Explore the Communal Award of 1932, including its key provisions, the announcement, and the reactions from major figures like Gandhi, Congress, and the Muslim League. Understand its significance in shaping Indian politics and communal relations.

The Communal Award of 1932 marked a turning point in colonial Indian politics. Announced by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, it introduced separate electorates and reserved seats for minorities, including the depressed classes. While it aimed at political representation, it was strongly criticized by Congress leaders as a policy of divide and rule, sparking intense debates between Gandhi and Ambedkar. Understanding its provisions, opposition, and aftermath is crucial for UPSC aspirants studying modern Indian history.

Comprehensive Summary of the Communal Award of 1932 in Indian History

• Communal Award Announcement: Date and Key Overview

  • (i) Date: Declared on August 16, 1932.
  • (ii) Overview: Based on the Indian Franchise Committee, it created separate electorates and reserved seats for minorities, including 78 seats for the depressed classes. Congress saw it as a continuation of the British divide and rule policy.

• Historical Context of the Communal Award

  • Ambedkar’s Demand for Separate Electorates

    • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar sought distinct electorates for depressed classes, separate from caste Hindus.
    • The Bengal Depressed Classes Association also lobbied for adult franchise and separate rights.
    • The Simon Commission, however, rejected this demand.

  • Second Round Table Conference Debate

    • Ambedkar reiterated the need for separate electorates.
    • Gandhi, claiming to represent the oppressed classes, opposed Ambedkar’s proposal.
    • Gandhi tried convincing Muslims to oppose separate electorates for the depressed classes.

• Main Provisions of the Communal Award

  • (i) Separate Electorates: Introduced for Muslims, Europeans, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, depressed classes, women, and Marathas in Bombay.
  • (ii) Reserved Seats: Depressed classes got 20 years of separate electorates with double votes (one in their electorate and one in the general electorate).
  • (iii) Legislative Expansion: Provincial legislatures seats doubled and distributed on communal lines.
  • (iv) Minority Weightage: Muslims received additional representation where in minority.
  • (v) Women’s Representation: 3% of seats reserved for women (except in NWFP).
  • (vi) Special Allocations: Seats allotted for laborers, landlords, traders, industrialists, and 7 Maratha seats in Bombay.

• Congress’s Stand on the Communal Award

  • Congress’s Position

    • The Congress opposed separate electorates but pledged not to alter the Award without minority consent.
    • They neither fully accepted nor outright rejected the Award.

  • Nationalist Opposition

    • Nationalists criticized separating depressed classes from Hindus as distinct political entities.

• Gandhi’s Response to the Communal Award

  • Gandhi’s Viewpoint

    • Considered the Award a blow to Indian unity, harmful to Hinduism and the depressed classes.
    • Believed it perpetuated untouchability and weakened reform movements.

  • Gandhi’s Proposals

    • Advocated for joint electorates under universal franchise.
    • Supported higher reserved seats for depressed classes, but within a joint system.

  • Gandhi’s Fast and the Poona Pact

    • On September 20, 1932, Gandhi began an indefinite fast against the Award.
    • This led to the Poona Pact, mediated by B.R. Ambedkar, M.C. Rajah, and Madan Mohan Malaviya.