RELEVANCE TO UPSC SYLLABUS: GS 1: HISTORY; PERSONALITIES; GS 2: SOCIETY: CASTE SYSTEM
THE CONTEXT
The caste survey released by the Bihar government has ignited a fresh debate on the caste-politics dynamics in India. The caste system has been a subject of intense political debate and reform efforts from the Colonial times. This article mentions how Ambedkar and Gandhi’s contrasting views paved way for caste reservation.
HISTORY OF CASTE RESERVATION
- From the British era to the Mandal versus Kamandal politics, caste has been central to the socio-political narrative of mainland India.
- Two prominent figures who have significantly contributed to this discourse are Mahatma Gandhi and Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Both Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar differed over how to address caste inequities through the electoral system. Their subsequent debates have shaped the course of Indian society and politics.
GANDHI’S VIEW
- While Gandhi denounced untouchability, he did not condemn the varna system which is a social hierarchy based on occupation for most of his life.
- He believed in reforming the caste system through the abolition of untouchability and by giving equal status to each occupation.
AMBEDKAR’S VIEW
- BR Ambedkar argued that the caste system disorganised and demoralised Hindu society, reducing it to a collection of castes.
- Ambedkar completely denounced the Vedas and scriptures, believing that the caste system and untouchability were manifestations of Hindu religious scriptures.
- He first articulated caste inequality in Indian society and worked for the “annihilation of caste”, believing that anything built on caste would inevitably create inequality.
DEMAND FOR SEPARATE ELECTORATE: GANDHI vs AMBEDKAR
- Their exchanges led to the Poona Pact of 1932, which shaped the reservation system in India’s electoral politics.
- In 1930s, alongside the fight for independence, issue raised of political representation and safeguard of Dalits.
- BR Ambedkar believed that a separate electoral process for Dalits was essential to ensure their political representation and protect their interests in legislative bodies.
- Gandhi, on the other hand, was totally opposed to the idea of a separate electoral process, fearing it would perpetuate divisions among Indians.
- In 1932, the British government formalized a separate electoral process for Muslims, Sikhs and Dalits in Round Table Conference to address the issue of representation for different religious and social groups in India.
- Under the proposed process, only members from particular communities would be eligible to vote and elect a representative to legislative assemblies.
- Gandhi started fast unto death in Yerwada Central Jail in Pune to pressurise the British for abandoning the idea of separate electorates.
- A committee including Sir Tejbahadur Sapru, MR Jayakar, Madan Mohan Malviya and Mathuradas Wasanji was formed to have negotiations with Ambedkar on Gandhi’s behalf.
- Gandhi’s unrelenting fast forced Ambedkar to bend and let go of his desire to have a separate electoral process for the depressed classes.
- The Poona Pact was finally signed on September 24, 1932. Madan Mohan Malaviya signed it on behalf of Hindus and Gandhi, and Ambedkar on behalf of the depressed classes.
- Instead of separate electorates, the pact introduced the concept of reserved seats for the Dalits in provincial and central legislative bodies. These reserved seats were to be filled through a joint electorate system, where all communities would vote together.
- The Poona Pact also stipulated that in constituencies reserved for Dalits, only Dalit candidates could contest. However, in other general constituencies, Dalit voters could choose to vote for candidates of their choice from any community.
AMBEDKAR’S PERSPECTIVE ON GANDHI AFTER POONA PACT
- Shortly after the signing of the Poona Pact, Ambedkar visited Gandhi on October 17, 1932, and urged him to end his civil disobedience and join the Round Table Conference.
- After signing the Poona Pact, Ambedkar felt that the Poona Pact did not go far enough in addressing the social and economic injustices faced by the Dalits and was a compromise.
- However, the Poona Pact marked a crucial turning point in Indian politics by rejecting separate electorates and introducing the concept of reserved seats, ensuring political representation for marginalized communities, particularly Dalits.
- This agreement laid the foundation for the development of India’s reservation system, which has since been expanded to include various communities to promote social justice and equality.
- The principles of the Poona Pact were later enshrined in the Government of India Act, 1935, and the Indian Constitution, which was adopted in 1950.
THE CONCLUSION
Despite their contrasting views on the caste system, both Gandhi and Ambedkar valued each other. Both leaders were united in their commitment to social justice and equality, and this left an indelible mark on Indian society and its electoral process.
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
- Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (2021)
- Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (2016)
MAINS PRACTICES QUESTIONS
- Gandhi and Ambedkar despite their differences developed an understanding to work for the betterment of the Depressed Classes. Discuss.
- How has Poona Pact shaped the electoral politics of the nation and laid foundation for the development of India’s social justice policies?
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