Round Table Conferences | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

First Round Table Conference - 1930

• The Civil Disobedience Movement was a significant challenge for the British administration in India.
• In response, a Round Table Conference was convened in London in 1930 as a gesture of conciliation.
• Chaired by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, the conference centered on constitutional matters concerning India.
• Due to Congress leaders being incarcerated, they were unable to attend the conference, which saw participation from 74 delegates representing other Indian parties.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931

• In January 1931, the British government lifted the ban on the Congress Party and released its leaders from prison to set a positive tone for negotiations.
• Gandhi, upon his release in 1931, entered into an agreement known as the Gandhi-Irwin pact.
• Under the pact, Gandhi agreed to halt the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• He also consented to participate in the Second Round Table Conference on the condition that all political prisoners were set free.
• Regrettably, the pact did not include the release of revolutionary figures like Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, who were facing imminent execution.

Second Round Table Conference - 1931

• The Second Round Table Conference took place in 1931 in London with the presence of Gandhi.
• Unfortunately, the Conference did not yield any significant outcomes, leading Gandhi to return to India.
• Despite Gandhi's attempts to meet the Viceroy failing, there was no agreement reached regarding the demand for complete independence.

Revival of Civil Disobedience Movement 1932

• In November 1931, Lord Willingdon assumed the role of Viceroy.
• He disregarded the terms of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact by suppressing Congress and other nationalist movements.
• Consequently, on January 1, 1932, Congress reinstated the civil disobedience movement.
• The British Government declared Congress as an illegal entity.
• As a result of these actions, Gandhi along with other prominent Congress members were incarcerated.

Delhi Session - 1932 

• Participation Despite Surveillance:  Despite intense monitoring by the police, over 500 delegates managed to attend the Congress session in Delhi, showcasing the strong resolve and commitment of the participants.
• Arrest of Madan Mohan Malaviya:  The elected President, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, was arrested, highlighting the challenges and resistance faced by leaders during this period of political activism.
• Resolutions Passed:  The four resolutions passed during the session underscored the core principles and objectives of the Congress at that time, emphasizing the pursuit of Complete Independence, the endorsement of Civil Disobedience, and the unwavering belief in non-violence as advocated by Gandhiji. 

Communal Award of 1932

• Dr. Ambedkar emerged as a prominent national leader by 1930, advocating for the rights of the oppressed communities in India.
• During the First Round Table Conference, he highlighted the dire situation of these communities and called for separate voting rights for them.
• On 16 August 1932, British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald introduced the Communal Award, recognizing the oppressed classes as a distinct social group and granting them separate electoral representation.

Poona Pact- 1932 

• Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed the Communal Award and went on a hunger strike in Yeravada jail on September 20, 1932.
• Eventually, a compromise was reached between Dr. Ambedkar and Gandhi, leading to what is known as the Poona Pact. The British Government also gave its approval to this agreement.
• As per the Poona Pact, the number of reserved seats for the Depressed Classes in various Provincial Legislatures was increased to 148, up from the previous 71 designated in the Communal Award.

Significance of the Poona Pact

• The Poona Pact marked a pivotal moment in Indian history as it averted a potentially dangerous situation where Gandhi's fast unto death could have had serious repercussions.
• This agreement was crucial in ensuring a fairer representation for the Depressed Classes in the legislative bodies, giving them a stronger voice in the political landscape.