UPSC Prelims 2005 Q75: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
Consider the following statements :
1. In the First Round Table Conference Dr. Ambedkar demanded electorates for the depressed
classes.
2. In the Poona Pact, special provisions for representation of the depressed people in the local
bodies and civil services were made.
3. The Indian National Congress did not take part in the Third Round Table Conference.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3
Explanation
Round Table Conferences and the Poona Pact
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Ambedkar demanded separate electorates at First RTC | True |
| 2. Poona Pact gave local body and civil service provisions | False: it raised reserved legislative seats; the provision stated is not part of it |
| 3. Congress did not take part in the Third RTC | True |
Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Answer: (c) 1 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is not correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is not correct.
- (c) CORRECT. Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is not correct.
Key point
Poona Pact (1932): reserved seats in legislatures, replacing separate electorates.
Remember
Poona Pact replaced separate electorates with reserved seats.
Common mistakes
- Crediting the Pact with local body provisions.
- Forgetting Congress boycotted the Third RTC.
- Mixing Ambedkar's demand with the Communal Award.
Exam tip
Poona Pact: 148 reserved seats in provincial legislatures, 18% in central.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- Poona Pact, 24 September 1932 (agreement between Dr B. R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi)
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part III — Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement