UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 36 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Gandhi Fast Communal Award
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectModern History
- TopicIndian National Movement
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast unto death in 1932, mainly because
Show answer
Answer: C. Ramsay Macdonald announced the Communal Award.
Verdict
Correct Answer: Ramsay MacDonald announced the Communal Award
Analysis
Mahatma Gandhi undertook a fast unto death in 1932 against the Communal Award. He opposed the provision of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes.
1. Round Table Conference failed to satisfy Indian political aspirations — Incorrect
The Second Round Table Conference failed to resolve many issues, including communal representation.
But Gandhi’s fast was not directly because of the failure of the Conference. It was specifically against the Communal Award announced later.
2. Congress and Muslim League had differences of opinion — Incorrect
Congress-League differences were an important political issue.
However, Gandhi’s fast unto death in 1932 was not due to general differences between Congress and Muslim League.
3. Ramsay MacDonald announced the Communal Award — Correct
British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald announced the Communal Award in August 1932.
It granted separate electorates to the Depressed Classes. Gandhi saw this as a move that would divide Hindu society permanently.
4. None of the statements given above is correct — Incorrect
Statement by statement
Statement 3 is correct because the immediate reason for Gandhi’s fast was the Communal Award.
Extra UPSC info
* Gandhi began his fast unto death on 20 September 1932 in Yerwada Jail.
* The Communal Award was announced on 16 August 1932.
* Dr. B.R. Ambedkar initially supported separate electorates for Depressed Classes.
* The Poona Pact replaced separate electorates with joint electorates and reserved seats.
* The Poona Pact was signed in September 1932.
* After this, Gandhi increased his focus on the upliftment of Harijans.
How to crack it
Gandhi’s 1932 fast unto death was mainly a protest against Ramsay MacDonald’s Communal Award, especially its provision of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes.