Comprehensive Guide to the Third Round Table Conference [1932] for UPSC/PSC

Table of Contents

Introduction: Third Round Table Conference

The Third Round Table Conference was the final in a series of three conferences organized by the British government to discuss constitutional reforms in India and address the future governance structure of British India. This conference aimed to resolve the issues left unsettled by the previous two conferences and finalize the framework for the governance of India.

Third round table conference Date

The Third Round Table Conference was held from November 17 to December 24, 1932, in London. It was the final of three conferences organized by the British government to discuss constitutional reforms in India.

St James's Palace where third round table conference was held — The **Third Round Table Conference**, **like** the **previous two**, took place at **St. James’s Palace** in **London**. This historic royal palace was the venue for discussions on India’s constitutional future between British officials and Indian delegates.

Third round table conference Participants

Unlike the previous conferences, the Third Round Table Conference saw limited participation from major Indian political groups, notably the Indian National Congress, which boycotted the event. Here’s a list of key participants and the groups they represented:

Indian States’ Representatives

Name	Representation
Dewan Kishen Pershad	Dewan of Hyderabad	Prime Minister of Hyderabad, represented the interests of the princely state in the negotiations.
Mirza Ismail	Dewan of Mysore	A prominent administrator and statesman, serving as the Dewan (Prime Minister) of Mysore.
V. T. Krishnamachari	Dewan of Baroda	A noted administrator, serving as the Dewan of Baroda, influential in state reforms.
Wajahat Hussain	Jammu and Kashmir	Represented the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on maintaining the state’s autonomy.
Sir Sukhdeo Prasad	Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur	A senior figure representing the Rajputana states of Udaipur, Jaipur, and Jodhpur.
D. A. Surve	Kolhapur	Represented the Maratha princely state of Kolhapur, known for its progressive rulers.
Raja Oudh Narain Bisarya	Bhopal	Represented the central Indian princely state of Bhopal, a notable figure in princely politics.
Manubhai Mehta	Bikaner	An experienced administrator, serving the princely state of Bikaner as its representative.
Nawab Liaqat Hayat Khan	Patiala	Represented Patiala, one of the most significant princely states in the Punjab region.
Fateh Naseeb Khan	Alwar State	Represented Alwar, a princely state known for its participation in various conferences.
L. F. Rushbrook Williams	Nawanagar	A British official, acted as an advisor and representative for the princely state of Nawanagar.
Raja of Sarila	Small States	Represented smaller princely states, ensuring their voices were heard in the constitutional process.

Indian States’ Representatives at 3rd Round Table Conference

British-Indian Representatives

Name	Representation
Aga Khan III	Muslim League, Spiritual leader of Ismailis	Leader of the All India Muslim League, a key negotiator for Muslim political rights.
Sir Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal	British Indian, Philosopher, Poet	Prominent philosopher and poet, advocated for the separate electorate for Muslims, later influenced the idea of Pakistan.
B. R. Ambedkar	Depressed Classes (Separate Electorate)	Leader of the Dalits (Depressed Classes), argued for separate electorates to safeguard their interests.
Ramakrishna Ranga Rao of Bobbili	British Indian (States)	Maharaja of Bobbili, represented southern Indian princely states in discussions.
Sir Hubert Carr	Europeans	Represented European business and commercial interests in India.
Nanak Chand Pandit	British Indian, Politician	Prominent figure representing the Indian perspective in constitutional matters.
A. H. Ghuznavi	British Indian, Politician	Politician representing various interests in the Muslim community and trade sectors.
Henry Gidney	Anglo-Indians	Leader of the Anglo-Indian community, advocated for their distinct rights and representation.
Hafiz Hidayat Hussain	All India Muslim League	Represented the Muslim League, a strong advocate for Muslim political rights and safeguards.
M. R. Jayakar	Liberal Party	A leading lawyer and member of the Liberal Party, sought reforms through dialogue.
Cowasji Jehangir	Liberal Party	Prominent businessman, represented the Liberal Party’s interests in fostering economic reforms.
N. M. Joshi	Hindu Mahasabha	A labor leader and politician, represented the Hindu Mahasabha and the working classes.
Narasimha Chintaman Kelkar	British Indian, Politician	A senior figure in Indian politics, affiliated with nationalist movements.
Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar	British Indian, Politician	Prominent political leader from Madras, influential in negotiations regarding South Indian issues.
Begum Jahanara Shahnawaz	Women	A pioneering woman leader, advocated for women’s rights and suffrage.
A. P. Patro	British Indian, Politician	Political figure representing southern Indian interests, especially in state matters.
Tej Bahadur Sapru	Liberal Party	A distinguished lawyer and statesman, active in advocating for constitutional reforms through the Liberal Party.
Dr. Shafa’at Ahmad Khan	British Indian, Intellectual	Noted intellectual and leader of the Muslim community, participated in political reforms.
Sir Shadi Lal	British Indian, Lawyer	Eminent jurist, participated in legal reforms and representation of various communities.
Tara Singh Malhotra	British Indian, Sikh Leader	Represented Sikh interests, focusing on minority rights and separate electorates.
Sir Nripendra Nath Sircar	British Indian, Lawyer	Eminent lawyer, focused on legal reforms and the constitutional process.
Sir Purshottamdas Thakurdas	British Indian, Industrialist	Leading industrialist, played a key role in economic and business reforms discussions.
Muhammad Zafarullah Khan	Muslim League	A key figure in the Muslim League, known for his contributions to political discourse and future involvement in Pakistan’s creation.

