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Q74 (IAS/2025) History & Culture › National Movement (1857–1947) › Social reform movements Answer Verified

Subsequent to which one of the following events, Gandhiji, who consistently opposed untouchability and appealed for its eradication from all spheres, decided to include the upliftment of 'Harijans' in his political and social programme?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The correct answer is option A. Determined to counter the government's divide and rule policy, Gandhi launched a comprehensive campaign against untouchability—first from jail and then after his release in August 1933. While in jail, he established the All India Anti-Untouchability League in September 1932 and started the weekly Harijan in January 1933.[1] After his release, he conducted an extensive Harijan tour from November 1933 to July 1934, covering 20,000 km, collecting funds for the newly established Harijan Sevak Sangh, and propagating the removal of untouchability.[1] The Poona Pact was signed in September 1932, and it was immediately after this event that Gandhi intensified his focus on Harijan upliftment as a central part of his political and social programme. He even undertook two fasts in 1934 to convince his followers of the seriousness and importance of this cause.[2] The other events mentioned in the options occurred either before this intensive campaign began or after it was already well-established.

Sources
  1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 393
  2. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 394
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Q. Subsequent to which one of the following events, Gandhiji, who consistently opposed untouchability and appealed for its eradication from …
At a glance
Origin: Mixed / unclear origin Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 5/10 · 0/10
Statement 1
Did Mahatma Gandhi decide to include the upliftment of "Harijans" in his political and social programme subsequent to the Poona Pact (1932)?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 393
Presence: 5/5
“Determined to undo the divisive intentions of the government's divide and rule policy, Gandhi gave up all his other preoccupations and launched a whirlwind campaign against untouchability—first from jail and then, after his release in August 1933, from outside jail. While in jail, he set up the All India Anti-Untouchability League in September 1932 and started the weekly Harijan in January 1933. After his release, he shifted to the Satyagraha Ashram in Wardha as he had vowed in 1930 not to return to Sabarmati Ashram unless swaraj was won. Starting from Wardha, he conducted a Harijan tour of the country in the period from November 1933 to July 1934, covering 20,000 km, collecting money for his newly set up Harijan Sevak Sangh, and propagating removal of untouchability in all its forms.”
Why this source?
  • Records Gandhi setting up All India Anti-Untouchability League in September 1932 and launching the weekly Harijan (Jan 1933).
  • Describes a nationwide Harijan tour (Nov 1933–July 1934) and fundraising for Harijan organisations to propagate removal of untouchability.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 8: Socio-Religious Reform Movements: General Features > Direction of Social Reform > p. 201
Presence: 4/5
“His ideas were based on the grounds of humanism and reason. He argued that the Shastras did not sanction untouchability and, even if they did, they should be ignored since truth cannot be confined within the covers of a book. In 1932, he founded the All India Harijan Sangh. ● With increasing opportunities of education and general awakening, there were stirrings among the lower castes themselves. This awakening gradually developed into a powerful movement in defence of their rights and against upper caste oppression. In Maharashtra, Jyotiba Phule,”
Why this source?
  • Notes Gandhi founded the All India Harijan Sangh in 1932, indicating an organisational commitment to Harijan uplift.
  • Places the institutional step in the same year as Poona Pact, linking chronology and policy focus.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 394
Presence: 4/5
“and work for social, economic, political and cultural upliftment of the Harijans. He undertook two fasts—on May 8 and August 16, 1934—to convince his followers of the seriousness of his effort and the importance of the issue. These fasts created consternation in nationalist ranks throwing many into an emotional crisis. Throughout his campaign, Gandhi was attacked by orthodox and reactionary elements. These elements disrupted his meetings, held black flag demonstrations against him and accused him of attacking Hinduism. They also offered support to the government against the Congress and the Civil Disobedience Movement. The government obliged them by defeating the Temple Entry Bill in August 1934.”
Why this source?
