Muslim-majority districts and a plebiscite of all the people there would decide on separation; defence, foreign affairs and communications would stay under a common authority; the talks ended without agreement.
1 mark per accurate point, up to 4: September 1944; Bombay, at Jinnah's home; Gandhi had been released from prison earlier in 1944; based on the C. Rajagopalachari formula; League to back independence first; partition only after the British left; plebiscite of all inhabitants in Muslim-majority areas; common control of defence/foreign affairs/communications; talks broke down.
(b) Gandhi said he spoke only for himself and not for Congress, so Jinnah doubted that any agreement would be honoured; Gandhi wanted independence first and partition afterwards, but Jinnah feared that once the British left Congress would refuse to divide India; Gandhi did not accept the Two-Nation Theory and offered only Muslim-majority districts, not whole provinces, a 'moth-eaten' Pakistan; Gandhi's plan kept defence, foreign affairs and communications in common hands, which would leave a Muslim state weak and dependent; the plebiscite was to include non-Muslims, so Muslims alone would not decide their future.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (3–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (5–7): explains reasons, 5–6 for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons to credit: Gandhi had no mandate from Congress; order of events (independence before partition) distrusted by Jinnah; rejection of the Two-Nation Theory; districts not provinces; common central subjects; plebiscite including non-Muslims. Each reason must be linked to why agreement was impossible.
Q11Road to independence 1940–1947 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Lahore Resolution of March 1940.[4]
(b)Explain why the Muslim League demanded a separate homeland in 1940.[7]
Show answer
(a) Passed at the Muslim League session in Lahore (22–24 March 1940), moved by A. K. Fazlul Huq; it said that areas where Muslims were in a majority, in the north-west and east of India, should be grouped to form 'independent states'; the units would be autonomous and sovereign; minorities in these areas would have safeguards; it rejected any federal plan for India; it became known as the Pakistan Resolution.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) Experience of Congress rule 1937–39 convinced many Muslims that they would be treated unfairly in a Hindu-majority India; Jinnah argued Muslims and Hindus were two separate nations with different religion, culture and history; the League needed a clear goal to rally Muslims after its poor 1937 election result; with war in Europe the British needed Muslim support, which gave the League a chance to press its claim.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: Congress ministries; Two-Nation Theory; need for a clear aim; wartime bargaining position; failure of federal schemes.
Q12Road to independence 1940–1947 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe Direct Action Day (16 August 1946).[4]
(b)Explain why Lord Mountbatten brought forward the date of British withdrawal to August 1947.[7]
Show answer
(a) The Muslim League withdrew its acceptance of the Cabinet Mission Plan in July 1946 and called on Muslims to observe 16 August 1946 as Direct Action Day to show their support for Pakistan; the League said it should be a peaceful protest of meetings and strikes; in Calcutta the day turned into large-scale rioting between Muslims and Hindus/Sikhs, the 'Great Calcutta Killings', in which several thousand people died; violence then spread to other areas such as Noakhali in Bengal and Bihar.
1 mark per accurate point, up to 4: called by the League after it withdrew acceptance of the Cabinet Mission Plan (July 1946); aim to show Muslim determination to achieve Pakistan; meant to be peaceful (hartals, meetings); public holiday declared in Bengal by Suhrawardy's government; massive riots in Calcutta; thousands killed; violence spread to Noakhali, Bihar and elsewhere.
(b) Communal violence was spreading across Punjab, Bengal and Bihar and the British feared they would lose control; the Interim Government had broken down because Congress and League ministers could not work together, so the country was becoming ungovernable; Britain was exhausted and in debt after the Second World War and could not afford the troops and money needed to keep order; the Labour government wanted a quick handover and Mountbatten believed that a long delay would only increase bloodshed; once Congress and the League accepted the 3 June Plan, a quick transfer avoided further breakdown.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (3–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (5–7): explains reasons, 5–6 for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons to credit: rising communal violence (Calcutta, Noakhali, Bihar, Punjab); failure of the Interim Government; Britain's post-war economic weakness and shortage of troops/administrators; Attlee's government's wish to leave quickly (February 1947 announcement of withdrawal by June 1948); acceptance of the 3 June Plan made a quick handover possible.
