Poona Pact 1932

Introduction of Puna Pact

The Poona Pact signed between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a deal made on September 24, 1932, between representing Dalits, depressed classes, and upper caste Hindu leaders. This agreement was all about setting aside certain seats for depressed classes in the British India legislature. It was signed in Yerwada Central Jail in Poona, India, and it gave more representation in government to low-caste Hindu groups. This marked the beginning of the fight against “untouchability” in the Indian nationalist movement.

The Poona Pact ensured that there were reserved seats for depressed classes in both central and provincial legislative councils, and these seats would be chosen by the general public. More seats were allocated for the depressed class, a shared voting system was agreed upon, and the idea of a separate voting system was dropped.

Poona Pact Text

The Poona Pact was an agreement made in 1932. It focused on two main things:

1. Reserved Seats for Depressed Classes: The Poona Pact said that a certain number of seats in provincial legislatures should be set aside for the Depressed Classes. This was different from the British government’s original idea of separate electorates.
2. Voting System: Instead of separate electorates, the Poona Pact allowed the Depressed Classes to vote in the general elections. This meant that even though some seats were reserved for them, anyone in a constituency could vote for those seats. This way, the Depressed Classes became a part of the broader political process.

Poona Pact Date

The Poona Pact was signed on September 24, 1932. This pact was a significant milestone in the fight for the rights of the depressed classes in India, as it led to the reservation of electoral seats for these groups in the legislature of British India.

Also Check: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Features of Poona Pact

The Poona Pact, signed on September 24, 1932, was an important agreement, Poona Pact was signed between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi in British India. This agreement focused on giving reserved seats in the government to the depressed classes, who later became known as Scheduled Castes. Here are the main points of the Poona Pact:

1. Reserved Seats: The Poona Pact made sure that there were special seats set aside for the depressed classes in the central and provincial legislative councils. These seats were to be chosen by the general public through voting.
2. Increased Representation: More seats were allocated for the depressed classes, which meant they had a better chance of being represented in the government.
3. Joint Electorate: Instead of having separate elections for the depressed classes, the Poona Pact introduced the idea of a joint electorate. This change was made to ensure that the depressed classes continued to be a part of the Hindu majority.
4. Ending Gandhi’s Fast: The Poona Pact put an end to Mahatma Gandhi’s hunger strike, which he had started in jail to protest against British rule in India.

The Poona Pact was a significant moment in the struggle for the rights of the depressed classes in India and played a crucial role in the movement against “untouchability” within the Indian nationalist movement.

Historical Background of Poona Pact

The Poona Pact is closely connected to India’s history when it was under British rule and the fight for freedom. To understand it better, we need to consider a few important things:

1. British Rule and the Communal Award: The British rulers in India used a strategy called “divide and rule” to control the different social groups in the country. In 1932, the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald introduced something called the Communal Award. This was a proposal that suggested giving separate voting rights to various communities in India, like Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Anglo-Indians, and the Depressed Classes. Separate voting rights meant that each of these groups could choose their own representatives without being influenced by others.
2. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Support: Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, a prominent leader and social reformer from the Dalit community, initially liked the idea of separate voting rights for the Depressed Classes. He believed it would help Dalits, who were facing a lot of discrimination and mistreatment in Hindu society, by ensuring they had a direct voice in the government.
3. Gandhi’s Disagreement and Hunger Strike: Mahatma Gandhi, a key leader in the Indian independence movement, strongly disagreed with the idea of separate voting rights for the Depressed Classes. He thought it would divide the Hindu community and make it harder for them to unite against British rule. Gandhi was so upset about this that he started a hunger strike in Yerwada Jail.
4. Negotiations and the Poona Pact: Because Gandhi’s life was at risk due to his hunger strike, urgent talks took place between Dr. Ambedkar and Gandhi’s supporters. This led to the Poona Pact, named after the city where it was made. The pact replaced separate voting rights with reserved seats for the Depressed Classes within the general voting system. This compromise gave more representation to the Depressed Classes in the local governments while still keeping them part of the larger Hindu group.
5. Impact on India: The Poona Pact was a significant moment in India’s history, especially for social change. It brought the issues of caste discrimination and the rights of Dalits to the forefront of the national conversation. While it was seen as progress for marginalized communities, it also showed how deeply divided Indian society was and how hard it can be to balance fairness and unity in politics.

FAQs on Poona Pact

Who Drafted Poona Pact?

The Poona Pact was drafted through negotiations primarily between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and leaders of the Indian National Congress, including significant involvement from Mahatma Gandhi.

What was the Role of Gandhi in Poona Pact?

In the Poona Pact, Gandhi played a critical role by opposing separate electorates for the Depressed Classes, fearing it would divide Hindu society. His fast-unto-death significantly influenced the negotiations leading to the pact.

What were the Two Conditions of Poona Pact?

The Poona Pact's two main conditions were increased representation of the Depressed Classes in the provincial legislatures and the allocation of reserved seats for them within the general electorate.

What did Gandhi do to Remove Untouchability?

Gandhi worked to remove untouchability by advocating against caste discrimination, promoting inclusivity in social and religious spaces, and encouraging societal reforms to eradicate caste-based inequalities.

Who Signed Poona Pact Instead of Gandhi?

The Poona Pact was signed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on behalf of the Depressed Classes and Madan Mohan Malaviya, along with other Congress leaders, instead of Gandhi.

Which War was the Treaty of Poona Fought in?

The Treaty of Poona is associated with the Maratha Wars, particularly the Second Anglo-Maratha War. It was a significant event in the early 19th century, marking the conclusion of a conflict between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire.