The Round Table Conferences were a series of meetings held in London from 1930 to 1932. They aimed to discuss India’s constitutional future and the possibility of Dominion Status. The British government initiated these conferences in response to growing Indian discontent.
Background
The Simon Commission’s report in 1930 failed to address Indian aspirations. It was met with widespread protests and intensified the Civil Disobedience Movement. The British government recognised the need for dialogue and invited Indian leaders to participate in the Round Table Conferences.
First Round Table Conference
- Date – 12th November 1930
- Location – London
- Presiding Official – Ramsay MacDonald, Prime Minister of Britain
- Participants – Representatives from Princely States, Muslim League, Justice Party and Hindu Mahasabha
- Notably absent – Indian National Congress (INC), boycotting due to leaders’ imprisonment.
Key Issues Discussed
– Structure of a federal government – Accountability of the executive to the legislature – Separate electorates for “untouchables,” as proposed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar – An All-India Federation proposed by Tej Bahadur Sapru, supported by the Muslim League
Outcomes of the First Conference
– Agreement on safeguards for defence and finance in case of a federation – The INC continued its Civil Disobedience Movement, leading to the conference’s failure.
Second Round Table Conference
- Date – 7th September 1931
- Location – London
- Presiding Official – Ramsay MacDonald
- Participants – Indian National Congress, represented by Gandhi, Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha and Other regional representatives
Gandhi-Irwin Pact
Before the second conference, Gandhi and Lord Irwin signed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact on 5th March 1931. Key points included:
- Congress would end the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- The government would withdraw ordinances against Congress.
- All nonviolent offenders would be released.
Key Issues Discussed
- Gandhi’s demand for a responsible government at national and provincial levels
- Rejection of separate electorates for untouchables, asserting they were Hindus
- Opposition from other delegates towards Gandhi’s views
Outcomes of the Second Conference
- Increased rift between Congress and minority groups
- Announcement of new Muslim-majority provinces
- North West Frontier Province and Sindh
- Formation of an Indian Consultative Committee
- A committee on franchise and finance was established.
Third Round Table Conference
- Date – 17th November 1932
- Location – London
- Presiding Official – Ramsay MacDonald
- Participants – 46 delegates, with notable absences from the INC and the Labour Party
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
- Representatives from Indian princely states and key Muslim leaders
Key Issues Discussed
– Reports from Sub-Committees formed during the second conference were reviewed. – Discussions on the new constitution and progressive provisions were proposed but sidelined.
Outcomes of the Third Conference
– In March 1933, a White Paper was published outlining proposals for India’s new constitution. – These proposals formed the basis for the Government of India Act of 1935, which established provincial autonomy.
Impact of the Conferences
The Round Table Conferences marked shift in British-Indian relations. They brought into light the complexities of Indian politics and the necessity for inclusive dialogue. The failure to reach a consensus at these conferences deepened divisions among Indian political factions.
Indian National Congress’s Position
The INC’s boycott of the first conference and limited participation in subsequent meetings illustrated its discontent with British policies. Gandhi’s leadership during these conferences emphasised the Congress’s commitment to Indian self-rule.
Role of Minorities
The conferences exposed tensions between the INC and minority groups, particularly Muslims. The demand for separate electorates for Muslims and untouchables became contentious issues. The conferences did not resolve these divisions, leading to further complications in the independence movement.
British Government’s Strategy
The British government sought to maintain control while appearing conciliatory. By inviting diverse representatives, they aimed to project an image of fairness. However, the lack of meaningful concessions led to widespread dissatisfaction.
Legacy of the Round Table Conferences
The conferences are viewed as a very important moment in the struggle for Indian independence. They set the stage for future negotiations and the eventual transition to self-rule. The discussions laid bare the differing visions for India’s future.
Subsequent Developments
Following the conferences, the Government of India Act of 1935 was enacted. This act introduced changes, including provincial autonomy and a limited franchise. However, it fell short of Indian aspirations for complete independence.
Historical Significance
The Round Table Conferences are for understanding the complexities of India’s path to independence. They reflect the interplay between various political factions and the British government’s attempts to manage colonial discontent.
Key Figures
- Ramsay MacDonald – British Prime Minister who presided over all three conferences.
- Mahatma Gandhi – Leader of the INC, very important in negotiations.
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar – Advocate for the rights of untouchables and a key participant.
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah – Prominent Muslim leader who represented the Muslim League.
