PYQ 2012 Q36 · RaahUPSC PYQ

2012 · Modern HistoryPrevious Year Question

Q36.

Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast unto death in 1932, mainly because

A. Round Table Conference failed to satisfy Indian political aspirations.

B. Congress and Muslim League had differences of opinion.

C. Ramsay Macdonald announced the Communal Award.

D. None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context.

Answer

C

Explanation

Gandhi undertook a fast unto death in September 1932 against the Communal Award announced by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, which granted separate electorates to depressed classes (Dalits/Scheduled Castes). Gandhi opposed this as it would divide Hindu society further. The fast led to the Poona Pact (1932) between Gandhi and Ambedkar, which replaced separate electorates with reserved seats for depressed classes.