Kacchativu and Tin Bigha were territories acquired by the Indian Republic from the French
B
Kacchativu and Tin Bigha are territories handed over to Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi sovereignty respectively by the Government of India
C
Kacchativu and Tin Bigha are areas that were annexed by the Chinese in the 1962 Sino Indian War
D
Kacchativu and Tin Bigha are enclaves which were transferred to India by lease arrangements with Sri Lanka and Pakistan respectively
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. The question asks for the correct statement regarding Kacchativu and Tin Bigha.
2. Kacchativu is an uninhabited islet in the Palk Strait. It was disputed between India and Sri Lanka. In agreements signed in 1974 and 1976, India recognized Sri Lankan sovereignty over Kacchativu.
3. The Tin Bigha Corridor is a strip of land in West Bengal, India. Through agreements between India and Bangladesh (initially related to the exchange of enclaves), India leased the corridor in perpetuity to Bangladesh to connect its Dahagram-Angarpota enclave with mainland Bangladesh. While technically a lease, it effectively allows Bangladesh access and control, akin to transferring sovereignty for practical purposes of passage.
4. Option (A) is incorrect; they were not acquired from the French.
5. Option (B) states they were handed over to Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi sovereignty respectively. This is essentially correct for Kacchativu (recognition of sovereignty) and represents the practical outcome for Tin Bigha (perpetual lease granting access/control).
6. Option (C) is incorrect; they are unrelated to the Sino-Indian War.
7. Option (D) is incorrect; Kacchativu was ceded, not leased, and Tin Bigha involves Bangladesh, not Pakistan.