The Poona Pact was an agreement signed on September 24, 1932, between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It was a compromise between the two leaders regarding the issue of separate electorates for the Dalits or the Scheduled Castes.

The correct option is (c) Joint electorate with reserved seats for the Scheduled Castes.

Explanation:

Background:

The British Government had introduced the system of separate electorates for the Dalits through the Communal Award in 1932. This meant that the Dalits would have their own electorates and would vote only for Dalit candidates.

However, Mahatma Gandhi was strongly opposed to this system as he believed that it would create further divisions in the Indian society. He argued that the Dalits should be integrated into the mainstream society and should not be treated as a separate community.

On the other hand, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the leader of the Dalits, was in favor of separate electorates as he believed that it was the only way to ensure political representation for the Dalits.

Agreement:

The Poona Pact was signed after a series of negotiations between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The key features of the agreement were:

- The system of separate electorates for the Dalits was abolished.
- Instead, a joint electorate was introduced where all communities would vote together.
- However, to ensure political representation for the Dalits, reserved seats were provided in the legislature and other elected bodies.
- The number of reserved seats would be in proportion to the population of the Dalits in a particular region.
- The system of reservation would be in place for a period of ten years.

Significance:

The Poona Pact was a significant event in the Indian freedom struggle as it resolved a major conflict between the leaders of the Dalits and the mainstream nationalist movement. It helped in the integration of the Dalits into the mainstream society and ensured political representation for them.

The agreement also marked a victory for Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance and his belief in the unity of the Indian society.

Conclusion:

The Poona Pact remains a significant event in the history of India as it paved the way for the integration of the Dalits into the mainstream society and ensured their political representation. It was a compromise between the two leaders that helped in resolving a major conflict and united the Indian society in the fight against the British colonial rule.

C