  • Specifies Gandhi worked for social, economic, political and cultural upliftment of Harijans and undertook fasts in 1934 to press the issue.
  • Shows continued and active campaigning after 1932, including measures that provoked opposition and legislative responses.
Statement 2
Did Mahatma Gandhi decide to include the upliftment of "Harijans" in his political and social programme subsequent to the Gandhi–Irwin Agreement (Delhi Pact) (1931)?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 393
Presence: 5/5
“Determined to undo the divisive intentions of the government's divide and rule policy, Gandhi gave up all his other preoccupations and launched a whirlwind campaign against untouchability—first from jail and then, after his release in August 1933, from outside jail. While in jail, he set up the All India Anti-Untouchability League in September 1932 and started the weekly Harijan in January 1933. After his release, he shifted to the Satyagraha Ashram in Wardha as he had vowed in 1930 not to return to Sabarmati Ashram unless swaraj was won. Starting from Wardha, he conducted a Harijan tour of the country in the period from November 1933 to July 1934, covering 20,000 km, collecting money for his newly set up Harijan Sevak Sangh, and propagating removal of untouchability in all its forms.”
Why this source?
  • Describes Gandhi launching a sustained anti-untouchability campaign after his release, including founding the All India Anti-Untouchability League (Sept 1932) and starting the weekly Harijan (Jan 1933).
  • Records a nationwide Harijan tour (Nov 1933–July 1934), fundraising for Harijan Sevak Sangh and active propagation of removal of untouchability — concrete programme-level actions.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 394
Presence: 4/5
“and work for social, economic, political and cultural upliftment of the Harijans. He undertook two fasts—on May 8 and August 16, 1934—to convince his followers of the seriousness of his effort and the importance of the issue. These fasts created consternation in nationalist ranks throwing many into an emotional crisis. Throughout his campaign, Gandhi was attacked by orthodox and reactionary elements. These elements disrupted his meetings, held black flag demonstrations against him and accused him of attacking Hinduism. They also offered support to the government against the Congress and the Civil Disobedience Movement. The government obliged them by defeating the Temple Entry Bill in August 1934.”
Why this source?
  • Specifies Gandhi worked for social, economic, political and cultural upliftment of Harijans and undertook high-profile fasts in 1934 to press the issue.
  • Notes the political impact of these actions (creating controversy within nationalist ranks), confirming Harijan uplift was part of his public programme.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi-Irwin Pact > p. 379
Presence: 3/5
“On January 25, 1931, Gandhi and all other members of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) were released unconditionally. The CWC authorised Gandhi to initiate discussions with the viceroy. As a result of these discussions, a pact was signed between the viceroy, representing the British Indian Government, and Gandhi, representing the Indian people, in Delhi on February 14, 1931. This Delhi Pact, also known as the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, placed the Congress on an equal footing with the government.”
Why this source?
  • Provides the date and context of the Gandhi–Irwin Pact (Feb 14, 1931) and Gandhi's release (Jan 25, 1931), establishing a clear temporal marker before the documented Harijan initiatives.
  • Allows linking of the post-pact period to the subsequent Harijan-focused activities described in other items.
Statement 3
Did Mahatma Gandhi decide to include the upliftment of "Harijans" in his political and social programme subsequent to the arrest of the Congress leadership during the Quit India Movement (1942)?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 393
Strength: 5/5
“Determined to undo the divisive intentions of the government's divide and rule policy, Gandhi gave up all his other preoccupations and launched a whirlwind campaign against untouchability—first from jail and then, after his release in August 1933, from outside jail. While in jail, he set up the All India Anti-Untouchability League in September 1932 and started the weekly Harijan in January 1933. After his release, he shifted to the Satyagraha Ashram in Wardha as he had vowed in 1930 not to return to Sabarmati Ashram unless swaraj was won. Starting from Wardha, he conducted a Harijan tour of the country in the period from November 1933 to July 1934, covering 20,000 km, collecting money for his newly set up Harijan Sevak Sangh, and propagating removal of untouchability in all its forms.”
Why relevant

Describes Gandhi's Harijan campaign begun while he was in jail (1932) and continued after release (1933–34), showing he used periods of imprisonment to launch/social work.