Q13Road to independence 1940–1947 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the proposals of the Cripps Mission of 1942.[4]
(b)Explain why the Cripps Mission failed.[7]
Show answer
(a) Sir Stafford Cripps came to India in March 1942; he offered dominion status after the Second World War; an elected body would draw up a new constitution after the war; any province could refuse to join the new union and stay out (this hinted at Pakistan); Indians would be given more places in the Viceroy's Council during the war, but Britain would keep control of defence.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) Congress wanted immediate self-government and control of defence, not promises for after the war; Gandhi called it a 'post-dated cheque' because Britain seemed to be losing the war in Asia; the Muslim League rejected it because Pakistan was not clearly accepted; Congress then launched the Quit India Movement (August 1942) instead of co-operating.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: Congress demands (immediate power, defence); fear of Japanese victory; League objection that Pakistan not conceded; opt-out clause disliked by Congress.
Q14Road to independence 1940–1947 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Simla Conference of 1945.[4]
(b)Explain why the 1945–46 elections were important for the Muslim League.[7]
Show answer
(a) Called by Viceroy Lord Wavell in June 1945; he proposed a new Executive Council in which caste Hindus and Muslims would have equal numbers and all members except the Viceroy and the commander-in-chief would be Indian; the conference broke down because Jinnah insisted that the League alone should nominate all Muslim members, while Congress wanted to nominate a Muslim (Maulana Azad, its president); Wavell then called new elections.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) The League won all the Muslim seats in the central legislature and a large majority of Muslim seats in the provinces, which proved it was the sole representative of India's Muslims; this destroyed Congress's claim to speak for all Indians; it strengthened Jinnah's position in talks with the British; it showed mass Muslim support for Pakistan, which the British could no longer ignore.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more.
Q15Road to independence 1940–1947 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the Interim Government of 1946–1947.[4]
(b)'The violence of 1946–1947 was the main reason why the British agreed to partition India.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) Formed in September 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan, at first with Congress members only and Nehru as its leader (Vice-President of the Executive Council); the Muslim League joined in October 1946 with five members; Liaquat Ali Khan became Finance Member; his 1947 budget put heavy taxes on large business profits, which hit many Hindu businessmen and angered Congress; the two parties could not co-operate and the government was deadlocked.
1 mark per accurate point, up to 4: set up in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission scheme; initially Congress-only, Nehru at its head; League joined October 1946; five League members; Liaquat Ali Khan Finance Member; 'poor man's budget' of 1947 taxing business profits; Congress ministers obstructed by League control of finance; deadlock showed the parties could not share power.
(b) Agree: Direct Action Day and the Calcutta killings, then Noakhali, Bihar and Punjab, showed that a united India could only be held together by force, which Britain no longer had; Mountbatten saw partition as the only way to stop civil war. Disagree: the Muslim League's victory in the 1945–46 elections (all the Muslim seats in the central assembly and most Muslim seats in the provinces) proved it represented Muslims, so the demand for Pakistan could not be ignored; the failure of the Cabinet Mission Plan, made worse by Nehru's statements in July 1946, ended the last plan for a united India; the breakdown of the Interim Government showed Congress and the League could not share power; Britain's post-war weakness meant it wanted a quick settlement acceptable to both parties; Jinnah's determined leadership refused any solution without Pakistan. Judgement: e.g. violence made partition urgent, but the 1945–46 elections and the collapse of power-sharing made it unavoidable.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general answer. L2 (3–6): describes relevant events with little explanation. L3 (7–10): explains the given factor OR other factors. L4 (9–13): explains the given factor AND other factors. L5 (13–14): as L4 with a supported judgement on 'how far'. Points to credit: violence (Direct Action Day, Calcutta, Noakhali, Bihar, Punjab) and fear of civil war; 1945–46 election results; failure of the Cabinet Mission Plan and Nehru's July 1946 statements; deadlock in the Interim Government; Britain's economic exhaustion after 1945; Jinnah's leadership and the Lahore Resolution demand.
