History notes by Sir Bilal Sarwar.
[Chapter: 08]
Q: Why was the Simon commission Report rejected? [7] (N-2016)
Ans: [No Indian member included] The Simon Commission Report did not satisfy the major political parties of India. In fact, all the seven members of the commission were British. Congress and Muslim League parties therefore rejected the team by declaring it an “all white body”. The Indians wanted their role in the process of making the future constitution for India. So, all political parties of India took it as an insult and rejected the Commission.
[Unacceptable proposals] The proposals of the Report failed to satisfy (please) major political parties Congress and Muslim League. The Congress wanted a federal type of government with most of the powers in the control of central government, while the Muslim League party wanted a central government with weak control and most of the powers in the hand of provincial government. The Muslim League was also upset by the Report because one-third seats were not given to Muslims in central assembly. The report also declared that there was no need of making Sindh and NWFP as new provinces.
Q: Which of the following was the most important in the development of the Pakistan Movement? (i) the Nehru Report, 1928 (ii) Jinnah’s 14 Points, 1929 (iii) the Government of India Act, 1935 Explain your answer with reference to all three of the above. [14] (N-2017)
Ans: [Nehru Report 1928] Anti-Muslim policies were adopted (added) in Nehru report even it was set up by all parties of India. Nehru report demanded that Hindi should be official language of India. Report also asked to abolish (end) separate electorate and one-third seats for Muslims in central assembly.
Rights of Muslims were ignored in this report. Nehru report was rejected by all major Muslim leaders.
Unity (cooperation) created between Muslims and Congress party due to Lucknow pact of 1916 ended due to Nehru report. Jinnah described this event as “the parting of the ways”. He would not try to bring together Congress with the Muslim League again.
[Jinnah’s 14 Points 1929] were the answer to the failure of Simon Commission proposals and the Nehru report. The 14 points had set up the demands of any future discussion of Muslims with Congress or the British government. These demands were also to form the basis of the Muslim demand of separate homeland. In fourteen points Jinnah wanted to have (a) a federal type of government with provincial self-rule (b) 1/3 of seats should be reserved (kept) for Muslim in central assembly (c) right of separate electorate for Muslims (d) seats in Punjab and Bengal according to Muslim population (e) all basic freedoms must be given to the minorities (f) no bill should be passed if 3/4 members of any community reject it (g) any change in borders of provinces must not reduce Muslim majority in Punjab and Bengal.
Fourteen points clearly convinced the British that Muslims and Hindus were two separate nations.
[The Government of India Act 1935] It was the last major Act set up by British before independence.
Federal system of government was set up in the act of 1935 in which less powers were given to
provinces. Federal government would remain in the hands of Congress because Hindu were in majority.
Muslims were made dependent on Congress for their rights. Muslims were convinced that enough
protections were not given to minorities in the act so ideas about the Pakistan Movement began to develop. [Comment] 14 points played important role in developing Pakistan movement, they
represented deep rooted fear of Hindu domination over India, and it was an effort to protect Muslim rights.
Topic: Ch Rehmat Ali and Allama Iqbal.
Q: Why was Ch.Rehmat Ali an important influence on the struggle for separate home land Pakistan?
[7]
Ans: [Convincing Muslim leaders for separate Muslim state] (a) Ch.Rehmat Ali was student of
Cambridge University. (b) He tried to convince Muslim leaders in Round table conference to demand for separate state for Muslims of India consist of the north-western Muslim majority provinces of India. (b) Jinnah refused his idea.
[Now of Never 1933] (a) He published a Pamphlet known as "Now or Never" in 1933. (b) In his pamphlet he demanded separate Muslim home land Pakistan. Literal meaning of the word Pakistan was the land of pure. (c) In his proposed name PAKISTAN 'P' was for Punjab, 'A' for Afghania (N.W.F.P), 'K' for Kashmir, 'I' for Iran, 'S' for Sindh, 'T' for Turkaristan, 'A' for Afghanistan, 'N' for Balochistan. (d) In 1940 Muslim league adopted the idea of separate Muslim home land named as Pakistan. (e) He established Pakistan national movement to fight for the idea of Pakistan.
[Difference of opinion] His views were ahead of his time and different from those of Iqbal who proposed a Muslim state within or outside India. For this reason most Muslim League leaders did not accept them but the ideas of Partition of India began to be considered by many in the 1930’s.
