Prominent Personalities in Modern History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Modern History)

Explanation

Dr. Bhimrao Ramaji Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891. He started the Bahiskrit Bharat newspaper to address the cause of the depressed classes. In 1942, he was appointed to the Executive Council of the Viceroy as a Labour member, in 1946. At the same time he published his book, Who were Shudras? After Independence, in 1947, he was appointed as a Minister of Law and Justice in Nehru’s first cabinet.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Peasants and Workers Party of India was not founded by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It was established in 1947 by leaders like Keshavrao Jedhe and Shankarrao More in Maharashtra. The party primarily focused on the issues of peasants and workers but was not directly associated with Ambedkar or his political movements.

Statement 2 is correct: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar founded the All India Scheduled Castes Federation (AISCF) in 1942 to advocate for the rights and representation of Scheduled Castes (Dalits) in India. This party was established to address the social and political marginalization of Dalits and to ensure their participation in the democratic process.

Statement 3 is correct: Dr. Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour Party (ILP) in 1936. The party was established to address the issues of the working class, including laborers and peasants, with a focus on social justice and economic equality. The ILP was not limited to Dalits but sought to unite all oppressed sections of society, including workers and farmers against exploitation and inequality.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi undertook a fast unto death in 1932 primarily to oppose the Communal Award announced by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald. On August 16, 1932, Ramsay MacDonald announced the Communal Award which provided separate electorates for different communities, including Dalits (then termed Depressed Classes). This meant Dalits would vote separately from Hindus in elections, a move opposed by Gandhi as he believed it would divide Hindu society permanently. Mahatama Gandhi saw it as a British tactic of "divide and rule" to weaken the unity of Indians. In protest, he began a fast unto death on September 20, 1932, while in Yerwada Jail, Pune. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar eventually negotiated with Gandhi and agreed to the Poona Pact on September 24, 1932. The Poona Pact replaced separate electorates with reserved seats, ensuring fair representation of Dalits in the legislature while keeping the Hindu community intact.