Q16Road to independence 1940–1947 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946.[4]
(b)'Nehru's statements in July 1946 were the main reason why the Cabinet Mission Plan failed.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) Three British cabinet ministers (Pethick-Lawrence, Cripps and A. V. Alexander) arrived in March 1946; their plan of May 1946 rejected a fully separate Pakistan; it proposed a union government in charge of foreign affairs, defence and communications; provinces would be placed in three groups: Hindu-majority provinces; Punjab, NWFP, Sindh and Balochistan; and Bengal and Assam; an interim government would be formed.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) Agree: the League had accepted the plan in June 1946, but Nehru said Congress would not be bound by the grouping arrangements once in the Constituent Assembly; the League then withdrew its acceptance and called Direct Action Day (16 August 1946). Other factors: deep distrust between Congress and the League; disagreement over who should nominate Muslims to the interim government; the British invited Congress to form the interim government alone; the plan itself was complex and both sides read it differently; communal violence after August 1946 made co-operation impossible. Judgement required.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Nehru: League accepted plan June 1946; Nehru's July statement that Congress was not bound by grouping; League withdrew acceptance; Direct Action Day 16 Aug 1946. Other factors: Congress–League distrust; dispute over nominating Muslims to the interim government; Congress invited to form interim government alone; complex plan read differently by each side; communal violence after Aug 1946. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q17Road to independence 1940–1947 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the 3 June Plan of 1947.[4]
(b)Explain why the Radcliffe Award caused problems for Pakistan.[7]
Show answer
(a) Announced by Lord Mountbatten; British India would be divided into two dominions, India and Pakistan; the Punjab and Bengal assemblies would vote on whether to divide their provinces; boundary commissions would draw the borders of divided provinces; referendums would be held in the NWFP and in Sylhet; Sindh's assembly and Balochistan would decide which country to join; the date of independence was brought forward to August 1947.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) Sir Cyril Radcliffe drew the boundaries in a few weeks with little local knowledge; Muslim-majority areas such as most of Gurdaspur district were given to India, which gave India a land route to Kashmir; headworks controlling canals that watered Pakistani land (e.g. at Ferozepur and Madhopur) were left in India, which later caused the canal water dispute; the award was announced only after independence, causing confusion and mass migration with terrible violence; Pakistan received a share of refugees it struggled to settle.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more.
Q18Partition of Bengal and the Muslim League 1905–1906 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Partition of Bengal of 1905.[4]
(b)Explain why the British partitioned Bengal in 1905.[7]
Show answer
(a) Ordered by the Viceroy Lord Curzon and put into effect in October 1905; Bengal was divided into two provinces; East Bengal and Assam, with its capital at Dacca, had a Muslim majority; West Bengal, with Bihar and Orissa and its capital at Calcutta, had a Hindu majority; the official reason was that Bengal was too large to govern efficiently.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) Bengal was too large and populous to be governed well from Calcutta, so administration, tax collection and law and order suffered; the eastern districts were neglected and poor, and a new province would bring roads, schools and development; the British may also have wanted to weaken the growing nationalist movement among Bengali Hindus in Calcutta (divide and rule).
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more.
Q19Partition of Bengal and the Muslim League 1905–1906 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe how Muslims reacted to the reversal of the Partition of Bengal in 1911.[4]
(b)Explain why the reversal of the partition changed the attitude of the Muslim League towards the British.[7]
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(a) Muslims of East Bengal felt betrayed by the British; they believed the British had given in to Hindu violence; they lost the benefits of a Muslim-majority province (jobs, education, development in Dacca); Muslim leaders began to doubt British promises, and the Muslim League moved towards seeking self-government (adopted as an aim in 1913).
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) It showed that British support could not be relied on, because they reversed a decision that helped Muslims as soon as Hindus protested; Muslims concluded that agitation, not loyalty, got results; British refusal to support Turkey in the Balkan Wars and the Kanpur mosque incident (1913) added to the anger; so the League began to co-operate with Congress, leading to the Lucknow Pact of 1916.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more.
Q20Partition of Bengal and the Muslim League 1905–1906 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe how the Partition of Bengal benefited the Muslims of the new province of Eastern Bengal and Assam.[4]
(b)Explain why the Simla Deputation of 1906 was important for the Muslims of the subcontinent.[7]
Show answer
(a) Muslims became the majority in the new province, so they had a greater say in its affairs; Dacca became a provincial capital, with new government buildings and offices, which brought jobs and development; Muslims had better chances of government jobs and education because they no longer had to compete with Calcutta's Hindu elite; Muslim peasants and traders were less dominated by Hindu landlords and moneylenders based in Calcutta; the port of Chittagong and the jute trade grew.
1 mark per accurate point, up to 4: Muslim majority province; Dacca made capital and developed; more government jobs for Muslims; new schools / educational opportunities; less domination by Calcutta-based Hindu zamindars, lawyers and moneylenders; Chittagong port and jute trade developed; Muslims gained political confidence.
