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Introduction: Second Round Table Conference
The Second Round Table Conference was a significant event in the history of the Indian independence movement, convened in London between September 7 and December 1, 1931. It was part of a series of three conferences aimed at discussing constitutional reforms in India and addressing the future governance of British India.
Background for the Second Round Table Conference (1931)
The Second Round Table Conference was part of a series of meetings organized by the British government to discuss constitutional reforms in India. These conferences were held between British officials and Indian leaders to negotiate the future of India’s governance. The First Round Table Conference, held in 1930, failed to make significant progress because the Indian National Congress did not participate, which was the most powerful political group in India at the time.
Release of Gandhi and Congress Leaders
The British government recognized that without the involvement of Congress, meaningful progress could not be made. To bring them to the negotiating table, the British decided to release Mahatma Gandhi and other Congress leaders from prison on January 26, 1931. This day was significant because Congress had earlier declared it as India’s “Independence Day” in 1930.
The Gandhi–Irwin Pact (1931)
After Gandhi’s release, he and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, began negotiations to end the Civil Disobedience Movement. These talks resulted in the Gandhi–Irwin Pact in March 1931. As part of the agreement, Congress agreed to stop the civil disobedience protests, and in exchange, the British government promised to release political prisoners and allow Congress to participate in the Second Round Table Conference.
Change in the British Government
At the time of the Second Round Table Conference, Ramsay MacDonald was still the Prime Minister of Britain. However, he was now heading a National Government, a coalition that had a Conservative majority. Sir Samuel Hoare was appointed as the new Secretary of State for India, which gave the Conservative Party more influence over British policy in India.
Key Participants
The Second Round Table Conference was notable for the wide range of participants, including representatives from the British government, Indian princely states, and various Indian political and social groups. Here are the main participants:
British Representatives
- Ramsay MacDonald: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, presided over the conference.
- Samuel Hoare: Secretary of State for India.
- Winston Churchill: Conservative politician and prominent critic of Indian self-government.
- Leopold Amery: Former Secretary of State for India and a strong supporter of British imperialism.
Indian National Congress
- Mahatma Gandhi: Representing the Indian National Congress (INC), he was the sole official representative of the INC at this conference.
- Madan Mohan Malaviya: Attended as a delegate, although not officially representing Congress.
Muslim League
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah: Representing the All India Muslim League, advocating for the interests of Muslims in India.
- Aga Khan III: Led the Muslim delegation, emphasizing the need for separate electorates for Muslims.
Hindu Mahasabha
- B. S. Moonje: Representing the Hindu Mahasabha, he focused on safeguarding Hindu interests and opposed separate electorates.
Dalits (Scheduled Castes)
- Dr B.R. Ambedkar: Representing the depressed classes (Dalits), he demanded separate electorates for the Scheduled Castes to ensure their political representation.
Sikhs
- Sardar Ujjal Singh: Representing the Sikh community, advocating for Sikh rights and interests.
Parsis
- Cowasji Jehangir,
- Homi Mody,
- Phiroze Sethna
Indian Princely States
- Representatives from various princely states: Including Hyderabad, Baroda, Bikaner, and others, each state sent its representatives to discuss their future in a federated India.
| Name | State/Role |
|---|---|
| V. T. Krishnamachari | Statesman from Baroda |
| Nawab Mahdi Yar Jung | Statesman from Hyderabad |
| S. M. Bapna | Statesman from Indore |
| Amar Nath Atal | Statesman from Jaipur |
| J. W. Young | Statesman from Jodhpur |
| Ram Chandra Kak | Statesman from Jammu and Kashmir |
| Sahibzada Abdus Samad Khan | Statesman from Rampur |
| K. C. Neogy | Statesman from Orissa |
Anglo-Indians
- Henry Gidney
Representative of Burma
- Sir Padamji Ginwala
Participants of Second Round Table Conference at a Glance
| Participant Name | Role/Designation |
|---|---|
| British Representatives | |
| Ramsay MacDonald | Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (Labour) |
| Samuel Hoare | Secretary of State for India |
| British-Indian Representatives | |
| M. Ramachandra Rao | Member of the Executive Council, Madras |
| Mahatma Gandhi | Leader of the Indian National Congress |
| Aga Khan III | Muslim Leader and Imam of the Ismailis |
| Maulana Shaukat Ali | |
| Muhammad Ali Jinnah | Leader of the Muslim League |
| A. K. Fazlul Huq | Politician and Leader from Bengal |
| Sir Muhammad Iqbal | Poet and Philosopher, Representing Muslims |
| B. S. Moonje | Hindu Mahasabha Leader |
| Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar | Leader of the Justice Party |
| Sir A. P. Patro | Leader of the Justice Party |
| Bhaskarrao Vithojirao Jadhav | Leader of the Justice Party |
| B. R. Ambedkar | Leader of the Depressed Classes |
| Rettamalai Srinivasan | Leader of the Depressed Classes |
| Sardar Ujjal Singh | Sikh Leader |
| Sardar Sampuran Singh | Sikh Leader |
| Cowasji Jehangir | Parsi Leader and Industrialist |
| Homi Mody | Parsi Industrialist and Politician |
| Phiroze Sethna | Parsi Leader |
| Surendra Kumar Datta | Indian Christian Leader |
| A. T. Pannirselvam | Indian Christian Leader |
| Henry Gidney | Anglo-Indian Leader |
| Sarojini Naidu | Poet and Politician, Women Representative |
| Begum Jahanara Shahnawaz | Politician and Women’s Rights Activist |
| Radhabai Subbarayan | Women Representative |
| Sir Provash Chandra Mitter | Landowner and Lawyer |
| N. M. Joshi | Labour Leader |
| Chandradhar Barua | Representative from Assam |
| Indian States’ Representatives | State |
|---|---|
| Maharaja of Alwar | Alwar |
| Maharaja of Baroda | Baroda |
| Maharaja of Darbhanga | Darbhanga |
| Nawab of Bhopal | Bhopal |
| Maharaja of Bikaner | Bikaner |
| Maharao of Kutch | Kutch |
| Rana of Dholpur | Dholpur |
| Maharaja of Indore | Indore |
| Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Maharaja of Kapurthala | Kapurthala |
| Maharaja of Nawanagar | Nawanagar |
| Maharaja of Patiala | Patiala |
| Maharaja of Rewa | Rewa |
| Chief Sahib of Sangli | Sangli |
| Raja of Korea | Korea |
| Raja of Sarila | Sarila |
| Sir Prabhashankar Pattani | Bhavnagar |
| Manubhai Mehta | Baroda |
| Sardar Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Khan | Gwalior |
| Sir Muhammad Akbar Hydari | Hyderabad |
| Mirza Ismail | Mysore |
| Col. K.N. Haksar | Jammu and Kashmir |
| T. Raghavaiah | Travancore |
| Liaqat Hayat Khan | Patiala |
Key Issues Discussed
- Constitutional Reforms and Future Governance:
- Dominion Status: One of the core issues was the demand for dominion status for India, which would grant it semi-independent status within the British Commonwealth.
- Federal Structure: Discussions focused on creating a federal structure that included both British India and the princely states, balancing power between the central and provincial governments.
- Responsible Government: Debates centred around introducing responsible government at both provincial and central levels, meaning elected Indian officials would have real governing power.
- Communal Representation and Minority Rights:
- Separate Electorates: There were intense discussions on the provision of separate electorates for different religious and social groups, including Muslims, Sikhs, Dalits, and other minorities.
- Communal Award: The concept of the Communal Award was debated, which proposed separate electorates and reserved seats in legislatures based on community lines.
- Dalit Rights:
- Ambedkar’s Demands: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar argued for separate electorates and adequate representation for the Scheduled Castes to protect their interests and ensure their inclusion in the political process.
- Gandhi’s Opposition: Gandhi opposed separate electorates for Dalits, fearing it would further divide Indian society, and instead advocated for joint electorates with reserved seats.
- Representation of Princely States:
- Inclusion in Federal Structure: The princely states sought assurances about their autonomy and representation in the proposed federal structure.
- States’ Rights: They negotiated to preserve their rights and privileges while being integrated into a unified India.
- Economic and Social Issues:
- Economic Policies: Discussions included economic policies that would address the needs of India’s diverse population, focusing on development and poverty alleviation.
- Social Reforms: Consideration was given to various social reforms aimed at improving the welfare of India’s marginalized communities.
Outcomes and Impact
- Failure to Reach Consensus: The conference ended without a clear consensus on many key issues, particularly on communal representation and the future constitutional structure of India.
- Increased Polarization: The discussions highlighted deep divisions among Indian political groups and communities, particularly between the Congress, the Muslim League, and representatives of the Dalits.
- Gandhi-Irwin Pact: Although no concrete agreements were reached at the conference, it was preceded by the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 1931), which facilitated Gandhi’s attendance and temporarily halted the civil disobedience movement.
Legacy
- Prelude to the Third Round Table Conference: The unresolved issues from this conference necessitated a third and final conference in 1932.
- Foundation for Future Negotiations: While the Second Round Table Conference did not achieve its immediate goals, it laid the groundwork for further negotiations that eventually led to the Government of India Act 1935, which provided a significant degree of self-governance to India.
- Significance in the Indian Independence Movement: The participation of diverse Indian representatives underscored the complex socio-political fabric of India and highlighted the challenges in achieving a unified approach to independence and governance.