How to extend

A student could note the pattern of using jail/periods of political setback to pursue Harijan work and check whether a similar decision occurred after the 1942 arrests.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 394
Strength: 4/5
“and work for social, economic, political and cultural upliftment of the Harijans. He undertook two fasts—on May 8 and August 16, 1934—to convince his followers of the seriousness of his effort and the importance of the issue. These fasts created consternation in nationalist ranks throwing many into an emotional crisis. Throughout his campaign, Gandhi was attacked by orthodox and reactionary elements. These elements disrupted his meetings, held black flag demonstrations against him and accused him of attacking Hinduism. They also offered support to the government against the Congress and the Civil Disobedience Movement. The government obliged them by defeating the Temple Entry Bill in August 1934.”
Why relevant

Gives concrete actions (fasts in 1934) Gandhi took to prioritise Harijan upliftment and shows he integrated social reform into his public programme.

How to extend

A student could infer that Gandhi had a precedent of elevating Harijan upliftment into public programmes and therefore look for analogous actions after August 1942.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 395
Strength: 4/5
“He believed that the removal of untouchability would have a positive impact on communal and other questions since opposition to untouchability meant opposing the notion of highness and lowness. He was opposed to using compulsion against the orthodox Hindus whom he called 'sanatanis'. They were to be won over by persuasion, by appealing to "their reason and their hearts". His fasts were aimed at inspiring friends and followers to redouble their work to abolish untouchability. Gandhi's Harijan campaign included a programme of internal reform by Harijans covering education, cleanliness, hygiene, giving up eating of beef and carrion and consumption of liquor, and removing untouchability among themselves.”
Why relevant

Explains the content and aims of Gandhi's Harijan campaign (internal reforms, persuasion of orthodox Hindus) indicating the sort of programme he would add to political activity.

How to extend

One could use this to identify what 'including Harijan upliftment in his programme' would look like (e.g., fasts, tours, organisational work) and then search records from the 1942–43 period for such measures.

History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 7: Last Phase of Indian National Movement > Quit India > p. 87
Strength: 4/5
“The colonial government did not wait. All the leaders of the Indian National Congress, including Gandhi, were arrested early in the morning on August 9, 1942. The Indian people too did not wait. The immediate response to the pre-dawn arrests was hartals in almost all the towns where the people clashed, often violently, with the police. Industrial workers across India went on strike. The Tata Steel Plant in Jamshedpur closed down by the striking workers for 13 days beginning August 20.”
Why relevant

States that all Congress leaders including Gandhi were arrested on August 9, 1942, establishing the specific political disruption referenced in the statement.

How to extend

A student can pair this date of arrest with Gandhi's known pattern of initiating social campaigns during/after imprisonments to test whether Harijan work was resumed or emphasised post-arrest.

THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART III, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: MAHATMA GANDHI AND THE NATIONALIST MOVEMENT > 3. The Salt Satyagraha A Case Study > p. 295
Strength: 3/5
“For several years after the Non-cooperation Movement ended, Mahatma Gandhi focused on his social reform work. In 1928, however, he began to think of re-entering politics. That year there was an all-India campaign in opposition to the all-White Simon Commission, sent from England to enquire into conditions in the colony. Gandhiji did not himself participate in this movement, although he gave it his blessings, as he also did to a peasant satyagraha in Bardoli in the same year. In the end of December 1929, the Congress held its annual session in the city of Lahore. The meeting was significant for two things: the election of Jawaharlal Nehru as President, signifying the passing of the baton of leadership to the younger generation; and the proclamation of commitment to "Purna Swaraj", or complete independence.”
Why relevant

Notes Gandhi shifted between social reform and re-entry into politics (focused on social reform for several years, then re-entered politics in 1928), showing a recurring pattern of alternating emphases.

How to extend

Using this alternation as a rule, a student could examine the post-1942 period to see whether Gandhi again emphasized social reform (specifically Harijan upliftment) after the political rupture.