Q: Why did Jinnah produce his 14 points in 1929? Or Why Nehru Report was rejected? [7] (M-15) Ans: [Nehru report] Nehru report was presented in 1928 as proposals for new reforms. Many points of Nehru report were against Muslims interest. Nehru report rejected separate electorate for Muslims and one-third seats for Muslim in central government. Nehru report also wanted to Hindi as official
language. Jinnah demanded changes in Nehru report like one-third seats for Muslims in central government, seats in Punjab and Bengal according to Muslim population and loose federal type of government. Jinnah demands were rejected by Congress party so Jinnah presented his famous 14 points to protect Muslim rights.
[To promote Muslim rights] In Nehru report Congress party had backed out from Lucknow pact. Jinnah presented fourteen points to protect Muslim rights. Jinnah called Nehru report as parting of ways. It convinced Muslim that Hindu and Muslim were two separate nations. Jinnah stated that fourteen points would be base of every negotiation of Muslims either with Congress or British. Fourteen points also formed the basis of future Muslim demand of separate homeland.
Q: Why was Allama Iqbal asked to chair the Muslim League at Allahabad in 1930? [7] (N-17) Ans: [Personality of Iqbal] He was suitable, educated and was the best leader as Jinnah was not yet ready to accept the Two Nation Theory. He was a famous Muslim poet of India. His poetry had
awakened a sense of nationhood among Muslims and he advised them to be active in making progress.
He was so respected by Muslims of India that he was asked to chair the Muslim League at Allahabad.
[Freedom from British rule] He was a well-respected, convincing leader. He had full confidence of the Muslims of India. He was the first important Muslim leader to advocate (promote) the partition of India and the making of a separate Muslim state independent from British rule. He was against British rule over India because conquest (takeover) of weak nations by strong nations was against Muslim beliefs.
Due to his opposition of British rule he was asked to chair Muslim League.
[Organized Muslim League] He convinced many Muslims that the Muslim League should be organized into an effective political party to challenge the domination (influence) of the Congress party. He views had inspired (motivated) Muslims of India. He was successful in making Muslim League popular in Punjab where there was large influence of Unionist party. Due to his struggle for Muslim League he was asked to chair Muslim League.
Topic: Round table conferences (1930-32).
Q: Why were three Round Table Conferences held between 1930 and 1932? [7] (J-2014) [Failure of Simon Commission] Simon Commission came to India in 1927 for discussing next
constitutional reforms with Indian political leaders. The commission was boycotted by Congress and Muslim League because there was no Indian member included in Simon Commission. It was clear that commission could not address the Indian concerns. The Indians thought it as a plan to delay self-rule.
When Simon published his report in 1930, it suggested that a Round Table Conference should be organized in London to discuss the constitutional reforms with Indian political leaders.
[Failure of Nehru Committee] Nehru Committee was set up by the All-Parties Conference in 1928 to prepare proposals for new reform according to will of all major political parties. But the committee completely ignored the Muslim views. The two big parties failed to solve their differences on upcoming reforms so the British arranged a series of three Round Table Conferences in London.
[Failure of RTC] The first Round Table Conference failed due to Congress boycott, Congress was the largest party of India so it was impossible to set up reforms without their will. Therefore a second R.T.C was planned. Second RTC failed due to Gandhi’s stand (point of view) on the rights of minorities therefore third RTC was organized which also failed.
Q: Second round table conference was the most successful of round tables do you agree? Give reasons. [14] (M-16)
Ans: [Reasons of holding R.T.C] (1) Round table conferences were held to discuss future reforms for India with important parties of India and Princely states. (2) Simon Commission, Nehru Report and 14 points of Jinnah failed to solve difference in political parties of India so Round table conferences were called by British government.
[First R.T.C 1930] success of R.T.C (1) Princely states agreed to join federal India. (2) British agreed to set up responsible government in Provinces. Failures of First R.T.C (1) Congress refused to join first R.T.C because self rule was not promised by British. Many Congress leaders were in jail so they refused to join R.T.C. (2) There was dead lock on Federal system of government. (5) There were differences on reserved
seats for minorities. (6) There was little chance of full agreement on reforms in the absence of Congress which was major party of India.
[Irwin-Gandhi Pact] Congress party agreed to join second R.T.C after Gandhi-Irwin pact. Gandhi stopped non-cooperation movement and took back demand of independence, Congress workers were set free from jails.