(b) It was the first time Muslims presented their political demands to the Viceroy as an organised body, led by the Aga Khan, which showed they were a separate political community; Lord Minto accepted the principle that Muslims should have separate electorates and representation according to their political importance, which was put into law in the Morley–Minto Reforms of 1909; its success gave Muslim leaders the confidence to form their own political party, the All-India Muslim League, at Dacca in December 1906; it marked a step away from relying on the British and Congress to protect Muslim interests.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (3–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (5–7): explains reasons, 5–6 for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons to credit: first organised Muslim approach to the Viceroy (1 October 1906, about 35 members, led by the Aga Khan); separate electorates and weightage accepted in principle; written into the 1909 reforms; encouraged the founding of the Muslim League in December 1906; recognition of Muslims as a distinct political community.
Q21Partition of Bengal and the Muslim League 1905–1906 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe how Hindus reacted to the Partition of Bengal.[4]
(b)Explain why the partition was reversed in 1911.[7]
Show answer
(a) Mass protests and meetings, led by Congress; the Swadeshi movement: a boycott of British goods, especially cloth, which was burned in public; acts of violence and terrorism against British officials; newspapers and lawyers in Calcutta campaigned against it; 16 October 1905 was treated as a day of mourning.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) The Hindu protests, boycotts and violence were damaging British trade and order; the British feared growing support for extreme nationalists; they wanted to win back the loyalty of Congress moderates; the new King-Emperor George V announced the reversal at the Delhi Durbar in December 1911, together with moving the capital from Calcutta to Delhi to soften the blow to Muslims.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more.
Q22Partition of Bengal and the Muslim League 1905–1906 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Simla Deputation of 1906.[4]
(b)Explain why Muslim leaders felt it necessary to send the Simla Deputation.[7]
Show answer
(a) On 1 October 1906 about 35 Muslim leaders, led by the Aga Khan, met the Viceroy Lord Minto at Simla; they asked for separate electorates for Muslims; they asked for representation greater than their share of the population (weightage), because of their political importance; they asked for a fair share of government jobs and seats on councils; Minto received them sympathetically.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) The British had announced that reforms with more elected seats were coming, and Muslims feared that in joint elections the Hindu majority would win almost all seats; they wanted to protect Muslim interests in councils and jobs; Congress was seen as a Hindu body that did not speak for Muslims; Hindu agitation against the Partition of Bengal showed Muslims needed to put their own case to the British.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more.
Q23Partition of Bengal and the Muslim League 1905–1906 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the founding of the All-India Muslim League in 1906.[4]
(b)'The Partition of Bengal was the main reason for the founding of the Muslim League in 1906.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) Founded at Dacca on 30 December 1906, during a meeting of the All-India Muhammadan Educational Conference; Nawab Salimullah Khan of Dacca proposed the resolution; Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk chaired the meeting and the Aga Khan became its first president; its aims were to promote loyalty to the British government, to protect and advance the political rights of Muslims, and to do this without hostility to other communities.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) Agree: Hindu agitation against a partition that benefited Muslims showed Muslims needed their own organisation to defend their gains. Other reasons: the success of the Simla Deputation showed the value of organised Muslim political action; fear that elected councils would be dominated by Hindus; Congress was seen as representing Hindu interests (e.g. Hindi–Urdu controversy); the legacy of Sir Syed's educated Muslim leadership. Judgement required.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Partition of Bengal: Hindu agitation against a partition that benefited Muslims; Muslims needed an organisation to defend gains. Other reasons: success of the Simla Deputation (Oct 1906) showed value of organised action; fear of Hindu domination in elected councils (Minto–Morley reforms coming); Congress seen as a Hindu body; Hindi–Urdu controversy; legacy of Sir Syed and the educated Aligarh leadership; Muhammadan Educational Conference at Dhaka, Dec 1906. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q241937 elections and Congress Rule · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the results of the 1937 provincial elections.[4]
(b)Explain why the Muslim League did badly in the 1937 elections.[7]
Show answer
(a) Congress won a clear majority in five provinces and formed ministries in seven, later eight, of the eleven provinces; the Muslim League won only a small share of Muslim seats; it did not win control of any province, even Muslim-majority ones; in Punjab the Unionist Party formed the government and in Bengal Fazlul Huq's Krishak Praja Party led a coalition; the League's best results were in Muslim-minority provinces such as the UP.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) It was poorly organised with few branches in the countryside; regional parties such as the Unionists in Punjab and the Krishak Praja Party in Bengal had strong local support and leaders; the League was seen as a party of landlords and the educated elite with little appeal to ordinary Muslims; it had little money and Jinnah had only recently returned to lead it.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more.