Statement 4
Did Mahatma Gandhi decide to include the upliftment of "Harijans" in his political and social programme subsequent to the promulgation of the Government of India Act, 1935?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 393
Strength: 5/5
“Determined to undo the divisive intentions of the government's divide and rule policy, Gandhi gave up all his other preoccupations and launched a whirlwind campaign against untouchability—first from jail and then, after his release in August 1933, from outside jail. While in jail, he set up the All India Anti-Untouchability League in September 1932 and started the weekly Harijan in January 1933. After his release, he shifted to the Satyagraha Ashram in Wardha as he had vowed in 1930 not to return to Sabarmati Ashram unless swaraj was won. Starting from Wardha, he conducted a Harijan tour of the country in the period from November 1933 to July 1934, covering 20,000 km, collecting money for his newly set up Harijan Sevak Sangh, and propagating removal of untouchability in all its forms.”
Why relevant

Gives specific dates showing Gandhi launched an anti-untouchability campaign from jail (Sept 1932) and conducted a Harijan tour Nov 1933–July 1934, indicating the campaign was active before 1935.

How to extend

A student could compare these dates with the 1935 Act's promulgation date to infer the decision predated the Act.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 394
Strength: 5/5
“and work for social, economic, political and cultural upliftment of the Harijans. He undertook two fasts—on May 8 and August 16, 1934—to convince his followers of the seriousness of his effort and the importance of the issue. These fasts created consternation in nationalist ranks throwing many into an emotional crisis. Throughout his campaign, Gandhi was attacked by orthodox and reactionary elements. These elements disrupted his meetings, held black flag demonstrations against him and accused him of attacking Hinduism. They also offered support to the government against the Congress and the Civil Disobedience Movement. The government obliged them by defeating the Temple Entry Bill in August 1934.”
Why relevant

Records Gandhi undertaking two fasts in May and August 1934 to emphasise his Harijan effort, showing active commitment prior to 1935.

How to extend

Use these 1934 actions as evidence that the inclusion of Harijan upliftment in his programme occurred before 1935.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 395
Strength: 4/5
“He believed that the removal of untouchability would have a positive impact on communal and other questions since opposition to untouchability meant opposing the notion of highness and lowness. He was opposed to using compulsion against the orthodox Hindus whom he called 'sanatanis'. They were to be won over by persuasion, by appealing to "their reason and their hearts". His fasts were aimed at inspiring friends and followers to redouble their work to abolish untouchability. Gandhi's Harijan campaign included a programme of internal reform by Harijans covering education, cleanliness, hygiene, giving up eating of beef and carrion and consumption of liquor, and removing untouchability among themselves.”
Why relevant

Describes the content and aims of Gandhi's Harijan campaign (education, hygiene, internal reform), confirming it was an organized programme rather than a later add-on.

How to extend

Treat this as proof of an established programme by mid-1934 and contrast with the 1935 Act timeline to test the statement.

THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART III, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: MAHATMA GANDHI AND THE NATIONALIST MOVEMENT > Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement Civil Disobedience and Beyond > p. 301
Strength: 4/5
“Fig. 11.9 At the Second Round Table Conference, London, November 1931 Mahatma Gandhi opposed the demand for separate electorates for "lower castes". He believed that this would prevent their integration into mainstream society and permanently segregate them from other caste Hindus. letter to his sister, Willingdon wrote: "It's a beautiful world if it wasn't for Gandhi ... At the bottom of every move he makes which he always says is inspired by God, one discovers the political manouevre. I see the American Press is saying what a wonderful man he is ... But the fact is that we live in the midst of very unpractical, mystical, and superstitious folk who look upon Gandhi as something holy, ..." In 1935, however, a new Government of India Act promised some form of representative government.”
Why relevant

Notes that a new Government of India Act was passed in 1935 promising representative government—provides the chronological anchor (1935) to compare with Gandhi's Harijan activities.

