Day 4 Mains Questions – Ace Answer Writing Program

Question 1: Examine the contributions of the Swarajists within the legislative councils and their approach toward achieving self-governance in India. (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

The Swarajists, led by Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das, emerged within the Indian National Congress in response to the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and the resulting Government of India Act of 1919. Dissatisfied with these limited reforms, the Swarajists advocated for entering legislative councils to obstruct and expose the inefficacy of British rule from within.

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Contributions of the Swarajist within Legislative Councils –

1. Legislative Obstruction:

• Budget Rejection: In 1923, led by Motilal Nehru, they consistently opposed and rejected government budgets in the Central Legislative Assembly, highlighting Indian dissatisfaction.
• Blocking Bills: They successfully blocked the repressive Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill.

2. Policy Influence:

• Civil Liberties: Opposed bills infringing on civil liberties, like the Prevention of Seditious Meetings Act.
• Economic Policies: Influenced discussions on economic exploitation, such as the salt tax and protection of Indian industries.

3. National Awakening:

• Platform for Advocacy: Used speeches in councils to expose reform limitations and rally for self-rule, sustaining the freedom movement.
• Political Participation: Encouraged more Indians to engage in political processes, fostering political awareness.

4. Unity and Strategy:

• Balanced Approaches: Provided a moderate approach complementing Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement, keeping the freedom struggle dynamic.
• Preparation for Negotiations: Their legislative experience and advocacy helped prepare the political landscape for future negotiations, like the Round Table Conferences.

The approach of Swarajists towards achieving Self Governance –

• The Swarajists, led by Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das, adopted a dual strategy of legislative obstruction and constructive policy influence to achieve self-governance in India.
• They entered legislative councils to expose the inefficacy of British rule from within.
• By consistently opposing and rejecting government budgets, they aimed to paralyze the administrative machinery and demonstrate the limitations of British reforms.
• Their approach also involved highlighting the need for greater Indian control over civil liberties and economic policies.

Conclusion

The Swarajists used their legislative platforms to raise political consciousness, encouraging more Indians to engage in the political process. This strategy kept the demand for self-governance alive during periods of declining mass movements, preparing the ground for future negotiations and reforms. Their efforts significantly contributed to maintaining momentum in India’s struggle for independence.

Question 2: Analyse the role of revolutionary movements in India during the early 20th century, particularly focusing on the contributions of Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad. (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Revolutionary movements in early 20th century India aimed at overthrowing British rule through direct action and armed struggle, with prominent leaders like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad inspiring the youth to oppose the oppressive colonial rule.

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Role of Revolutionary Movements –

1. Direct Action: Focused on direct action against colonial authorities [e.g. Kakori Conspiracy, 1925].
2. Youth Mobilization: Inspired youth to join the freedom struggle through acts of bravery [e.g. Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)].
3. Public Awakening: Created awareness and a sense of urgency for independence among the masses [e.g. Bombing of Central Legislative Assembly, 1929].
4. Ideological Influence: Promoted socialist and anti-colonial ideologies, influencing future movements [e.g. Manifesto of HSRA].
5. Martyrdom: Sacrifices of revolutionaries became a symbol of resistance and inspiration [e.g. Execution of Bhagat Singh, 1931].

Contributions of Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad –

1. Bhagat Singh’s Propaganda: Used writing and speeches to spread revolutionary ideas [e.g. “Why I am an Atheist”].
2. Azad’s Leadership: Led HSRA and planned significant actions against the British [e.g. Saunders’ assassination, 1928].
3. Public Trials: Utilized court trials to propagate revolutionary ideologies [e.g. Bhagat Singh’s trial speeches].
4. Symbol of Resistance: Became icons of resistance, inspiring future generations [e.g. Martyrdom Day observances].
5. Strategic Planning: Planned and executed high-profile attacks to challenge British authority [e.g. Lahore Conspiracy Case].

Conclusion

Revolutionary movements, spearheaded by figures like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad, played a crucial role in intensifying the struggle for India’s independence by instilling fear in the British regime and galvanizing the masses. Their legacy is intertwined with broader themes of resistance and sacrifice in India’s freedom struggle.

Question 3: Explain the role of the Round Table Conferences (1930-32) in shaping the constitutional reforms leading up to Indian independence. (15 Marks, 250 words)

Introduction

The Round Table Conferences (1930-32) were a series of three meetings organized by the British government to discuss constitutional reforms in India. Their primary goal was to address Indian demands for greater self-governance and to negotiate the future political structure of India.

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These conferences played a crucial role in shaping the constitutional reforms leading up to Indian independence.

First Round Table Conference (November 1930 – January 1931):

• The First Round Table Conference marked the first formal dialogue between the British government and Indian political leaders.
• Despite the absence of the Indian National Congress (INC), which was boycotting the conference as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement, the conference saw participation from various Indian political groups, princely states, and minority communities.
• The discussions highlighted the need for constitutional changes and led to the British acknowledgment of Indian aspirations for self-rule. However, the lack of representation from the INC limited its impact.

Second Round Table Conference (September – December 1931):

• The Second Round Table Conference was significant due to the participation of Mahatma Gandhi, representing the INC after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
• Despite Gandhi’s presence, the conference faced challenges due to conflicting interests among various Indian groups and the British government’s reluctance to concede substantial self-governing powers.
• The discussions primarily focused on communal representation, federal structure, and safeguards for minorities.
• However, the conference ended without a concrete agreement, highlighting the deep divisions and the complexity of the Indian political landscape.

Third Round Table Conference (November – December 1932):

• The Third Round Table Conference had limited participation, with the INC boycotting it again and the absence of significant Indian leaders.
• The British government proceeded to draft a white paper based on the discussions from all three conferences, which laid the groundwork for the Government of India Act 1935.

Impact on Constitutional Reforms:

Despite their limited immediate success, the Round Table Conferences were instrumental in several ways:

1. Government of India Act 1935: The conferences led to the drafting of this act, which provided a significant constitutional framework for India. It introduced provincial autonomy, a federal structure, and expanded representation.
2. Political Awareness: The conferences brought together diverse political groups, fostering political dialogue and highlighting the complexities of Indian society.
3. Future Negotiations: They set a precedent for future negotiations between Indian leaders and the British government, eventually leading to India’s independence.

Conclusion

The Round Table Conferences were crucial in laying the groundwork for constitutional reforms in India. They highlighted the need for a balanced approach to Indian self-governance, accommodating diverse political and communal interests, ultimately leading to the path of independence.