Regarding the Poona Pact and reserved seats for Dalits, consider the following two statements and select the correct option.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Statement I is true but Statement II is false.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question deals with the Poona Pact of 1932, an important milestone in the history of Dalit representation and Indian constitutional development. The Pact emerged from a disagreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B R Ambedkar over separate electorates for the Depressed Classes. Statement type questions on this topic test both factual details such as the number of reserved seats, and broader understanding of Ambedkar's political role and activities after the agreement.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Statement I mentions that the Poona Pact provided for 151 reserved seats for the Scheduled Castes, to be elected by a joint electorate.
  • Statement II claims that Dr B R Ambedkar withdrew from active politics for almost a decade when the Communal Award was revoked.
  • We assume that the question follows the common exam convention that the number 151 represents reserved seats associated with the Pact.
  • We also consider Ambedkar's documented activities after 1932 when assessing his political engagement.


Concept / Approach:
The Poona Pact replaced the idea of separate electorates with reserved seats for the Depressed Classes in provincial legislatures, to be filled by a joint electorate with a system of primary elections among Dalit voters. The total number of seats associated with this arrangement is commonly given as 151 in many exam sources, so Statement I is treated as true in this context. Statement II, however, does not match historical facts. Ambedkar did not withdraw from politics for a decade; instead, he remained deeply involved in political and social movements, later becoming a key architect of the Constitution of India. Therefore, Statement I is true and Statement II is false.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the main features of the Poona Pact, which replaced separate electorates with reserved seats in a joint electorate for the Depressed Classes. Step 2: Note that exam literature often cites that around 151 reserved seats were provided under the Pact, aligning with Statement I. Step 3: Review Dr Ambedkar's political career after 1932, including his leadership of Dalit organizations, later ministerial roles, and work in the Constituent Assembly. Step 4: Recognize that he did not withdraw from active politics for a decade, making Statement II incorrect. Step 5: Conclude that Statement I is true while Statement II is false.


Verification / Alternative check:
Historical accounts of the Poona Pact detail that seats reserved for the Depressed Classes increased significantly compared to the Communal Award and would be filled by joint electorates. Ambedkar's biography shows continuous engagement in social reform, law, and politics from the 1930s through the 1950s. He formed political parties, contested elections, and later chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly. There is no extended period of withdrawal from politics after the revocation of the Communal Award, contradicting Statement II.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A assumes both statements are true and that the second explains the first, which is incorrect because Statement II is factually wrong. Option B again treats both statements as true, which conflicts with the historical record concerning Ambedkar's political activities. Option D states that Statement I is false and Statement II is true, which also reverses the correct evaluation. Only the option that accepts Statement I and rejects Statement II matches the established history used for examination purposes.


Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may be confused by varying figures for reserved seats in different sources, leading them to doubt Statement I. Another pitfall is insufficient familiarity with Ambedkar's long and active political career, which can cause some to accept the incorrect idea that he withdrew from politics. It is important to cross check both factual details and broader historical narratives when dealing with such statement based questions.


Final Answer:
Statement I is treated as true in the exam context, while Statement II is false, so the correct option is that Statement I is true but Statement II is false.

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion