Round Table Conferences 1930–32

Introduction

The three Round Table Conferences of 1930–1932 were a series of high-level meetings held between the British Government and prominent Indian political personalities to discuss constitutional reforms in India.

Context

1. British Desire for Reforms

Although the British came to India as a colonial power, they always had the view that one day they would have to leave it and wanted to leave a lasting legacy. One of the legacies they wanted to leave was the British form of representative government. Thus, soon after assuming direct rule, the British Government began introducing piecemeal constitutional reforms. The time had come to increase the range of these reforms

The British government had realized that it was not possible to hold on to their British Indian Empire indefinitely and was thus seriously considering granting them some sort of dominion status. Even a substantial portion of the intellectual elite in the UK believed that India needed to move towards dominion status.

2. Demands for Swaraj (Self-rule) in India

British colonialism had given rise to nationalist sentiments among the Indian educated elite, not only as a result but also as a reaction against the socioeconomic reforms carried out by the British in India. Besides unifying India administratively, the introduction of the railways, telegraph, and unified postal systems, and most importantly, the spread of Western education and ideas, created a sense of unity among the Indians. The emergence of the modern press played a notable role in mobilizing public opinion and promoting nationalism. Consequently, The Indian elite was demanding a greater degree of self-rule for India, for which they had launched the Swaraj movement.

3. Khilafat Movement Hangover

The Khilafat Movement changed the Indian political scene irrevocably. Combined with the Non-Cooperation Movement, it was the first all-India agitation against British rule. It saw an unprecedented degree of Hindu-Muslim cooperation, and it established Gandhi and his technique of nonviolent protest (satyagraha) at the centre of the Indian nationalist movement. No longer was the nationalist movement confined to the council houses and bar associations; it had moved into the streets, bazaars, temple fairs, and mosques. The people of the Subcontinent realized how to oppose the British Government.

4. Nehru Report and Quaid’s 14 Points

Leaders of both parties, namely the Congress and Muslim League, had presented their respective points of view about the future constitutional setup of India in the Nehru Report and the 14 points of Mohammed Ali Jinnah. Although these reports differed in many ways, they provided an excellent working template to discuss the differences and find common ground

5. Providing Space for Moderates

The British government in India wanted to defuse radical and militant Indian nationalists who had challenged colonial rule through acts of political violence. By holding these conferences, the British Government intended to provide space for moderate Indian elites by creating a road map to allow Indians the ability to eventually govern themselves, but with British supervision

5. Simon Commission Report

Although the Simon Commission failed to gauge the determination of Indian opinion to ultimately bring independence, they did propose a sort of dialogue between the Indian elite and the British Government to sort out the differences.

Course

1. During the first RTC held in November 1930, attended by 74 Indian delegates, a federal formula for the Government of India proposed by the princely states and other Liberal Indian leaders was discussed. Not much progress was made, due to the absence of the Indian National Congress, and Gandhi from these parleys, as it was difficult to reach a consensus.

2. A settlement between Mahatma Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin brought Congress to the second session of the Round Table Conference, which opened on September 7, 1931. Gandhi attended as the sole official Congress representative, accompanied by other prominent leaders. Gandhi claimed that

1. Congress alone represented political India.

2. Untouchables were Hindus and should not be treated as a “minority.”

3. There should be no separate electorates or special safeguards for Muslims or other minorities.

These claims were rejected by the other Indian participants. He returned to India, disappointed with the results and empty-handed.

The discussion led to the passing of the Government of India Act, of 1935, At the end of the conference, Ramsay MacDonald undertook to produce a Communal Award for minority representation, with the provision that any free agreement between the parties could be substituted for his award. Other important discussions were the responsibility of the executive to the legislature and a separate electorate for the Untouchables

3. The third and last session was assembled on November 17, 1932. Only 46 delegates attended since most of the main political figures in India were not present.

Consequences

The Round Table Conferences held in the 1930s were significant milestones in the context of the Indian independence movement. They played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of India’s struggle for freedom and its eventual attainment of independence in 1947. Here’s how the conferences were significant:

1. Platform for Dialogue: The conferences provided a formal platform for various Indian political groups, communities, and leaders to engage with the British government on issues related to constitutional reforms and self-governance. This helped foster a dialogue between different factions and provided an opportunity to voice their demands and concerns.
2. Recognition of Indian Representation: It was the first major interaction between the Indian political elite and the British political leadership, which helped them understand the depth of the Indian desire to get freedom. By inviting Indian representatives to London and engaging in discussions with them, the British government indirectly acknowledged the importance of Indian voices in shaping their own destiny.
3. Showcasing Unity and Diversity: The conferences brought together leaders from various communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and other minorities. While differences existed, the conferences demonstrated that Indians could engage in discussions and negotiations despite their diversity. This showcased a certain level of political maturity and unity among Indians
4. Platform for Gandhi’s Ideas: Even though Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress boycotted the first Round Table Conference, the conferences provided a global platform for Gandhi’s ideas of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. His absence at the first conference drew attention to the demands of the Indian freedom movement.
5. Communal Award and Minority Rights: The conferences led to the Communal Award, which granted separate electorates for different religious communities. While this addressed some minority concerns, it also highlighted the complexities of communal representation in the Indian political context
6. Government of India Act 1935: The discussions and outcomes of the Round Table Conferences influenced the Government of India Act 1935, which introduced significant constitutional reforms, including provincial autonomy and the establishment of a federal structure in India. This act laid the groundwork for a more representative form of governance and played a role in India’s eventual independence
7. Experience in Diplomacy: The Indian representatives gained valuable experience in international diplomacy and negotiation during the conferences. This experience would later prove useful in dealing with British authorities and other international forums during the final stages of the independence movement
8. Continued Political Mobilization: The conferences, even though they did not immediately lead to a comprehensive solution, highlighted the need for continued political mobilization and advocacy for Indian interests. This encouraged leaders to keep pressing for their demands and prepared them for the negotiations that would lead to independence.
9. Awareness about Indian Demands: Holding these conferences in London also helped the Indian leaders put across their points of view in the British press and through them to the general public. These interactions resulted in significant goodwill for the cause of Indian independence.
10. Pakistan Plan: It was during these conferences that the idea of a separate state for the British Indian Muslims got widespread recognition and acceptance. While Allama Iqbal presented it in his Allahabad address, a group of Muslim civil servants getting training at Cambridge University started working on giving it a concrete shape and presented their ideas through Ch. Rehmat ALI

Conclusion

The Round Table Conferences were pivotal in shaping the discourse around India’s self-governance and constitutional reforms. They provided a platform for dialogue, highlighted the diversity of Indian voices, and set the stage for further negotiations that eventually culminated in the realization of India’s independence.

From the book “Milestones of Pakistan Movement: 1857–1947”

Milestones of Pakistan Movement: 1857-1947

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