Protest, Pacts & Politics (1930–1935)

Protest, Pacts & Politics (1930–1935)

First Round Table Conference (1930)

• It was held in London on November 12, 1930, to discuss the Simon Commission, but was boycotted by the Indian National Congress.

• The Commission had proposed self-government in the provinces and federation of British India and the princely states at the Centre.

• However, the representatives of the Muslim League, Liberal,s and other parties had assembled for the discussion on the commission report. But ithe n absence of the premier political party, the First Round Table Conference had to be adjourned to Jan. 2, 1931.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact / Delhi Pact (March 5, 1931)

• Early in 1931, two moderate statesmen, Sapru and Jayakar, initiated efforts to bring about rapprochement between Gandhi and the government.

• Six meetings with Viceroy Lord Irwin finally led to the signing of a pact between the two on March 5, 1931, whereby the Congress called off the movement and agreed to join the Second Round Table Conference.

• Regarding the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, J.L. Nehru remarks, "This is the way the world ends, not with a bang, but a whimper."

Second Round Table Conference (1931)

• It was held in London during the viceroyalty of Lord Willingdon during Sep–Dec. 1931 and Gandhiji attended it on behalf of Indian National Congress.

• Nothing much was expected from the Conference for the imperialist political forces, which ultimately controlled the British Government in London, were opposed to any political or economic concession being given to India, which could lead to its independence.

• The conference, however, failed as Gandhiji could not agree with British Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald on his policy of communal representation and refusal of the British government's offer on the basic Indian demand for freedom.

• The conference closed on Dec. 1, 1931, without any concrete results.

Communal Award / Mac Donald Award (August 16, 1932)

• While Gandhi was arrested on his return from London after the Second Round Table Conference, British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald announced his Award on communal representation ionAug 16, 1932.

• Besides containing provisions for the representation of Muslims, Sikhs, and Europeans, it envisaged communal representation of the Depressed Classes also. Gandhi was deeply grieved by this and underwent a fast in protest against this Award since it aimed to divide India on a communal basis.

• While many political Indians saw the fast as a diversion from the ongoing political movement, all were deeply concerned and emotionally shaken.

• Almost everywhere in India mass meetings took place, political leaders of different persuasions, like Madan Mohan Malviya, B. R. Ambedkar and M. C. Raja became active. In the end they succeeded in hammering out an agreement, known as the Poona Pact.

Poona Pact / Gandhi-Ambedkar Pact (September 24, 1932)

• As discussed, the Communal Award created immense dissatisfaction among Hindus. Gandhi, who was on a fast in protest, staked his life to get the Award repudiated.

• According to the pact, the idea of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes was abandoned, but seats reserved for them in the provincial legislatures were increased from 71 in the Award to 148, and in the central legislature to 18% of the total.

• Ultimately the fast ended with the Poona Pact which annulled the Award. The leaders of the various groups and parties among Hindus, and B.R. Ambedkar on behalf of the harijans, signed the pact. The Poona Pact between caste Hindus and the Depressed Classes agreed upon a joint electorate.

Third Round Table Conference (Nov. 17 – Dec. 24, 1932)

It was held in 1932, but again proved fruitless since the national leaders were in prison.

Government of India Act, 1935

• The Simon Commission report, submitted in 1930, formed the basis for the Government of India Act, 1935. The new Act received the royal assent on Aug. 4, 1935.

• The Act continued and extended all the existing features of earlier constitutional reforms. But in addition,n there were certain new principles introduced.

• These provided for a federal type of government. Thus, the act:

  • Introduced provincial autonomy

  • Abolished dyarchy in provinces

  • Made ministers responsible to the legislative and federal government at the centre

The Act of 1935 was condemned by nearly all sections of Indian public opinion and was unanimously rejected by Congress.

The Congress demanded itself the convening of a Constituent Assembly elected based on adult franchise to frame a constitution for an independent India. Regarding the Government of India Act, 1935 J. L. Nehru remarks, "It was a new charter of bondage."

Although the Congress opposed the Act, yet it contested the elections when the constitution was introduced on April 1, 1937; and formed ministries, first in 6 provinces and then in another 2.

The Muslim League was, however, not happy with the Congress rule, esp. Mr. Jinnah, who described it in those words: "Congress was drunk with power and was oppressive against Muslims".

Final Thoughts

The period from 1930 to 1937 marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence.

From the Round Table Conferences and the Gandhi-Irwin Pact to the controversial Communal Award and the landmark Poona Pact, the era was filled with intense negotiations, ideological debates, and courageous resistance.

Despite setbacks and political complexities, the spirit of nationalism remained strong. The Government of India Act, 1935, though widely criticized, laid the groundwork for future constitutional reforms. This phase showcased India's unwavering pursuit of self-rule, paving the way for the next phase of the freedom movement.