How to extend

A student can align the Act's 1935 date with the campaign dates in snippets 1 and 3 to judge whether Gandhi's decision came after the Act.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 8: Socio-Religious Reform Movements: General Features > Direction of Social Reform > p. 201
Strength: 3/5
“The national leaders and organisations opposed caste privileges, fought for equal civic rights and free development of the individual. The caste divisions were diluted, although in a limited manner, because of mass participation in demonstrations, meetings and satyagraha struggles. The Congress governments in various provinces after 1937 did some useful work for the upliftment of the depressed classes; for instance, free education for Harijans ('untouchables') was introduced in some provinces. The rulers of states like Travancore, Indore and Devas took the initiative in opening all state temples by proclamation. Gandhi always had in mind the objective of eradicating untouchability by root and branch.”
Why relevant

States Congress provincial governments after 1937 undertook Harijan upliftment measures, indicating broader political action on the issue followed in the post-Act period.

How to extend

Use this pattern to distinguish Gandhi's earlier personal campaign (1932–34) from later institutional/state-level measures after the 1935 Act and 1937 provincial elections.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC loves 'Turning Points' in a personality's trajectory. They often ask what triggered a specific shift in ideology or strategy (e.g., Why did Gandhi withdraw NCM? Why did he start the Harijan tour?). Map the 'Trigger Event' to the 'New Programme'.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Directly covered in Spectrum (Chapter 19) and NCERT Themes III. If you missed this, your chronology of the 1930s is weak.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Constructive Phase' of the National Movement. Understanding that Gandhi used periods of political lull (post-Poona Pact) to build social infrastructure.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the specific outcomes of this shift: 1) Founding of All India Anti-Untouchability League (Sept 1932), later Harijan Sevak Sangh (First President: G.D. Birla). 2) Journals launched: 'Harijan' (English), 'Harijan Bandhu' (Gujarati), 'Harijan Sevak' (Hindi). 3) The 'Harijan Tour' (1933–34) covering 12,500 miles. 4) The defeat of the Temple Entry Bill (1934).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not view history as a flat list of dates. View it as 'Action vs. Reaction'. The Communal Award was the Action; the Poona Pact was the Reaction; the Harijan Campaign was the Consolidation. Always ask: 'What did the leader do immediately after a major pact?'
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Poona Pact (1932): end of separate electorates and reserved seats
💡 The insight

The Poona Pact abolished separate electorates for depressed classes and increased reserved seats, creating the political context that preceded Gandhi's intensified Harijan programme.

High-yield for polity and modern history: explains a key constitutional/concessional settlement between Gandhi and Ambedkar, links to debates on communal representation and integration, and appears in questions on constitutional reforms and social policy outcomes.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Poona Pact > p. 392
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Ideological Differences and Similarities between Gandhi and Ambedkar > p. 400
🔗 Anchor: "Did Mahatma Gandhi decide to include the upliftment of "Harijans" in his politic..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Gandhi's institutional campaign for Harijan uplift
💡 The insight

Gandhi created organisations (All India Harijan Sangh/Anti-Untouchability League), a weekly (Harijan), and conducted a nationwide Harijan tour to promote removal of untouchability after 1932.

Useful for answering questions on social reform strategies and leaders' methods: connects to organisational history, movements for social change, and how political leaders combine mass mobilisation with institution-building.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 393
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 8: Socio-Religious Reform Movements: General Features > Direction of Social Reform > p. 201
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 394
🔗 Anchor: "Did Mahatma Gandhi decide to include the upliftment of "Harijans" in his politic..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Fasting as political and moral leverage
💡 The insight

Gandhi used fasts (including his Sept 1932 fast and later fasts in 1934) to generate pressure and moral persuasion around Harijan issues and related political concessions.

Helps explain non-violent tactics in political strategy topics: shows the interplay of moral tactics and policy outcomes, useful for questions on methods of political negotiation and leadership style.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Ideological Differences and Similarities between Gandhi and Ambedkar > p. 400
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 394
🔗 Anchor: "Did Mahatma Gandhi decide to include the upliftment of "Harijans" in his politic..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Gandhi–Irwin Pact (Delhi Pact) as a temporal turning point
💡 The insight

The pact and Gandhi's release in early 1931 provide the chronological baseline after which he launched organised Harijan work.