Q251937 elections and Congress Rule · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the reports the Muslim League produced about Congress rule between 1937 and 1939.[4]
(b)Explain why the Congress ministries resigned in 1939.[7]
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(a) The League set up a committee under Raja Syed Muhammad Mehdi of Pirpur, whose Pirpur Report (1938) listed Muslim complaints against the Congress ministries; the Shareef Report looked at complaints in Bihar; A. K. Fazlul Haq published 'Muslim Sufferings under Congress Rule' (1939); the complaints included the singing of Bande Mataram, flying the Congress flag on public buildings, the Wardha education scheme, the promotion of Hindi over Urdu, restrictions on cow slaughter and discrimination against Muslims in jobs.
1 mark per accurate point, up to 4: Pirpur Report 1938 (Raja of Pirpur); Shareef Report (Bihar); Fazlul Haq's pamphlet 1939; complaints: Bande Mataram, Congress flag, Wardha/Vidya Mandir schemes, Hindi over Urdu, cow-slaughter restrictions, job discrimination, attacks on Muslims not punished.
(b) When the Second World War began in September 1939, the Viceroy, Lord Linlithgow, declared that India was at war with Germany without consulting Indian leaders, which Congress saw as an insult to the elected provincial governments; Congress demanded that Britain promise independence after the war in return for support, and Britain refused; the ministries resigned in October–November 1939 to put pressure on the British; Congress leaders may also have hoped that resigning would strengthen their claim to speak for all of India.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (3–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (5–7): explains reasons, 5–6 for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons to credit: India declared at war without consultation (September 1939); Congress demand for a declaration of war aims / independence promise rejected; resignation as protest and pressure on the British; wish to keep moral authority and avoid co-operating with an imperial war. Credit Jinnah's response (Day of Deliverance, 22 December 1939) only when linked.
Q261937 elections and Congress Rule · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Wardha Scheme and the Vidya Mandir Scheme introduced under Congress rule.[4]
(b)Explain why Muslims objected to Congress rule between 1937 and 1939.[7]
Show answer
(a) Wardha Scheme: Gandhi's education plan; teaching in Hindi; spinning and manual crafts in schools; lessons glorified Congress leaders and Hindu culture, and religious education was excluded. Vidya Mandir Scheme (Central Provinces): schools called 'temples of learning'; Hindi in Devanagari script used; Muslims saw both as attempts to convert Muslim children to Hindu culture.
1 mark per point up to 4 (at least one point on each scheme for full marks).
(b) Bande Mataram, a song with anti-Muslim content, was made the anthem and sung in assemblies and schools; Congress flag flown on public buildings; Hindi promoted in place of Urdu; restrictions on cow slaughter and interference with Muslim worship; Muslims excluded from government jobs; Congress refused to form coalitions with the League in the UP unless League members joined Congress; the Muslim Mass Contact campaign tried to weaken the League. The Pirpur Report recorded these grievances.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more.
Q271937 elections and Congress Rule · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Day of Deliverance (22 December 1939).[4]
(b)Explain why Congress refused to form coalition governments with the Muslim League after the 1937 elections.[7]
Show answer
(a) In October–November 1939 the Congress ministries resigned in protest because the Viceroy had declared India at war without consulting Indian leaders; Jinnah called on Muslims to celebrate 22 December 1939 as a Day of Deliverance from Congress rule; meetings were held and prayers of thanksgiving offered; some non-Muslim groups, such as many of the depressed classes, also joined.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) Congress had won clear majorities in most provinces, so it did not need the League's support to govern; the League's poor results let Congress claim the League did not represent Muslims, and Nehru said there were only two parties in India, Congress and the British; Congress saw itself as the national party for all Indians, including Muslims; in the UP it offered places to League members only if they merged into Congress and gave up the League's separate identity; it hoped to win Muslims directly through the Muslim Mass Contact campaign.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: Congress majorities made coalitions unnecessary; League's weak 1937 results; Nehru's 'two parties' claim / Congress as the only national party; UP terms requiring League members to join Congress; Muslim Mass Contact campaign.