[Second R.T.C 1931] successes: (1) Two new provinces Sindh and NWFP were setup with their own Governors. (2) Congress party joined 2nd R.T.C; it was a success because all important parties attended it. Failures: (1) This Conference failed due rigid (strict) behavior of Gandhi, he refused to give separate electorate to minorities and stated that religious freedom was enough for them. Gandhi claimed that Congress party alone represented all Indians. Muslim leaders were infuriated (angry/upset) over the stubborn (rude) attitude (mind-set) of Gandhi. (2) Gandhi wanted new reforms according to Nehru report which was not acceptable for Muslims. (3) Gandhi refused to discuss 14 points of Jinnah. (4) Princely states changed their decision to join Federal India. (5) Labour Party government in Britain was changed and new British government was not ready to give more right to Indians. British warned that if agreement could not be reached, they would impose (enforce) their own solution to Indian problem.
[Communal Award] (1) In Communal awards British Prime Minister had announced separate electorates for minorities. (2) Muslim majority in Punjab and Bengal was reduced due to weightage principle
adopted by Communal awards.
[Third R.T.C 1932] (1) There was little chance of success because Viceroy Irwin was replaced by Viceroy Wallington who was not ready to give more concessions to Indians. (2) Jinnah was not invited and Congress party had boycotted third Round Table Conference. (3) Third round table conference failed to achieve anything only paper work was completed.
Round table conferences failed to achieve self rule. Muslims were upset because Muslim majority was reduced in Punjab and Bengal due to weightage principle. Second RTC can be believed as more successful because all major political parties of India participated in it.
Q: Why was the second round table conference of 1931 unsuccessful? [7] (M-17)
Ans: [Gandhi behavior] Gandhi joined second R.T.C as only representative of Congress. Gandhi claimed that Congress represents whole India. Gandhi wanted solutions according to Nehru report. Gandhi refused to accept minority problem and 14 points of Jinnah. The Muslim league had a strong delegation with both Allama Iqbal and Jinnah. There was a little chance of an agreement with Congress taking such a hard line on separate electorates. The situation became more difficult when non-caste Hindu leaders also demanded separate electorate for themselves. Second round table failed due to rigid (rude) behavior of Mr. Gandhi.
[Labour party lost government in Britain] Labour Party government in Britain was willing to give more rights to Indians. Labour party lost government in Britain and new government was less keen to give more rights to India, the lack of interest of new British government also contributed to the failure of 2nd R.T.C, so minority issue was delayed. British warned that if agreement could not be reached, they would impose their own solution to the Indian problem, Congress party was unhappy with British position.
More over Princely states also refused to join Indian federation.
Topic: The Act of 1935.
Q Why was the government act of 1935 so important to the future of subcontinent? [7] (J-11) Ans: [Central Government] (a) it was very important because Federal system of government was adopted. Parliament with two houses was set up; it was a step toward self rule. (c) Viceroy was head of government he could reject any new bill. (d) Diarchy system was set up in central government. (e) One- third seats were given to Muslim in central assembly. (f) Princely states refused to join federal
government so central part of the Act of 1935 was not introduced.
2) [Provincial governments] (a) Failed diarchy system was abolished from provinces. (b) Responsible government was set up in provinces. All minister of provinces were Indian could control all departments of province. (c) Governors had emergency powers and were responsible to protect minorities. (d) The number of provinces was increased to eleven. (e) Two new provinces Sindh and Orissa were set up;
N.W.F.P was setup as full province.
3) [Voting rights] (a) Voting rights were increased to 25% of population. (b) Women were given the right to vote for first time in India. (c) Separate electorate was given to Muslims and Sikhs. After
independence the Act of 1935 was adopted by both Pakistan and India with few changes.
Q: Why was there so much opposition to the government of India act of 1935? [7] (N-12)
Ans: [Congress opposition] (a) Congress rejected the Act of 1935 because self rule was not given. (b) Congress opposed separate electorate for Muslim and Sikhs. (c) Only British parliament could change the Act of 1935. (d) Central part of the Act of 1935 was introduced because Princely states refused to join central government. (e) Nehru declared it as “Charter of Slavery” and “It is like a machine with strong brakes but no engine”
2) [Powers of Viceroy and Governors] (a) Real power was in the hands of Viceroy and Governors because Viceroy could reject any bill. (b) Viceroy could control reserved subjects like defense and finance. (c) Governors could rule the province by special powers. (d) Governors could dismiss Indian ministers and even assembly of Province.
3) [Limited voting rights] (a) Voting rights were limited. Only 25% of Indian population was allowed to vote. (b) Three-fourth Indians were not given the right to vote because they were not owner of required property. A large part of Indians were not allowed to decide about their future by vote.
