First Round Table Conference 1930-31

The First Round Table Conference, held in London, England, from November 12, 1930, to January 19, 1931, marked a significant event in India’s struggle for independence. It was the first of three such conferences organized by the British government to discuss constitutional reforms in India. The conference was convened as a response to growing nationalist demands for self-rule and was part of Britain’s efforts to negotiate a political settlement. However, its success was limited due to the absence of the Indian National Congress (INC), the primary representative of Indian nationalism.

Check the chronology and also read:

• First Round Table Conference, 12 November 1930 to 19 January 1931
• Gandhi-Irwin Pact, 5 March 1931
• Second Round Table Conference, 7 September to 1 December 1931
• Third Round Table Conference, 17 November 1932 to 24 December 1932

Background and Context of the First Round Table Conference

The First Round Table Conference was a direct outcome of the Simon Commission (1927) and the subsequent Nehru Report (1928), both of which fueled demands for greater Indian self-governance. However, when the British government failed to agree to Indian demands for dominion status, the Congress launched the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930, led by Mahatma Gandhi. In response, the British arrested several leaders and imposed severe restrictions, making negotiations difficult.

To break the political deadlock, British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald convened the First Round Table Conference in London, aiming to include all Indian stakeholders except the Congress, which was actively engaged in its protest movement.

Participants in the Conference

Unlike the previous British efforts that largely involved discussions between officials, the First Round Table Conference included representatives from different political and communal groups:

• British Delegation: Led by Ramsay MacDonald, supported by key figures like Lord Irwin (Viceroy of India) and Winston Churchill.
• Indian Delegates: A total of 73 Indian representatives participated, categorized into the following groups:
  • Princes of Indian Princely States: Led by Maharaja of Bikaner, actively sought to maintain their autonomy.
  • Muslim League: Represented by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who advocated for Muslim rights.
  • Dalit Representation: Led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who raised concerns about untouchability and demanded separate electorates for Dalits.
  • Sikh, Anglo-Indian, and Other Communities: Various minority groups voiced their political concerns.
  • Hindu Mahasabha and Other Right-Wing Groups: Advocated for Hindu interests.

Notably Absent: The Indian National Congress (INC), which was the largest and most influential political party, boycotted the conference due to ongoing protests and its policy of non-cooperation.

Key Discussions and Proceedings

• Indian Self-Governance and Dominion Status: Some factions, including the Muslim League and princely states, were open to constitutional reforms but not necessarily full self-rule.
• Federal Structure Proposal: British authorities proposed a federation combining British India and princely states, which was later reflected in the Government of India Act, 1935.
• Minority Rights: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar strongly advocated for the rights of the depressed classes, demanding separate electorates.
• Representation of Princely States: The princely rulers were more inclined to cooperate with the British as they feared losing power in a democratic setup.

Failure and Outcomes of the First Round Table Conference

The conference failed to achieve substantial progress due to the following reasons:

• Absence of the Congress: The absence of the INC, which had mass support, made the discussions incomplete and ineffective.
• Lack of Consensus: The delegates had conflicting interests, with Muslims, Hindus, and other minority groups demanding different forms of representation.
• British Hesitation: The British government was unwilling to concede to Indian nationalist demands for immediate self-rule.

However, it did lay the groundwork for future constitutional discussions. The failure of the conference led to the British engaging in negotiations with the Congress, which resulted in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 1931) and paved the way for Gandhi’s participation in the Second Round Table Conference (1931).

Conclusion

The First Round Table Conference was an important yet largely ineffective attempt to resolve India’s constitutional crisis. It highlighted the growing communal divisions in India but also underscored the significance of the Indian National Congress in any meaningful negotiation. The conference, despite its shortcomings, was a crucial step in India’s journey towards self-rule, as it set the stage for subsequent political negotiations that ultimately led to India’s independence in 1947.

Historical Significance

From a scholarly perspective, the First Round Table Conference can be seen as a British attempt to delay genuine self-rule while maintaining imperial control. It demonstrated the increasing fragmentation of Indian politics, where different communities began asserting their independent demands. Most importantly, it proved that no constitutional discussion on India’s future could succeed without the participation of the Congress, which truly represented the Indian masses.

Thus, while the First Round Table Conference itself did not yield immediate results, it was a pivotal event in the broader timeline of India’s freedom movement.

Also read:

https://www5.open.ac.uk/research-projects/making-britain/content/round-table-conferences-1930-1932