UPSC Prelims 2010 Q121: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
For the Karachi session of Indian National Congress in 1931 presided over by Sardar Patel,
who drafted the Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme ?
- (a) Mahatma Gandhi
- (b) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
- (c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- (d) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Answer: (b) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation
Who drafted the 1931 Karachi Resolution on Fundamental Rights
The Karachi Session (1931) of the Indian National Congress, presided over by Sardar Patel, adopted a landmark resolution.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Mahatma Gandhi | Incorrect | Gandhi presided over or influenced many sessions, but this specific resolution's drafting is credited elsewhere |
| (b) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru | Correct | Nehru drafted the Karachi Resolution on Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Programme, a key step toward articulating Congress's vision for independent India |
| (c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad | Incorrect | Prasad held other significant roles, but not this specific drafting credit |
| (d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar | Incorrect | Ambedkar's major constitutional contributions came later, with the actual Constitution drafting, not this 1931 Congress resolution |
Karachi Session, 1931:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| President | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel |
| Resolution drafted by | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Significance | Early articulation of Fundamental Rights and economic programme for independent India |
Answer: (b) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Gandhi is not specifically credited with drafting this particular resolution.
- (b) CORRECT. Nehru drafted the Karachi Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme.
- (c) Incorrect. Rajendra Prasad held other roles, not this specific drafting credit.
- (d) Incorrect. Ambedkar's major constitutional role came later, with the actual Constitution, not this 1931 resolution.
Key point
Jawaharlal Nehru drafted the 1931 Karachi Session's Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme, presided over by Sardar Patel.
Remember
1931 Karachi Session's Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme Resolution: drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the session's president (Sardar Patel) with the resolution's actual drafter (Nehru).
- Projecting Ambedkar's later constitutional role (1946-50) onto this earlier 1931 Congress resolution.
- Not knowing this specific Karachi Resolution's historical significance as an early rights blueprint.
Exam tip
Karachi Session, 1931: presided by Sardar Patel, but the Fundamental Rights resolution was drafted by Nehru. Keep the presiding officer and drafter roles separate.
Sources
- NCERT — Modern Indian History, the Karachi Session, 1931
- Indian National Congress — Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme, Karachi session (March 1931)