Final answer:
The shorter selections that deal directly with India's independence from Britain are “Background, Casually” by S. Naipaul and “The Union of Indian States” by V. S. Naipaul.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shorter selections that deal directly and explicitly with India's independence from Britain are:
- “Background, Casually” by S. Naipaul: This selection discusses the Indian National Congress supporting a boycott of British-made goods and government schools, as well as acts of anti-British terrorism.
- “The Union of Indian States” by V. S. Naipaul: This selection talks about the British turning government operations over to Indians via the Government of India Act in 1935, which was an important step toward more autonomy for India.
- “The Great Indian Railway Bazaar” by Paul Theroux: This selection does not directly deal with India's independence from Britain.
- “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine” by Jhumpa Lahiri: This selection does not directly deal with India's independence from Britain.