Q281937 elections and Congress Rule · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the changes Jinnah made to the Muslim League after 1937.[4]
(b)'The behaviour of the Congress ministries was the main reason for the growth of the Muslim League between 1937 and 1940.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) He reorganised the party at the Lucknow session of 1937; membership fee reduced so ordinary Muslims could join; new branches set up in towns and villages; a youth and student wing (e.g. the Muslim Students Federation) and a women's wing were developed; he made agreements with provincial leaders such as Sikandar Hayat Khan.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) Agree: grievances such as Bande Mataram, the Wardha Scheme and the Muslim Mass Contact campaign drove Muslims to the League; the Day of Deliverance showed mass support. Other factors: Jinnah's leadership and reorganisation; alliances with regional leaders (Sikandar–Jinnah Pact); the outbreak of war in 1939, which made the British value Muslim support and gave the League bargaining power; the League's clearer aim, leading to the Lahore Resolution. Judgement required.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Congress ministries: Bande Mataram; Wardha Scheme; Vidya Mandir; Muslim Mass Contact campaign; Pirpur and Shareef reports; Day of Deliverance Dec 1939 showed mass support. Other factors: Jinnah's leadership and reorganisation of the League; Sikandar–Jinnah Pact and regional alliances; outbreak of war 1939 made the British value Muslim support; clearer aim leading to the Lahore Resolution 1940. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q29Reforms and protest 1909–1919 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Morley–Minto Reforms of 1909.[4]
(b)Explain why the Morley–Minto Reforms were welcomed by Muslims but criticised by Congress.[7]
Show answer
(a) Also called the Indian Councils Act 1909; Muslims were given separate electorates; the central and provincial legislative councils were enlarged and more members were elected; members could discuss the budget and ask questions; an Indian was appointed to the Viceroy's Executive Council for the first time.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) Muslims: separate electorates meant Muslim representatives would be chosen by Muslim voters, protecting their interests and recognising them as a separate community; it was a success for the Simla Deputation and the new League. Congress: separate electorates were seen as dividing Indians; the councils had no real power because officials kept control; the reforms fell far short of self-government.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Both sides needed for top level.
Q30Reforms and protest 1909–1919 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Lucknow Pact of 1916.[4]
(b)Explain why the Lucknow Pact was important.[7]
Show answer
(a) An agreement between Congress and the Muslim League at their joint sessions in Lucknow, largely arranged by Jinnah; Congress accepted separate electorates for Muslims; Muslims would have one-third of the seats in the central legislature; no bill affecting a community could pass if three-quarters of that community's members opposed it; both parties would jointly demand self-government from the British.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) It was the first time Congress formally accepted that Muslims were a separate community with the right to separate electorates; it showed Hindus and Muslims could work together against British rule, which strengthened the demand for self-government; it established Jinnah as a leader trusted by both parties ('ambassador of Hindu–Muslim unity'); its ideas influenced the 1919 reforms.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more.
Q31Reforms and protest 1909–1919 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms of 1919.[4]
(b)Explain why many Indians were disappointed by the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms.[7]
Show answer
(a) Dyarchy was introduced in the provinces: subjects such as education, health and agriculture were transferred to elected Indian ministers, while law and order and finance were reserved for officials; the central legislature became two houses; the number of voters was increased; separate electorates were kept and extended to Sikhs; a commission would review the reforms after ten years.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) They had expected self-government after supporting Britain in the First World War; the Viceroy and governors kept the important powers (finance, police) so ministers had little real control; only a small fraction of the population could vote; the reforms came at the same time as the Rowlatt Act and the Amritsar massacre, which destroyed trust in British intentions.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies reasons without explanation. L3 (4–7): explains one or more reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more.
Q32Reforms and protest 1909–1919 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.[4]
(b)'The Rowlatt Act was the main cause of unrest in India in 1919.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) On 13 April 1919 a large unarmed crowd gathered in the Jallianwala Bagh, an enclosed ground in Amritsar, in defiance of a ban on meetings; General Dyer blocked the exit with troops and ordered them to fire without warning; firing continued until ammunition ran low; hundreds were killed (officially 379) and over a thousand wounded; martial law followed in the Punjab.
1 mark per point up to 4.
(b) Agree: the Rowlatt Act (March 1919) allowed arrest without warrant and trial without jury, which Indians saw as a betrayal after wartime loyalty; Gandhi organised a national strike (hartal) against it, which led to protests and the Amritsar events. Other causes: the massacre itself and the Hunter Committee's weak response to Dyer; the disappointing Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms; economic hardship after the war (prices, taxes); Muslim anger over the treatment of Turkey. Judgement required.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Rowlatt Act: March 1919, arrest without warrant, trial without jury; seen as betrayal after wartime loyalty; Gandhi's hartal; protests leading to Amritsar. Other causes: Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April 1919) and weak Hunter Committee response to Dyer; disappointing Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms; post-war economic hardship (prices, taxes); Muslim anger over the treatment of Turkey / Khilafat. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
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