Key Issues Discussed

Federation of India:
- Integration of Princely States: A significant focus was on how to integrate the princely states into a federal India, ensuring they retained certain levels of autonomy while being part of a unified nation.
- Division of Powers: Deliberations on the distribution of powers between the central government and provincial governments, aiming to balance federal and provincial autonomy.
Communal Representation and Minority Rights:
- Separate Electorates and Reservations: The conference revisited the contentious issue of separate electorates for different communities, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Dalits.
- Communal Awards: The British government’s Communal Award proposal, which suggested separate electorates for minorities, was a key topic of discussion, particularly how it would be implemented and its impact on Indian society.
Constitutional Framework:
- Responsible Government: Discussions on establishing responsible government in the provinces, where elected Indian representatives would have real administrative power.
- Bicameral Legislature: Proposals for a bicameral central legislature consisting of an upper and lower house, detailing their composition, powers, and the method of election or appointment of members.
Economic and Social Policies:
- Economic Reforms: Debates on economic policies that would address the needs of India’s diverse population, focusing on development, trade, and industrialization.
- Social Reforms: Consideration of various social reforms aimed at improving the welfare of marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Related Article:

First Round Table Conference
Second Round Table Conference

Outcomes and Impact

Lack of Consensus: The Third Round Table Conference, like its predecessors, failed to achieve a consensus on several critical issues, particularly the communal representation and the structure of the federal government.
Limited Participation: The absence of the Indian National Congress, which represented a significant portion of the Indian population, limited the effectiveness and legitimacy of the conference.
Government of India Act 1935: Despite the lack of agreement, the discussions and proposals from the three conferences influenced the drafting of the Government of India Act 1935. This Act provided a significant framework for the future governance of India, introducing provincial autonomy and the concept of a federation, though it was not fully implemented due to the complexities of integrating the princely states.

Legacy

Influence on Indian Governance: The outcomes of the Third Round Table Conference contributed to shaping the constitutional framework that would eventually lead to the Government of India Act 1935, laying the groundwork for India’s future as an independent nation.

3rd Round Table Conference UPSC PSC MCQs

Which of the following statements is true regarding the Third Round Table Conference?

a) It was the most attended by Indian leaders.
b) The Congress Party participated actively in it.
c) It resulted in the Government of India Act, of 1935.
d) It was held after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
Answer: c) It resulted in the Government of India Act, of 1935.

Which year was the Third Round Table Conference held?

a) 1930
b) 1931
c) 1932
d) 1933
Answer: c) 1932

Which significant Indian political party boycotted the Third Round Table Conference?

a) Muslim League
b) Indian National Congress
c) Hindu Mahasabha
d) Justice Party
Answer: b) Indian National Congress

Which of the following outcomes is associated with the Third Round Table Conference?

a) The Poona Pact
b) Communal Award
c) The Government of India Act, 1935
d) Cripps Mission
Answer: c) The Government of India Act, 1935

Third Round Table Conference FAQs

Discuss the significance of the Third Round Table Conference in the context of Indian independence.

The Third Round Table Conference, held in 1932, was significant because it led to the finalization of the Government of India Act, of 1935, which provided the framework for provincial autonomy and expanded the electorate. However, the Indian National Congress boycotted this conference, which limited its representational impact.

Why did the Indian National Congress choose to boycott the Third Round Table Conference?

The Indian National Congress boycotted the Third Round Table Conference because it believed that the British government was not genuinely interested in granting India full self-governance. They were also dissatisfied with the lack of progress from the earlier conferences and saw the talks as an attempt to further divide Indian opinion.

What were the key recommendations made during the Third Round Table Conference?

The key recommendations included establishing provincial autonomy, creating a federal structure in India, and continuing separate electorates for different communities. These recommendations eventually contributed to the Government of India Act of 1935.

Critically analyze the impact of the Third Round Table Conference on the constitutional development of India.

The Third Round Table Conference was crucial in shaping the Government of India Act, of 1935, which laid the foundation for India’s constitutional development. Despite the absence of the Indian National Congress, the conference moved forward with discussions on federalism and provincial autonomy. However, the lack of widespread Indian representation weakened its legitimacy, and the provisions for separate electorates deepened communal divisions. The Act that followed, while significant, was seen by many as insufficient in addressing India’s demand for full independence.