Round Table Conferences MCQs Quiz | Class 10

This quiz covers Class X History, Unit ‘Nationalism in India’, focusing specifically on the Round Table Conferences. Test your knowledge on the negotiations and outcomes of these crucial events in India’s struggle for independence. Submit your answers and download a detailed PDF review!

Understanding the Round Table Conferences (1930-1932)

The Round Table Conferences were a series of three peace conferences organized by the British government and Indian political figures to discuss constitutional reforms in India. Held in London between 1930 and 1932, these conferences aimed to address the growing demand for self-rule and to find a consensus on the future political structure of India. They were a significant, though ultimately complex and often frustrating, chapter in India’s struggle for independence.

Key Conferences and Negotiations

The conferences were called in the wake of the Simon Commission’s report and widespread civil disobedience in India. The British government sought to involve Indian representatives directly in shaping future reforms, hoping to diffuse the political tension.

  • First Round Table Conference (November 1930 – January 1931): This conference was largely ineffective due to the absence of the Indian National Congress, which had launched the Civil Disobedience Movement under Mahatma Gandhi. Key issues like a federal structure for India and minority rights were discussed by other Indian delegates, princely states, and British representatives, but no significant breakthrough was achieved without the Congress.
  • Second Round Table Conference (September – December 1931): This was the most crucial conference as Mahatma Gandhi attended as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress, following the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. Gandhi emphasized the demand for complete independence and a responsible government. However, the conference was plagued by disagreements, particularly on the issue of separate electorates for minorities (like Dalits, Muslims, Sikhs), which were championed by leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The British government’s focus on dividing communities rather than granting true self-rule led to Gandhi’s disappointment and his return to India without a conclusive agreement.
  • Third Round Table Conference (November – December 1932): With key Indian leaders, including Gandhi, either absent or imprisoned, this conference had limited participation and achieved even less. It mainly focused on finalizing the recommendations that would eventually form the basis of the Government of India Act, 1935.

Outcomes and Significance

Despite their limited immediate success in achieving a unified Indian consensus, the Round Table Conferences had several important outcomes:

  • Government of India Act, 1935: The primary legislative outcome, which introduced provincial autonomy and a federal structure for India. While it granted more power to Indian ministers in provinces, crucial subjects like defense and foreign affairs remained under British control.
  • Highlighting Divisions: The conferences starkly revealed the deep communal and political divisions within Indian society, particularly concerning minority representation and the role of princely states.
  • Communal Award: British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald announced the Communal Award in August 1932, granting separate electorates to various minority communities, including Dalits. This sparked Gandhi’s fast unto death, leading to the Poona Pact between Gandhi and Ambedkar, which replaced separate electorates for Dalits with reserved seats in general constituencies.
  • Increased Awareness: The conferences, especially Gandhi’s participation, brought the Indian demand for independence to international attention.

Conference Summary Table

Conference Dates Key Participants/Issues Key Outcome/Significance
First RTC Nov 1930 – Jan 1931 British, Princely States, Indian Liberals; Congress Boycott Discussed federal structure, minorities; no major breakthroughs
Second RTC Sep – Dec 1931 Mahatma Gandhi (Congress), Dr. Ambedkar; Minority rights, federalism Failed due to disagreements on separate electorates; Gandhi’s disappointment
Third RTC Nov – Dec 1932 Limited participation; Finalizing proposals Recommendations contributed to the Government of India Act, 1935

Quick Revision Points

  • The three Round Table Conferences were held in London (1930, 1931, 1932).
  • Indian National Congress boycotted the First RTC.
  • Mahatma Gandhi attended only the Second RTC.
  • The Gandhi-Irwin Pact preceded Gandhi’s attendance at the Second RTC.
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar advocated for separate electorates for Dalits.
  • The conferences were largely unsuccessful in resolving constitutional issues due to deep divisions and British policy.
  • They eventually led to the Government of India Act, 1935.

Extra Practice Questions

  1. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in which year?
    a) 1930 b) 1931 c) 1932 d) 1933
    Answer: b) 1931
  2. Who was the British Prime Minister during the Round Table Conferences?
    a) Winston Churchill b) Clement Attlee c) Ramsay MacDonald d) Neville Chamberlain
    Answer: c) Ramsay MacDonald
  3. Which act was a direct outcome of the discussions and proposals from the Round Table Conferences?
    a) Rowlatt Act b) Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms c) Government of India Act, 1935 d) Indian Councils Act, 1909
    Answer: c) Government of India Act, 1935
  4. The demand for ‘Purna Swaraj’ (complete independence) was raised by the Indian National Congress in:
    a) Lahore Session, 1929 b) Calcutta Session, 1928 c) Nagpur Session, 1920 d) Bombay Session, 1934
    Answer: a) Lahore Session, 1929
  5. What was the primary reason for the failure of the Second Round Table Conference from the Indian nationalist perspective?
    a) Lack of funding b) Disagreement over communal representation c) British refusal to negotiate d) Gandhi’s late arrival
    Answer: b) Disagreement over communal representation