http://ncert.nic.in/textbook/textbook.htm?jess3=2-5 LIMITS OF CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE MOVEMENT
IN THIS MODULE :
1. Dalits and the CDM
i- Mahatma Gandhi and Dalits
ii- Dr. Ambedkar and Dalits
iii-The Poona Pact
2. Muslim Political Organisations and the CDM
- DALITS
Who were the Dalits ?
● The nations ‘untouchables’ called themselves dalit or oppressed, from around the 1930’s. ● ‘Dalit’ - the term was popularised by Dr. Ambedkar. ● Gandhiji called them Harijans . GANDHIJI CONDEMNS UNTOUCHABILITY
Gandhiji tried to eliminate untouchability by :
● Calling the ‘untouchables’ harijan, or children of God. ● Organizing Satyagraha : i to secure them entry into temples ii access to public wells, tanks, roads and schools.
● Cleaning toilets himself to dignify the work of the sweepers.
● Persuading the upper castes to give up ‘ the sin of
untouchability’. GANDHIJI CLEANING HIS SURROUNDINGS GANDHIJI ASKING PEOPLE TO GIVE UP UNTOUCHABILITY DALITS FIND POLITICAL SOLUTION
The Dalit leaders try to solve the problems of the community:
i-Organized themselves & demanded ii- Reserved seats in educational institutions iii- A seperate electorate . iv-Political empowerment . Dalit participation in the CDM was therefore limited GANDHIJI & DR.AMBEDKAR - CLASH
● Ambedkar demanded separate electorates for dalits at 2nd RTC.
● Gandhiji upset with Ambedkar’s demand, begins
fast unto death.
● He believed that it would slow down the process
of their integration into the society. THE POONA PACT
● Agreement between Ambedkar and Gandhiji- Sept 1932
According to the Pact :
● It gave the depressed classes reserved seats in provincial and central legislative councils. ● To be voted in by general electorate. DR. AMBEDKAR MEETS GANDHIJI AT YERWADA JAIL MUSLIM POLITICAL ORGANISATION & CDM
Lukewarm in their response to CDM:
● Muslims felt alienated from the Congress. ● The congress associated with Hindu- religious nationalist groups. ● Relations worsened b/w Hindus & Muslims. ● Communities organized religious processions- provoked clashes and riots in various cities. ● Distance between them deepened ALL INDIA MUSLIM LEAGUE EFFORTS TO COMPROMISE 1.Congress and Muslim League - efforts to re-negotiate an alliance.
2. Differences - on question of representation in the assemblies.
3. Jinnah, willing to give up demand for separate electorates- i. Wanted reserved seats in the Central Assembly ii.Representation in the Muslim-dominated provinces .
4. Negotiations for representation continued.
5. In 1928 - All Parties Conference held. M.R. Jayakar of Hindu Mahasabha
strongly opposed any compromise. FEAR AND DISTRUST
· Muslims could not respond to the call for a united struggle.
● Atmosphere of suspicion and distrust between the two communities · ● Muslim leaders - concerned about status of Muslim. ● Feared the domination of their culture and identity