29.Second and Third Round Table Conference and Poona Pact Flashcards
When did the Second Round Table Conference take place?
The Second Round Table Conference took place on September 7, 1931.
Why was the Second Round Table Conference held?
The Second Round Table Conference was held to address the ineffectiveness of the First Round Table Conference and to actively involve Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress in the discussions.
Who represented the Indian National Congress in the Second Round Table Conference?
The Indian National Congress was represented solely by Mahatma Gandhi in the Second Round Table Conference. A. Rangaswami Iyengar and Madan Mohan Malaviya were also present.
What was the composition of the British government during the Second Round Table Conference?
The British government during the Second Round Table Conference was led by Prime Minister MacDonald, who was heading a coalition government (the “National Government”) with a Conservative majority. Sir Samuel Hoare served as the Secretary of State for India.
What was the stance of the Right Wing or Conservatives in Britain regarding the Congress’s participation in the conference?
The Right Wing or Conservatives in Britain, led by Churchill, strongly opposed the British government negotiating with the Congress on an equal footing and instead advocated for a strong government in India.
Who claimed to speak for all Indians against imperialism at the Second Round Table Conference?
Gandhi (and thus the Congress) claimed to speak for all Indians against imperialism at the Second Round Table Conference.
How did the British government view the representation of the Congress at the conference?
Due to the large number of participating groups, the British government claimed that the Congress did not represent the interests of all of India.
What were some of the demands made by Gandhi at the conference?
Gandhi demanded the immediate establishment of a responsible government at the national and provincial levels. He also emphasized the importance of a partnership between Britain and India based on equality.
How did Gandhi view the idea of separate electorates for untouchables and minorities?
Gandhi rejected the idea of a separate electorate for untouchables, stating that they were Hindus and should not be treated as a minority. He also believed that separate electorates or special safeguards for Muslims or other minorities were unnecessary.
What issue led to a halt in the session and the formation of the ‘Minorities’ Pact’?
The issue of minorities, particularly the demand for separate electorates by Muslims, the poor, Christians, and Anglo-Indians, led to a halt in the session and the formation of the ‘Minorities’ Pact.’
How did Gandhi respond to the concerted effort to tie constitutional progress to the resolution of the minorities issue?
Gandhi fought valiantly against this effort, considering it an obstacle to constitutional progress and advocating for a focus on equality and partnership between Britain and India instead.
What was one of the key issues discussed at the Second Round Table Conference?
The establishment of a responsible government, both at the center and in the provinces, was a key issue discussed at the conference.
Who did Gandhi claim to be the sole representative of at the Second Round Table Conference?
Gandhi claimed that the Congress was the sole representative of political India at the conference.
What was Gandhi’s stance on the status of Untouchables and separate electorates?
Gandhi believed that Untouchables were Hindus and should not be considered a “minority.” He opposed separate electorates and special protections for Muslims or other minorities.
How did the other Indian delegates respond to Gandhi’s claims?
The other Indian delegates rejected Gandhi’s claims and did not agree with his stance on various issues.
What issue caused a deadlock at the conference?
The issue of minorities, particularly the demand for separate electorates, led to a deadlock at the Second Round Table Conference. Muslims, Dalits, Christians, Anglo Indians, and Europeans among others were demanding separate electorates.
How did the formation of the coalition government in England affect the Second Round Table Conference?
The formation of the coalition government in England shifted the atmosphere of the conference.
What was the outcome of the Second Round Table Conference in terms of the Congress and minorities?
The outcome widened the gap between the Congress and the minorities.
What did the minorities, except for Sikhs, demand at the conference?
The minorities, including Dalits, wanted their own separate electorates.
What were the announcements made by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald at the conclusion of the session?
The announcements included the creation of two Muslim majority provinces (NWFP and Sindh), the formation of an Indian Consultative Committee, and the establishment of three expert committees (finance, franchise, and states). The British government also threatened a unilateral Communal Award if Indians did not agree.
What action did Gandhi take upon his return to India after the conference?
Upon his return, Gandhi relaunched the Civil Disobedience Movement, but he was promptly arrested.
When was the third Round Table Conference held?
The third Round Table Conference was held from November 17, 1932, to December 24, 1932.
Why did the Congress refuse to attend the third Round Table Conference?
Congress refused to attend because many of its leaders were imprisoned for continuing the Civil Disobedience Movement and undertaking salt Satyagraha.
What was the key outcome of the Third Round Table Conference?
The key outcome was the issuance of the “White Paper” by the government, which laid the foundation for the Government of India Act 1935.
