Third Round Table Conference and the Aftermath of the Civil Disobedience Movement

The conclusion of the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1933 was a crucial moment in India’s fight for freedom. Gandhi’s tactical decision to pause was meant to maintain progress even with dwindling mass backing and increasing discontent among young people and farmers. This time also prepared for the Third Round Table Conference and later political changes.

End Analysis of the Civil Disobedience Movement 

Gandhi’s decision to suspend the civil disobedience movement was seen by some as a necessary step due to the limitations of mass movements and the exhaustion of people who actively participated in it. 

• It was not considered a retreat but a strategic move to preserve the movement’s momentum. 
• Disappointment of Youth: The youth, who had participated enthusiastically in the movement, were disappointed by its suspension. They had expected more dramatic and immediate results, leading to a sense of disillusionment. 
• Dissatisfaction of Peasant: Peasants were dissatisfied because their land restoration was not immediate. The process of restoring their lands occurred only during the Congress ministry’s rule in the province.  
• Despite the suspension, many people celebrated the government’s recognition of the movement’s significance and the pact signed with Gandhi. 
• The release of political prisoners was met with joy and they were hailed as heroes.

The Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) came to an end in 1933, with Gandhi acknowledging its failure and resigning from the Indian National Congress. He shifted his focus to the upliftment of Harijans (the term he used to refer to Dalits or untouchables).

Work of Gandhiji for Untouchability

Campaign Against Untouchabilit: Gandhi established the All India Anti-Untouchability League in September 1932 and started publishing the weekly newspaper Harijan in January 1933, even before his release from prison. 

• He embarked on Harijan tours between November 1933 and August 1934, actively engaging in efforts to uplift the marginalized and fight against untouchability. 
• Withdrawal from the Civil Disobedience Movement: After his final release from jail in April 1933, Gandhi personally decided to abstain from the Civil Disobedience Movement. 
• • The movement was temporarily suspended in June 1933 and was finally withdrawn in April 1934.
• Ineffectiveness of British Policies: While the policy of negotiations by Lord Irwin has not been successful in bringing about significant changes, the policy of ruthless suppression by Lord Willingdon has also not deterred the Indian people or diminished their faith in Congress. 

Impact of Movement

• Impact on Indian People: Although the movement did not achieve immediate independence and was temporarily crushed, it had a profound impact on the Indian people. 
  • Their determination to fight against British rule was further strengthened, and their faith in the legitimacy of British rule was completely shattered. 
• Movement laid Foundation: The movement laid the groundwork for future struggles for independence and brought about significant transformations in Indian society.

There were debates within the nationalist movement regarding future strategies. One perspective advocated for constructive work, constitutional debates, and participation in elections. Another perspective, represented by left-leaning leaders like Nehru, criticized these approaches and emphasized the need for the resumption of non-constitutional mass struggles, considering the ongoing economic crisis and the readiness of the masses to fight. 

Third Round Table Conference

The third Round Table Conference, taking place from November 17, 1932, to December 24, 1932, saw the notable absence of the Indian National Congress and Gandhi, with most other Indian leaders choosing to ignore it.

• Representatives from Indian States: It included Akbar Hydari (Dewan of Hyderabad), Mirza Ismail (Dewan of Mysore), V.T. Krishnamachari (Dewan of Baroda), Wajahat Hussain (Jammu and Kashmir), Sir Sukhdeo Prasad (Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur), J.A. Surve (Kolhapur), Raja Oudh Narain Bisarya (Bhopal), Manubhai Mehta (Bikaner), Nawab Liaqat Hayat Khan (Patiala), Fateh Naseeb Khan (Alwar State), L.F. Rushbrook Williams (Nawanagar), and Raja of Sarila (small states). 
• Other Indian representatives: It included Aga Khan III, B.R. Ambedkar, Ramakrishna Ranga Rao of Bobbili, Sir Hubert Carr, Nanak Chand Pandit, A.H. Ghuznavi, Henry Gidney, Hafiz Hidayat Hussain, Muhammad Iqbal, M.R. Jayakar, Cowasji Jehangir, N.M. Joshi, Narasimha Chintaman Kelkar, Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar, Begum Jahanara Shahnawaz, A.P. Patro, Tej Bahadur Sapru, Dr. Shafa’at Ahmad Khan, Sir Shadi Lal, Tara Singh Malhotra, Sir Nripendra Nath Sircar, Sir Purshottamdas Thakurdas, Muhammad Zafarullah Khan.

Similar to the two previous conferences, little was accomplished. The recommendations were published in a White Paper in March 1933 and subsequently debated in the British Parliament. A Joint Select Committee was established to analyze the recommendations and formulate a new Act for India. This committee produced a draft Bill in February 1935, which was enacted as the Government of India Act of 1935 in July 1935.

Conclusion

The Civil Disobedience Movement marked a pivotal shift in India’s struggle for independence. Gandhi’s strategic pause, though disappointing to some, preserved the movement’s essence and laid the foundation for future efforts. The Third Round Table Conference, though largely ineffective, ultimately contributed to the formulation of the Government of India Act of 1935, setting the stage for subsequent political developments in India’s journey toward freedom.

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