61. “If you are looking for a history of India, or for an account of the rise and fall of the British Raj, or for
the reason of the cleaving of the subcontinent into two mutually antagonistic parts and the effects this
mutilation will have in the respective section, and ultimately on Asia, you will not find it in these pages;
for though I have spent a lifetime in the country, I lived too near the seat of events, and was too
intimately associated with the actors, to get the perspective needed for the impartial recording of these
matters”.
Here, the word ‘antagonistic’ is closest is meaning to
(a) impartial (b) argumentative
(c) separated (d) hostile

Question Analysis

This question tests vocabulary in context from a passage (likely from Jawaharlal Nehru’s The Discovery of India). The key sentence describes the 1947 Partition of India into two “mutually antagonistic parts,” referring to India and Pakistan. “Antagonistic” modifies “parts,” implying their relationship post-Partition. Let’s evaluate each option based on definition, context fit, and why it works or fails.

• (a) impartial: Means neutral or unbiased (e.g., fair judgment). This contradicts the passage— the parts are not neutral toward each other; Partition created deep enmity. Incorrect, as it opposes the negative tone.

• (b) argumentative: Means prone to disputing or debating (e.g., quarrelsome in discussion). While Partition involved disputes, “mutually argumentative parts” suggests ongoing debates, not the violent hostility (riots, wars) implied. Too mild and process-focused; doesn’t capture opposition.

• (c) separated: Means divided or detached (e.g., physically split). The passage already states “cleaving of the subcontinent into two… parts,” so “separated” redundantly describes the act of division, not the relationship between parts. Ignores the “mutually” qualifier emphasizing interaction.

• (d) hostile: Means unfriendly, opposed, or actively aggressive (e.g., bearing enmity). Perfect fit—”mutually hostile” directly conveys the adversarial rivalry between India and Pakistan post-Partition, matching historical animosity (e.g., wars in 1947, 1965, 1971). Captures emotional intensity.

Correct Answer: (d) hostile. It best preserves the passage’s sense of opposition.

Introduction to Antagonistic Meaning in Historical Context

In Jawaharlal Nehru’s The Discovery of India, the word antagonistic meaning shines through in a quote on the 1947 Partition: two “mutually antagonistic parts.” Searching for antagonistic meaning? It’s closest to hostile, reflecting India-Pakistan enmity. This breakdown explains every option—impartial, argumentative, separated, hostile—for vocabulary questions in competitive exams.

Passage Breakdown: Why Antagonistic Fits Partition History

Nehru writes he can’t provide impartial history due to proximity to events like the British Raj’s fall and subcontinent’s “cleaving.” Antagonistic meaning here describes post-Partition relations: not mere separation, but bitter opposition. Historically, Partition sparked riots killing over 1 million, mass migrations, and wars—pure hostility.

Option-by-Option Analysis of Antagonistic Synonym

• Impartial: Neutral, unbiased. Antagonistic is the opposite—Partition bred bias and conflict.

• Argumentative: Dispute-prone. Too verbal; ignores violent antagonistic reality.

• Separated: Divided only. Redundant with “cleaving”; misses mutual enmity.

• Hostile: Opposed, aggressive. Exact antagonistic meaning—mutual hostility defined Indo-Pak ties.

SEO Tips for Antagonistic Meaning Searches

For UPSC/SSC prep, antagonistic meaning queries spike with Nehru quotes. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner—target “antagonistic synonym,” “antagonistic meaning in sentence.” Long-tail: “antagonistic meaning Nehru Discovery of India partition hostile.”

Exam Relevance and Historical Impact

This question tests contextual synonyms. Partition’s antagonistic legacy persists in Kashmir disputes. Nehru’s disclaimer underscores insider bias—key for history papers.