Q1. Given below are two statements: Statement (I): Most of the rulers of the princely states after Independence of India were averse to joining the Constituent Assembly. Statement (II): This response of the rulers of the princely states meant that after Independence there was a very real possibility that India would get further divided into a number of small countries. In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Explanation
Statement I is incorrect because the standard account refers to rulers such as the Nawab of Bhopal being averse to joining the Constituent Assembly, while most princely states later signed the Instrument of Accession. Statement II is correct: that resistance created a real possibility of India fragmenting into several small political units after Independence. Therefore option D is correct.