Analyze the developments associated with the nationalist upsurge and constitutional measures during British India: 1. The Communal Award announced by Ramsay MacDonald in 1932 extended separate electorates to the depressed classes, prompting Mahatma Gandhi to undertake a fast unto death in Yerwada Jail. 2. The Poona Pact agreed upon in September 1932 abandoned separate electorates for the depressed classes in favor of reserved seats within joint electorates and increased seat allocations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the British Prime Minister's Communal Award allocated separate electorates for marginalized communities, which Gandhi opposed as a divisive measure threatening Hindu unity. Statement 2 is correct because the Poona Pact negotiated by prominent leaders secured reserved legislative seats within joint electorates instead of separate electorates, thereby preserving electoral integration. This agreement significantly shaped political representation provisions incorporated into subsequent constitutional frameworks.