Second Round Table Conference at a Glance
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 7 – December 1, 1931 |
| Location | St. James’s Palace, London |
| British Prime Minister | Ramsay MacDonald |
| Purpose | Discussing constitutional reforms and future governance of India |
| Main Indian Participants | Mahatma Gandhi (Congress), B. R. Ambedkar (Depressed Classes), Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Muslim League), Tej Bahadur Sapru (Liberals), Sikhs, Parsis, Justice Party, Indian States Representatives, etc. |
| Main British Participants | Ramsay MacDonald, Viscount Hailsham, Samuel Hoare, Earl Peel |
| Key Agreement Leading to Conference | Gandhi–Irwin Pact (March 1931) |
| Main Issues Discussed | Federal structure, Representation of minorities, Autonomy for provinces, Indian governance, Depressed Classes representation |
| Indian National Congress Representation | Mahatma Gandhi (sole representative for Congress) |
| Outcome | No significant agreements, as differences on key issues, especially minority representation, remained unresolved |
| Notable Groups Represented | Indian National Congress, Muslims, Depressed Classes, Sikhs, Hindus, Liberals, Parsis, Indian Christians, Europeans, Women, Labour, Industry, Landlords, Anglo-Indians |
| Status of Indian Self-Governance | British government did not agree to immediate independence; further negotiations required |
2nd Round Table Conference UPSC MCQs
Who among the following was the sole representative of the Indian National Congress at the Second Round Table Conference? [UPSC CSE (Prelims) 2013]
- (a) Jawaharlal Nehru
- (b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- (c) Mahatma Gandhi
- (d) B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: (c) Mahatma Gandhi
Question: The Second Round Table Conference was held in: [WBCS (Prelims) 2016]
- (a) 1929
- (b) 1930
- (c) 1931
- (d) 1932
Answer: (c) 1931
Second Table Conference FAQs
Q1. What was the Second Round Table Conference?
The Second Round Table Conference was a series of meetings organized by the British government to discuss constitutional reforms in India. It took place in London from September 7, 1931, to December 1, 1931. The conference aimed to gather opinions from various Indian political leaders and communities on the future governance of India.
Q2. Who were the prominent participants in the Second Round Table Conference?
Prominent participants included Mahatma Gandhi, representing the Indian National Congress, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar representing the depressed classes, and leaders from other communities such as Muslims, Sikhs, and the Indian princely states. The British government was represented by Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald and other British officials.
Q3. What was Mahatma Gandhi’s role in the Second Round Table Conference?
Mahatma Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress. His primary demand was for complete self-rule (Purna Swaraj) for India and the abolition of untouchability. Gandhi also opposed separate electorates for different religious communities, advocating instead for joint electorates with reserved seats.
Q4. What was the outcome of the Second Round Table Conference?
The Second Round Table Conference ended without a consensus on key issues. The discussions highlighted deep divisions between the Congress and representatives of minority communities, particularly over the question of separate electorates. No major agreements were reached, and the conference ended in deadlock.
Q5. Why did the Second Round Table Conference fail?
The conference failed primarily due to disagreements over the issue of separate electorates. While the Congress, represented by Gandhi, opposed separate electorates, leaders of minority communities, particularly Muslims, sought to secure their political representation through separate electorates. This deadlock prevented any significant progress.
Q6. How did the failure of the Second Round Table Conference impact the Indian freedom movement?
The failure of the Second Round Table Conference deepened the rift between the Congress and the British government. It also highlighted the challenges of achieving a unified approach to India’s constitutional future. The deadlock led to a renewed phase of civil disobedience by the Congress and increased communal tensions in India.
Q7. What was the Communal Award, and how is it related to the Second Round Table Conference?
The Communal Award was a scheme announced by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald in 1932, which provided separate electorates for minority communities in India, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Dalits (then referred to as Depressed Classes). The award was a direct consequence of the failure to reach an agreement during the Second Round Table Conference.
Q8. How did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s stance at the Second Round Table Conference differ from that of Gandhi?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, representing the Depressed Classes, supported the demand for separate electorates to ensure political representation for marginalized communities. This stance was in direct opposition to Gandhi’s view, who feared that separate electorates would divide Indian society and weaken the national movement.
Q9. What was the significance of the Second Round Table Conference in India’s struggle for independence?
The Second Round Table Conference was significant as it exposed the deep-seated differences among Indian political leaders and communities regarding the future governance of India. Although it did not result in immediate progress, it set the stage for subsequent negotiations and highlighted the complexities of India’s path to independence.
Q10. What were the key issues discussed at the Second Round Table Conference?
The key issues discussed included federal structure, the representation of minorities, separate electorates, and the safeguards for minorities and depressed classes. The conference also debated the role of the Indian princely states in a future federation.