High-yield for chronology questions: links negotiation/pact outcomes to shifts in Gandhian activity. Helps answer questions about cause-effect between political settlements and subsequent social programmes. Connects to broader themes of how tactical compromises shaped later strategies.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi-Irwin Pact > p. 379
  • THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART III, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: MAHATMA GANDHI AND THE NATIONALIST MOVEMENT > 3.2 Dialogues > p. 300
🔗 Anchor: "Did Mahatma Gandhi decide to include the upliftment of "Harijans" in his politic..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Gandhi's Harijan campaign: institutions, publications and tours
💡 The insight

Gandhi created organisations and media (All India Anti-Untouchability League, Harijan weekly, Harijan Sevak Sangh) and conducted nationwide tours to promote Harijan uplift.

Essential for questions on Gandhian social reform methods and timeline; clarifies concrete initiatives versus rhetorical commitments. Links to topics on social reform, organisation-building, and mobilisation tactics.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 393
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 394
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 395
🔗 Anchor: "Did Mahatma Gandhi decide to include the upliftment of "Harijans" in his politic..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Use of moral persuasion and self-imposed sanctions in Gandhian reform
💡 The insight

Gandhi relied on persuasion of orthodox groups and personal fasts rather than coercion to advance Harijan uplift and reform social behaviour.

Useful for analysing Gandhian methods across political and social realms; helps distinguish non-coercive tactics (fasts, appeals to conscience) from legislative or state-led reforms. Enables essay and source-analysis answers on means and ethics of social change.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 395
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 394
🔗 Anchor: "Did Mahatma Gandhi decide to include the upliftment of "Harijans" in his politic..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Gandhi's Harijan Campaign (1932–34): aims and methods
💡 The insight

Gandhi launched a focused campaign against untouchability in the early 1930s using Harijan Sevak Sangh, the weekly Harijan, nationwide tours and fasts.

High-yield for chronology and motive questions: distinguishing Gandhi's social-reform initiatives from his later political actions prevents incorrect causal attributions. Connects to caste reform, communal politics and methods of satyagraha used beyond pure political agitation.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 393
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 394
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 395
🔗 Anchor: "Did Mahatma Gandhi decide to include the upliftment of "Harijans" in his politic..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Next Logical Question' is on the specific journals or key associates. Fact: The 'All India Anti-Untouchability League' was founded in Sept 1932, and Ghanshyam Das Birla was its founding president, not Gandhi (who was in jail). Amritlal Takkar (Thakkar Bapa) was the Secretary.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use 'Keyword Chronology'. The term 'Harijan' was popularized by Gandhi specifically to counter the British narrative of 'Depressed Classes' during the Communal Award controversy (1932).
- Quit India (1942) is too late.
- Gandhi-Irwin (1931) was about Salt/Satyagraha.
- The 'Harijan' issue peaked with the threat of separate electorates. Thus, the Poona Pact (1932) is the only logical trigger.

🔗 Mains Connection

Connects to GS-2 (Social Justice & Constitution): The Poona Pact (1932) is the genesis of 'Political Reservation' (Article 330/332) in India, shifting the debate from 'Separate Electorates' to 'Joint Electorates with Reservation'. This moment defined the structure of affirmative action in the Indian Constitution.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2020 · Q77 Relevance score: -2.50

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following ? 1. Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference 2. Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement 3. Acceptance of Gandhiji's suggestion for enquiry into police excesses 4. Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence Select the correct answer using the code given below :

NDA-I · 2014 · Q24 Relevance score: -2.54

Gandhiji's 'Harijan Campaign' sought to 1. attack caste system as a whole 2. open wells, roads, temples, etc., to Harijans 3. encourage social work among Harijans Select the correct answer using the code given below:

CAPF · 2008 · Q61 Relevance score: -2.95

With reference to Indian freedom struggle which one among the following events occurred earliest ?

CDS-II · 2011 · Q66 Relevance score: -3.05

Gandhiji led the Indian nationalist movement from the front and his leadership was motivated by a wider philosophy he nurtured throughout the course of the movement. Which one among the following was a continuous movement based on this philosophy, and not a specific movement ?