Round Table Conference is part of Modern History of India. Below are notes on 9 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers (coming soon).
Analysis of the successes and failures of the Round Table Conferences
- The Round Table Conferences (RTCs, 1930-32) are often considered three sessions of a single ongoing conference rather than three separate conferences, aiming for a comprehensive constitutional solution.
- First RTC (Nov 1930-Jan 1931): Boycotted by the Indian National Congress (INC) due to the Civil Disobedience Movement, limiting its representativeness.
- Second RTC (Sept-Dec 1931): The only RTC attended by Mahatma Gandhi (representing INC) after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. Failed to achieve consensus, particularly on the communal question and minority representation.
- Protection of culture, language, and script of minorities.
- Right to form unions.
- Number of Points: The resolution generally included around 20 points covering both fundamental rights and economic policy.
- Economic Provisions: Included demands for living wage, healthy working conditions, abolition of forced labor, state ownership of key industries, and land reform.
Background and Genesis: Simon Commission Report and Irwin Declaration
- Simon Commission (1927): Appointed to review the working of the Government of India Act 1919 and propose further constitutional reforms for India.
- It was an all-white commission with no Indian members, leading to widespread boycott and "Go Back Simon" protests across India.
- Irwin Declaration (October 31, 1929): Lord Irwin declared that the natural goal of constitutional progress for India was the attainment of Dominion Status (though without a fixed timeline).
- Crucially, the declaration also announced that a Round Table Conference (RTC) would be held in London to discuss the future constitutional framework of India.
- The Round Table Conferences (1930-1932) were organized by the British government in London.
- Primary purpose of RTCs: To discuss constitutional reforms in India, particularly to devise a new constitution for India based on the Simon Commission Report and other proposals.
- These conferences brought together British officials, representatives from Indian princely states, and various Indian political leaders and communities (initially excluding Congress from the First RTC).
- The outcomes of the RTCs significantly influenced the drafting of the Government of India Act, 1935.
British policy and intentions during the conferences
- British Goal: Propose a federal structure for India with significant "safeguards" (retained British control over defence, foreign affairs, finance), not full independence.
- First RTC (Nov 1930 – Jan 1931): Congress boycotted, limiting its effectiveness.
- Second RTC (Sep – Dec 1931):
- Gandhi's Attendance: Sole Congress representative, following the GandhiIrwin Pact.
- Secretary of State for India: Samuel Hoare.
- Winston Churchill: Ridiculed Gandhi's presence as that of a 'seditious fakir'.
- British Stance: Unwillingness to concede substantial self-rule or control over key portfolios (defence, foreign affairs, finance); emphasized communal divisions.
- Third RTC (Nov – Dec 1932): Congress boycotted again; led to a White Paper (1933) which formed the basis of the Government of India Act 1935.
Discussions on Federal Structure and Dominion Status for India
- The Round Table Conferences at London primarily met to discuss a future administration of India.
- A central focus was the establishment of a federal structure for India, involving both British Indian provinces and Princely States.
- Discussions also extensively covered the provision of provincial autonomy within the proposed federal framework.
- The ultimate goal of granting Dominion Status for India was a key, albeit unresolved, subject of the deliberations.
- During the Second Round Table Conference, Gandhi's conditions to call off the Civil Disobedience Movement were a significant part of the agenda.
- The conferences also addressed and debated Congress's claim to be the sole representative of Indians, facing challenges from various minority and communal groups.
First Round Table Conference (1930): Participants, agenda, key discussions, absence of Indian National Congress (INC)
- Held in London from November 1930 to January 1931.
- Purpose: To discuss the Simon Commission Report and the future constitutional framework for India, including the possibility of Dominion Status.
- The Indian National Congress (INC) boycotted the conference due to the ongoing Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Participants included representatives from the British government, British political parties, Indian Princely States (Princes), and various Indian political leaders from communities and parties other than the INC (e.g., Tej Bahadur Sapru, M. R. Jayakar, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar representing Depressed Classes).
- Key discussions focused on a federal structure for India, responsible government at the center, minority rights, defense, and finance.
- The absence of the INC rendered the conference largely unproductive in terms of achieving a consensus on India's constitutional future.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931): Terms, significance, and INC's agreement to participate
- Date: Signed on March 5, 1931.
- Parties: Mahatma Gandhi (representing the Indian National Congress) and Lord Irwin (Viceroy of India).
- Context: Signed after extensive negotiations, aimed at ending the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and securing INC's participation in the Second Round Table Conference.
- Terms (Government Concessions):
- Immediate release of all political prisoners not convicted of violence.
- Remission of all fines not yet collected.
- Return of all lands not yet sold to third parties.
- Lenient treatment to government servants who had resigned.
- Right to make salt for personal consumption along the coast (not for sale).
- Right to peaceful and non-aggressive picketing.
- Withdrawal of emergency ordinances.
- Terms (INC Commitments):
- Suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).
- Agreement to participate in the upcoming Second Round Table Conference in London.
- Significance:
- First time INC, on equal footing, negotiated with the British Government.
- Marked a temporary truce between the INC and the British.
- Paved the way for Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Second Round Table Conference (September-December 1931), where he represented the INC.
- It was criticized by some for not securing a commitment on complete independence or the release of Bhagat Singh and his comrades.
Outcomes and Significance of the Conferences: Towards Government of India Act, 1935
- Three Round Table Conferences (RTCs) were held in London from 1930 to 1932.
- First RTC (Nov 1930 - Jan 1931): Congress boycotted.
- Second RTC (Sep - Dec 1931): Mahatma Gandhi participated as the sole representative of Congress; failed to reach an agreement, particularly on the communal question.
- Third RTC (Nov - Dec 1932): Congress did not participate.
- The discussions from the three RTCs, combined with the Simon Commission Report (1930) and the subsequent White Paper (1933), formed the basis for the Government of India Act, 1935.
- Government of India Act, 1935:
- Introduced Provincial Autonomy, replacing dyarchy in the provinces.
- Governors retained significant discretionary powers, including the authority to take over provincial administration in emergencies.
- Proposed an All-India Federation (never implemented).
- Introduced Dyarchy at the Centre.
Role of prominent Indian delegates: Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Tej Bahadur Sapru
- Mahatma Gandhi: Attended the Second Round Table Conference (RTC).
- Mahatma Gandhi: Winston Churchill conferred the title 'Naked Fakir' upon him.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Participated in all three Round Table Conferences (First, Second, and Third).
Second Round Table Conference (1931): Mahatma Gandhi's participation, key issues (federal structure, minority rights, communal question), deadlock
question), deadlock
- Year: Held in London from September 7 to December 1, 1931.