Who served as the chairman and thus presided over the Cabinet Mission that came to India in 1946 to discuss the transfer of power?

Introduction / Context:
The Cabinet Mission of 1946 was a crucial step in the constitutional development that led to India s independence. It consisted of three British cabinet members who came to negotiate with Indian leaders about the framework for self government. Knowing who chaired and presided over this mission is important for understanding the political negotiations of the late colonial period.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The mission referred to is the Cabinet Mission of 1946.
• We must identify its chairman.
• Options include Strafford Cripps, Sir Pethick Lawrence, Clement Attlee, and V Alexander.

Concept / Approach:
The Cabinet Mission consisted of three members: Sir Pethick Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, and A V Alexander. Sir Pethick Lawrence was the Secretary of State for India and served as the chairman and presiding member. Stafford Cripps and A V Alexander were co members. Clement Attlee was the British Prime Minister who announced the decision to send the mission but was not part of the delegation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the three members of the Cabinet Mission as Sir Pethick Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, and A V Alexander. Step 2: Recognise that Sir Pethick Lawrence was the Secretary of State for India and therefore headed the mission. Step 3: Note that Stafford Cripps was an important member but not the chairman. Step 4: Understand that A V Alexander was another member, and Clement Attlee remained in Britain as Prime Minister. Step 5: Conclude that Sir Pethick Lawrence presided over the Cabinet Mission.

Verification / Alternative check:
Official records and standard histories of the freedom struggle consistently describe Sir Pethick Lawrence as the chairman of the Cabinet Mission. This is a well established fact in exam oriented material.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Stafford Cripps was a mission member but not the presiding chairman. A V Alexander was also a member and not the head. Clement Attlee, although central to British policy, did not personally come as part of the mission. Therefore, none of these matches the description of the presiding chairman.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may confuse Stafford Cripps with the earlier Cripps Mission or assume that Attlee personally led every major step. Carefully distinguishing the Cabinet Mission members from other political actors helps avoid such confusion.

Final Answer:
The Cabinet Mission to India in 1946 was presided over by Sir Pethick Lawrence.