4) [Muslim opposition] (a) Muslim was unhappy because their majority was reduced in Punjab and Bengal due to weightage principle. (b) According to Jinnah the act of 1935 was thoroughly rotten, fundamentally bad and totally unacceptable.
Topic: 1937 elections. (Nov-2016)
Q: How successful was the provincial elections held in India in 1937? Explain your answer. [14]
Ans: [Success for Congress] Congress won by majority in five provinces and was the largest single party in four provinces. Congress was able to set up government in 08 provinces. Congress was invited to form
government in United Provinces, the Central provinces, Bihar, Orissa, Madras, Bombay, Assam and NWFP. Congress saw themselves as the only party representing whole Indians.
[Success of Muslim League] (a) It was the first major elections for Muslim League. Muslim League was divided in two parts after Simon Commission, 1937 election helped to unite (join) Muslim League. (b) Muslim League learned how to contest (fight) elections. Muslim League realized (learned) that it had to improve its organization and planning. (c) Muslim League find out (noticed) that its support was more in Muslim minority provinces than Muslim majority provinces because in Muslim majority provinces there was no threat (danger) from Hindus. (d) Muslim League also realized that it had an image problem. Its leader were land lords and princes, they were not popular in poor Muslims.
[Congress failure] After the elections, Congress treated (acted toward) the Muslim League with
disrespect (hate). Congress refused to work together. Actions taken by Congress against Muslims spoiled its relations with Muslim League. It was a major cause of failure of future discussion. Attitude (behavior) of Congress and Nehru increased Muslim faith (belief) that Muslims of India were a separate nation.
[Muslim League failure] Muslim League showed poor result in 1937 elections; out of 489 Muslim seats, the Muslim League won 109. In the Punjab; out of 86 Muslim seats, Muslim League won 01 and others seats were won by Punjab Unionist Party. Muslim League lost in election in Muslim province NWFP.
Muslims were disappointed by the British because British governors of provinces failed to protect rights of Muslims during Congress rule. Congress used its new powers to upset Muslims during Congress Rule.
Q: Explain how Jinnah transformed the Muslim League between 1937 and 1939. [7]
Ans: Muslim League was not organized at grass root level. Jinnah convinced the Muslim League that it needed to build up support from the grass roots as in the elections victory had come from local branches of the party established before 1937; The Muslim League had an image problem. Its leaders were seen as aristocrats (upper class) and princes, whereas many Muslims at this time were poor and illiterate. Jinnah persuaded the party to be more egalitarian (classless/democratic) and began to mobilize the Muslim community and make the League more attractive to so that they would support it and take part in its activities;
In 1937 elections Muslim League performed well only in areas where Muslims were a minority, rather than in majority areas. Jinnah persuaded the chief ministers of Assam, Bengal and Punjab to join the party and as a result by 1938 membership of the League rapidly increased; Jinnah repeatedly warned the Muslim community that they must organize themselves to resist Congress’ idea to establish
Hindustan in the subcontinent. Muslim League on Jinnah’s suggestion published Pirpur report in 1938 in which Hindu abuses toward Muslim during Congress rule were published. Threats to Muslim culture and religion attracted large number of Muslims towards Muslim League.
Topic: Congress rule 1937--39.
Q: Was the main reason why Congress rule (1937-39) hated so much because of Bande Matram?
Explain your answer. [14] (J-13) (two to three reasons for seven number questions)
Ans: 1) [Bande Matram] Congress adopted a anti-Muslim song Bande Matram as national song in which Hindus were asked to push Muslims out of India. Bande Matram also recited (stated) the greatness of
Hindu goddesses (devis) Durga and Lakshmi. Singing Bande Matram was made compulsory in schools and colleges during morning assemblies. Muslims were very worried and upset due to use of Bande Matram as national song. (b) The tri color Congress flag was hung over official buildings despite it was not allowed in rules. (c) Hindi was adopted as official language.
2) [Interference in Islam] Music was played in front of Mosque during prayer. Pigs were pushed into the Mosques when Muslims were prayer. Muslims were not allowed to setup new mosque. (b) Muslims was not allowed to celebrate religious festivals. Azan was banned and Muslims were not allowed to eat beef, harsh (strict) punishments were given on cow slaughtering. Its purpose was to destroy Muslim culture and religion in India.
3) [Wardha educational Scheme] Wardha educational Scheme was anti-Muslim in spirit. Congress had set up Wardha educational scheme in which (a) Teaching was in Hindi Language. (b) Muslim children were forced to show respect to Gandhi picture. Showing respect to Gandhi picture or statue was against Islam. (c) Spinning of cotton wheel was made part of school activities to spread Gandhi ideas. (d) There was to be no religious education. (e) The purpose of Wardha scheme was to destroy two-nation theory in the minds of Muslim children.
