📚 Part of: Constitutional Law And Indian Politics Mcqs: Jammu & Kashmir And Territorial Disputes

In 1947, a neighbour of India illegally captured some Indian territory. Name the country and the territory captured.

Category: Jammu And Kashmir Gk

Correct Answer: A) Pakistan, Kashmir.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, J&K PSC, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

In 1947, following the partition of India, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir faced a choice to join either India or Pakistan. The Maharaja of Kashmir initially chose to remain independent, but a tribal invasion from Pakistan forced his hand, leading to the state's accession to India. This event marked the beginning of a long-standing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the timeline of events with other territorial disputes.
  • Misunderstanding the role of the Maharaja of Kashmir in the accession process.
  • Overlooking the involvement of Pakistan in the tribal invasion.
Explanation:

The partition of India in 1947 led to the creation of two independent nations: India and Pakistan. The princely states, including Jammu and Kashmir, were given the option to join either India or Pakistan. The Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, initially chose to remain independent, hoping to maintain the state's autonomy. However, in October 1947, a tribal invasion supported by Pakistan crossed into Kashmir, prompting the Maharaja to seek military assistance from India. In exchange for military aid, the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession, formally joining Jammu and Kashmir with India.

This event marked the beginning of a long-standing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. The tribal invasion was a significant factor in the Maharaja's decision to accede to India, as he sought to protect his state from the advancing forces. The conflict led to the first Indo-Pakistani war, which ended with a ceasefire in 1948, but the dispute over Kashmir has continued to be a source of tension between the two nations.

It is important to note that the other options provided in the question are not relevant to the historical context of the partition of India and the Kashmir conflict. The USSR, China, and the UK did not play a direct role in the capture of Indian territory in 1947. The confusion might arise from the complex geopolitical landscape of the time, but the specific event of the tribal invasion supported by Pakistan into Kashmir is the key historical fact in this context.

Understanding the historical background and the sequence of events leading to the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India is crucial for comprehending the ongoing territorial dispute. The involvement of Pakistan in the tribal invasion and the subsequent military intervention by India set the stage for the complex political and military dynamics that have persisted in the region.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. In 1947, Pakistan, a newly formed country after the partition of India, supported a tribal invasion into the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. This invasion prompted the Maharaja of Kashmir to accede to India, leading to the first Indo-Pakistani war over Kashmir.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) did not capture any Indian territory in 1947. The term "Yamuna Pradesh" is not a recognized territory and does not pertain to the historical context of the partition of India.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. China did not capture any Indian territory in 1947. The term "Dacca" refers to a city in present-day Bangladesh, which was part of Pakistan at the time and not involved in the conflict over Kashmir.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The UK (United Kingdom) did not capture any Indian territory in 1947. While the UK was involved in the partition of India, it did not seize any territory post-independence. Puducherry was a French territory until 1954 and was not involved in the Kashmir conflict.

Mnemonic: Kashmir conflict: K for Kashmir, P for Pakistan

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