The Second Round Table Conference held in London between September 7 and December 1,1931 was an important moment in Indian history. It had a significant impact on the Indian independence movement. We will examine the context, the objectives, the discussions, the outcomes, and the implications of the Second Round Table Conference in a structured way.
1. Background
1.1 Historical Context
- Post-World War I scenarioAfter World War I the social-political climate in India was transformed. The Government of India Act of 1919 introduced a limited form of autonomy, which didn’t satisfy Indian political ambitions.
- 1928 Nehru ReportIn response to this dissatisfaction the Nehru Report sought constitutional reforms, but the British rejected it, causing a rise in the level of discontent among Indian politicians.
1.2 First Round Table Conference
- The first conference, held in 1930, had created a dialogue platform but failed to produce any significant results. The British government, recognising the importance of dealing with Indian aspirations thoroughly, extended an invitation to a second conference.
2. The Conference Objectives
2.1 The main goals
- Negotiate Indian Self-ruleThe primary goal was to negotiate the terms for a potential new constitution as well as a greater Indian presence in government.
- Address Communal ProblemsThe conference aimed to reduce tensions growing between Hindus, Muslims and other religious groups.
- The involvement of key leadersThe British wanted the participation of a variety of political groups including the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Muslim League.
3. Key Participants
Indian Political Leaders
- Mahatma GhandiGandhi’s participation as a representative of the Indian National Congress was important after he had boycotted the first conference.
- Muhammad Ali JinnahJinnah, the leader of All-India Muslim League (AIML), sought to protect Muslim rights and separate electorates.
- Other DelegatesLeaders of Hindu Mahasabha (Hindu Mahasabha), Scheduled Castes and other provincial parties were present.
British Government Representatives
- The British delegation was led by Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, along with other notable officials like Sir Samuel Hoare or Lord Irwin.
4. Discussions Key
4.1 Constitutional Reforms
- Demanding Dominion StatusThe Indian delegation, led by the Congress, pressed for India to be granted complete dominion.
- Communal RepresentationThe issue of separate electorates for Muslims, and other religious groups, has continued to cause controversy.
4.2 Social Issues
- Depressed Class’ RightsThe inclusion of representatives of Scheduled Castes (especially B.R. Ambedkar highlighted the need to tackle caste discrimination.
4.3 Economic Concerns
- Economic PoliciesDelegates examined the impact of British policies on India and discussed ways to improve India’s economy.
International Context
- Global Economic CrisisThe Great Depression caused severe consequences in India and prompted urgent discussions about economic policies.
5. The Conference’s Outcomes
The Communal Award
- Separate ElectoratesOne of the biggest outcomes was the Communal Award. It granted separate electorates (voting rights) to Muslims, Sikhs, Sikhs-like communities and others, intensifying the communal divide.
Lack of Consensus
- Inability to Reach AgreementThe conference did not produce a constitution that was universally accepted, as the major stakeholders were unable reconciled their differences.
5.3 Impact of Indian National Movement
- Civil Disobedience MovementGandhi’s disillusionment at the conference led him to revive the Civil Disobedience Movement in India against British authority.
6. Second Round Table Conference: Implications
6.1 Strengthening Community Politics
- The communal award exacerbated divisions in Indian society and affected the unity of various political movements.
Catalyst of Future Movements
- The results sparked a new political mobilization in India that led to the formation of a number of coalitions.
6.3 Prelude To Independence
- The Second Round Table Conference, despite its initial failures, set the stage for future negotiations that eventually led to independence.
7. You can also read our conclusion.
The Second Round Table Conference was a crucial event in India’s freedom struggle. It may not have been able to achieve any significant constitutional changes or adequately address communal tensions, but it had a profound influence on the course of Indian politics. The conference’s legacy is still felt in India today, reflecting its complex struggle for independence.
FAQs
FAQ 1: How did the Second Round Table Conference come about?
The Second Round Table Conference was held in London in 1931. It brought together British officials and Indian politicians to discuss constitutional changes for India, as well as Indians’ desire for self-government.
FAQ 2: Why was the First Round Table Conference a failure?
The First Round Table Conference was a failure due to the lack of agreement between Indian leaders and British officials on important issues such as communal representation and self-governance.
FAQ 3: Which Indian leaders were present at the Second Round Table Conference and what was their role?
Ambedkar, who represented the Scheduled Castes, was a key leader. He was joined by Mahatma Gandhi, representing the Indian National Congress; Muhammad Ali Jinnah, representing the Muslim League; and B.R. Ambedkar represented the Scheduled Castes.
FAQ 4: What is the Communal Award and how did it work?
The Communal Award, a British government decree, was issued following the conference. This decree granted separate electorates to different communities, intensifying communal divides in India.
FAQ 5 What were the long term implications of the Conference?
The conference exacerbated communal tensions and led to an increase in political mobilization. It also served as a prelude to the negotiations which would lead to Indian independence.
FAQ 6: How has the Second Round Table Conference affected the Civil Disobedience Movement
The Civil Disobedience Movement was re-energized by Gandhi’s disappointment at the outcome of the conference, which led to an increase in protests against British rule.
FAQ 7: Was there any agreement reached at the Second Round Table Conference?
The conference, while some of the discussions were fruitful and productive, ended without a unanimous agreement on important issues. This was primarily because there were disagreements between Indian leaders.
FAQ 8: What role did B.R. Ambedkar played in the conference?
B.R. Ambedkar represented Scheduled Castes interests and fought for the rights of the depressed classes at the conference.
FAQ 9 – How does the Second Round Table Conference connect to the Great Depression
The Great Depression brought to light serious economic issues in India, and it influenced the discussions at the conference about India’s economic policies and governance.
FAQ 10: What lessons can be learned from the Second Round Table Conference in terms of the Second Round Table Conference itself?
The conference is a good example of how difficult it can be to negotiate communal interests within a multireligious environment. It also serves as a useful reminder of the difficulty of addressing concerns from diverse stakeholders in the context of nation building.
This article explains the significance of India’s Second Round Table Conference and its long-term impact on the fight for independence.