(4) [Vidya mander scheme] Muslims were forced to send their children to Hindu temples. Hindu temples were used as schools up to class three. Congress wanted to spread Hinduism in Muslims children.
5) [Economic boycott] Muslims were refused from government jobs, Hindus boycotted (avoided)
Muslim traders and shopkeepers. (b) A number of Muslim were ill-treated (abused) and killed by Hindus.
Muslim houses and property was set at fire. If any complaint was made to government decision was always against Muslim. It seemed that Congress was taking revenge of 700 years of Muslim rule over India. [Comment] I think that singing Bande Matram was most important reason of Muslim hatred against Congress rule because the song was clearly showing the hidden intentions (goal) of creating Hindu raj over India.
Chapter: 08 [1927 to 1939] Short Questions Q 22: What was Simon commission? [4]
Ans: In 1927 seven member commission under John Simon arrived India to check performance of Montague-Chelmsford reforms and give proposals for next reforms. No Indian member was included so commission was boycotted by Congress and Muslim League. Commission proposed to abolish (remove) diarchy system, separation of Sindh from Bombay and Federal system of Government.
Q 23: What was Nehru report? [4]
Ans: In 1928 Nehru report was issued in as proposal for next reforms. Nehru report suggested Hindi as official language; separate electorate and one third seats for Muslim in central legislature should be finished. It was an anti- Muslim report so rejected by Muslims. Report demanded dominion status, right of vote for all men and women. Jinnah issued 14 points against Nehru Report.
Q 24: What were Jinnah 14 points? [4]
Ans: In 1929 Jinnah presented his 14 points when Muslim interest was in danger due to Nehru report.
Jinnah declared it as parting of ways from Hindus. Later any discussion with British and Congress would be on the base of 14 points. Jinnah demanded one third Muslim seats in central assembly and all Cabinets, reforms in N.W.F.P and Balochistan. Sindh should be separated from Bombay.
Q 25: What was Salt march? [4]
Ans: The Salt March, which took place from March to April 1930 in India, Gandhi started salt march from his ashram near Ahmedabad to sea side village Dandi. 24 days march was reported worldwide. Gandhi challenged unfair salt taxes. Salt march changed into country wide movement for independence from Britain. In response British outlawed Congress and began widespread arrest.
Q 26: What was Allahabad address? (Who was Allama Iqbal?)
Ans: In 1930 Allama Iqbal in presidential address in annual session of Muslim league demanded home land for Indian Muslims included North-western Muslim majority areas either within British Empire or out of it. Kashmir and Bengal was not included in demand. Iqbal was source of strength for Muslim league in Punjab. Iqbal is considered as national poet of Pakistan.
Q 27: Who was Chaudry Rehmat Ali? [4] (How Rehmat Ali derived name Pakistan?)
Ans: In 1933 Ch.Rehmat Ali in his famous pamphlet "Now or Never" demanded separate Muslim state in 1933 included North-Western and North-Eastern Muslim majority provinces. He named it as Pakistan. 'P' for Punjab, 'A' for Afghania(N.W.F.P), 'K' for Kashmir, 'I' for Iran, 'S' for Sindh, 'T' for Turkaristan, 'A' for Afghanistan, 'N' for Balochistan.
Q 28: What was Gandhi-Irwin pact? [4]
Ans: In March 1931 it was signed between Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin. Congress workers were released (set free) from jail and return property seized by the government. Gandhi called off non- cooperation movement and agreed to join second round table conference. He took back his demand of full independence.
Q 29: What were Communal awards? [4]
Ans: On 16th Aug 1932, British Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald announced communal award.
Separate electorate and weightage principle was kept for Muslim, Sikhs and low caste Hindus. Muslim majority in Punjab and Bengal was reduced due to it. The Muslim community accepted it Congress rejected it.
Q 30: What were the outcomes of the provincial elections of 1937? [4]
Ans: The elections caused great disappointment for Muslims as Congress won absolute majorities in 05 provinces and largest single party in 04 others. Muslims won only 109 seats out of 482 that were reserved for Muslims. However it was first major election that Muslim League fought and on a united basis, Muslim League learnt a number of lessons. Muslims realized that it had to improve organization.
