Free Radcliffe Award MCQs with Answers

7 Radcliffe Award MCQs from Pakistan Studies, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

7 questions

1. Initially, it was proposed during the Partition of Pakistan and India, Military assets were to be divided by the ratio of respectively:

  • A. 32% and 66%
  • B. 36% and 64%
  • C. 38% and 62%
  • D. 40% and 60%

Explanation: The proposed division of military assets allocated approximately 36 percent to Pakistan and 64 percent to India. The question’s phrase “Partition of Pakistan and India” is incorrect, but the intended partition-era asset ratio is clear.

Correct answer: 36% and 64%

2. Who was assigned the responsibility to mark the boundaries at the time of partition?

  • A. A.V. Alexander
  • B. Cyril Radcliff
  • C. Sir Stafford Cripps
  • D. Lord Minto

Explanation: Cyril Radcliffe was appointed chairman of the boundary commissions and was responsible for drawing the partition boundary between India and Pakistan. His decision became known as the Radcliffe Award.

Correct answer: Cyril Radcliff

3. Lord Mountbatten, Governor General of India, addressed the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on?

  • A. 11 August 1947
  • B. 14 August 1948
  • C. 14 August 1947
  • D. None of these

Explanation: Mountbatten addressed Pakistan's Constituent Assembly in Karachi on 14 August 1947, the day Pakistan came into being. The date 11 August was associated with Jinnah's presidential address to the Assembly, not Mountbatten's address.

Correct answer: 14 August 1947

4. Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, called the conference of all the leaders of the Sub-continent and communicated to them his Government's Plan for the transfer of power on__________?

  • A. 3rd Jan 1947
  • B. 3rd June 1947
  • C. 3rd June 1948
  • D. 3rd Jan 1948

Explanation: The British transfer-of-power plan was announced by Lord Mountbatten on 3 June 1947 and is therefore known as the 3 June Plan. It provided for the partition of British India and the creation of Pakistan and India.

Correct answer: 3rd June 1947

5. The demarcation line between Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is known as_________?

  • A. Durand Line
  • B. Radcliffe line
  • C. Line of control
  • D. None

Explanation: The Radcliffe Line marked the boundary drawn between the areas assigned to India and Pakistan at Partition in 1947. The Durand Line concerns Pakistan-Afghanistan, while the Line of Control concerns Kashmir.

Correct answer: Radcliffe line

6. The British Parliament announced the Independence Act on___________?

  • A. 14 July 1947
  • B. 16 July 1947
  • C. 18 July 1947
  • D. 19 July 1947

Explanation: The Indian Independence Act received Royal Assent on 18 July 1947 and provided the legal basis for creating Pakistan and India. Independence itself came on 14 August for Pakistan and 15 August for India.

Correct answer: 18 July 1947

7. Boundary commission was headed by__________?

  • A. Adorn Radcliffe
  • B. Cecil Radcliffe
  • C. Cyril Radcliffe
  • D. Thomas Radcliffe

Explanation: The Boundary Commission was headed by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer who had never previously visited India. He prepared the boundary award that divided Punjab and Bengal in 1947.

Correct answer: Cyril Radcliffe