1931-36. 2001. The Encyclopedia of World History

The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001.


1931–36

Earl of Willingdon, viceroy, whose unwillingness to negotiate led Gandhi to resume civil disobedience soon after his return to India (Dec. 28).	1

1932, Jan. 4

Gandhi was again arrested, the congress was declared illegal, and repressive measures were instituted to crush the nonviolent demonstrations that followed.	2

Aug. 16

The round-table conference having failed to settle the question of minority representation under a new constitution, Prime Minister MacDonald announced the communal award, retaining the principle of separate communal electorates and extending it to embrace the depressed classes (Untouchables). Gandhi, in prison, condemned the latter provision and embarked on a “fast unto death” (Sept. 20–26), ended when he and the Untouchable leader B. R. Ambedkar agreed on the Poona Pact, giving the depressed classes a larger number of representatives, chosen by themselves in a primary election but elected by the general Hindu electorate. Gandhi's fast, and a second one (May 8–29, 1933), did much to arouse public sentiment against caste restrictions.	3

Nov. 15–Dec. 24

Third round-table conference confined to minor matters.	4


The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.