current affairs MCQ #12473

A young diplomat is briefed that the Kashmir dispute began when the British partitioned the subcontinent in 1947. The Maharaja of Kashmir initially chose neither dominion. What was the primary reason Pakistan and India both claimed Kashmir after partition?

current affairs MCQ #12473

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A young diplomat is briefed that the Kashmir dispute began when the British partitioned the subcontinent in 1947. The Maharaja of Kashmir initially chose neither dominion. What was the primary reason Pakistan and India both claimed Kashmir after partition?

    • A) Kashmir shared borders with both countries and had a Muslim majority population under a Hindu ruler, making its accession disputed
    • B) The Maharaja signed the instrument of accession to India before partition was complete
    • C) The United Nations had already designated Kashmir as a disputed territory before 1947
    • D) Kashmir had no legal standing to remain independent under the partition plan

    Answer: Kashmir shared borders with both countries and had a Muslim majority population under a Hindu ruler, making its accession disputed

    Explanation: When British India was partitioned in 1947, the Muslim-majority princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was ruled by the Hindu Maharaja Hari Singh, who initially sought independence.