Muslim League leaders knew its support was more in areas where Muslims were in a minority and
where they were a majority they didn’t feel any danger by Hindus. Muslim leaders realized they had an image problem. Cruel actions were taken by Congress against Muslims during their rule (Bande Matram, Wardha Scheme etc.)
Q 31: What was Wardha educational scheme? [4]
Ans: During Congress rule, Gandhi introduced Wardha educational scheme in 1937 in which (a) Hindi was medium of education. (b) Muslim children were forced to show respect to Gandhi picture. (c) Spinning of cotton wheel was part of school activity.(d) Hindu personalities were shown as heroes in school books.(e) It was an effort to change Muslims in to Hindus.
Q 32: What was Vidya Mander Scheme? [4]
Ans: During Congress rule Vidya Mander Scheme was introduced by Dr zakir hussain on instruction of Gandhi in Bihar and central province according to which Mander education was made compulsory at elementary level at Hindu Temples in Hindi. The purpose was to destroy Muslim culture and spread Hindu culture.
Q 33: What was BandeMatram? [4]
Ans: Bande Matram was an anti Muslim nationalist song in which Hindu were advised to expel Muslim out of India. It was adopted by Congress Party as an official song during Congress rule (1937-39). It was sung every day in provincial assemblies in educational organization. Muslim League opposed the song.
Q 34: What was Swaraj party? [4]
Ans: Party was formed by Hindu leaders like Moti Lal Nehru and C.R.Dass. They decided to be elected in councils in order to work for India's liberation from within. They sought greater self government and political freedom for the Indian people from the British raj. In 1923 election party won number of seats in councils.
Q 35: What was day of deliverance? [4]
Ans: Day of deliverance was celebrated by Muslim league on 22nd Dec 1939 following Congress resign from all provincial ministries. Congress rule adopted anti Muslim policies like Wardha educational scheme, Band-e-Matram as national song, a ban on Azan and cow slaughtering. As a result of Congress policies Hindu-Muslim relations were at lowest level.
SOURCE A: The Simon Commission 1927 The offer of the hand of friendship from Congress is more valuable than any concession which the British Government is willing to make. This public meeting of the citizens of Bombay firmly declares that the commission which has been announced is unacceptable to the people of India as it denies the right of the people of India to participate on equal terms in framing the future constitution of the country. It contains no Indian representation. Indians throughout the country should have nothing to do with the commission at any stage or in any form. We are not satisfied with the status of just being petitioners to this commission. From a speech made by Jinnah in Bombay in 1927, in reaction to the appointment of the Simon Commission.
Source Questions:
SOURCE A: The Simon Commission 1927 The offer of the hand of friendship from Congress is more valuable than any concession which the British Government is willing to make. This public meeting of the citizens of Bombay firmly declares that the commission which has been announced is unacceptable to the people of India as it denies the right of the people of India to participate on equal terms in framing the future constitution of the country. It contains no Indian representation. Indians throughout the country should have nothing to do with the commission at any stage or in any form. We are not satisfied with the status of just being petitioners to this commission. From a speech made by Jinnah in Bombay in 1927, in reaction to the appointment of the Simon Commission.
1 (a) According to Source A, why was there opposition to the Simon Commission of 1927? [3]
Reward each correct statement identified from the source with 1 mark, up to a maximum of 3.
Ans: • There was no Indian representation on the Commission • Value friendship with Congress more than British concession • People of India were not on equal terms with British in framing new
constitution. • Indians were not satisfied with being only petitioners.
SOURCE: B The Simon Commission 1927
Q1 (b): How does Source B help us to understand Indian concerns about the Simon Commission of 1927? [5]
Ans: Simon was not welcome in India / Indians felt strongly about his presence in India; we know this because the banner tells him that he was an uninvited guest and should go back to Britain He was very unpopular, and he and his fellow commission members were not welcome and should go back to Britain Simon was not welcome because there were no Indian representatives on the committee
SOURCE B The Round Table Conferences 1930–1932
b) What does Source B tell us about the negotiations during the Round Table Conferences between 1930 and 1932? [5]
Ans: • The driver of the car is John Bull who represents British interests at the negotiations. • The car is travelling over bumpy ground which represents the way that negotiations went during these years – difficult negotiations. • The Indian in the car who represents their negotiators wants to take control from the British who are reluctant to give up control. • It suggests that the British feared that progress towards change might happen too quickly, hence the reference to the brake on the car. • The source explains why the political leaders in India were reluctant to attend the Round Table Conferences because it shows that the decisions had already been made by the British, in the way that John Bull wants to keep control of the car.
By Sir Bilal Sarwar (03228659670)