In which of the following years was the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh founded?
1932
The question asks about the founding year of the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh. This organization played a significant role in the movement for the welfare of the untouchables in India.
Understanding the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh
The All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh, also known as the Depressed Classes League, was founded by Mahatma Gandhi.
- It was established with the primary objective of working for the upliftment of the Harijans, the term Gandhi used for Dalits (previously known as untouchables).
- The organization aimed to eradicate untouchability and promote social equality.
- It focused on various welfare activities like providing access to education, wells, and temples, and raising awareness against social discrimination.
Circumstances of Foundation
The establishment of the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh was closely linked to the events surrounding the Second Round Table Conference and the Communal Award of 1932.
- The Communal Award proposed separate electorates for the depressed classes, which Gandhi opposed as he believed it would permanently segregate them from the rest of the Hindu community.
- Gandhi undertook a fast unto death in protest against the separate electorates for Harijans.
- This led to the Poona Pact in September 1932 between Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar. The pact abolished separate electorates but increased the number of reserved seats for depressed classes in the legislature.
- Following the Poona Pact, Gandhi intensified his campaign against untouchability and founded the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh to carry forward this work.
Determining the Founding Year
Based on the historical context and the events following the Poona Pact, the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh was founded in 1932.
| Key Event | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Communal Award | 1932 | Proposed separate electorates for depressed classes. |
| Gandhi's Fast | 1932 | Protest against separate electorates. |
| Poona Pact | 1932 | Agreement on reserved seats for depressed classes, replacing separate electorates. |
| Foundation of All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh | 1932 | Formed to work for the upliftment of Harijans and eradicate untouchability. |
Therefore, the correct year for the foundation of the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh is 1932.
Revision Table: All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh |
| Founder | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Year of Foundation | 1932 |
| Main Objective | Eradication of untouchability and upliftment of Harijans (Dalits). |
| Context | Post-Poona Pact, part of anti-untouchability movement. |
Additional Information: Anti-Untouchability Movement
The movement against untouchability was a crucial part of India's social reform efforts and the freedom struggle. Key points include:
- Many reformers, besides Gandhi, like B.R. Ambedkar, actively worked for the rights and dignity of the depressed classes.
- Ambedkar advocated for political rights and representation, initially supporting separate electorates to ensure their voice was heard.
- Gandhi's approach focused on changing the hearts and minds of upper-caste Hindus and integrating Harijans into mainstream society through social reform and welfare activities.
- The term 'Harijan' (meaning 'Children of God') was popularised by Gandhi, though later criticized by some as paternalistic. The term 'Dalit' is preferred by many today.
- The Indian Constitution later included provisions to abolish untouchability and protect the rights of Scheduled Castes (formerly depressed classes).
Important Questions from Growth of Political Ideas and Political Organisations upto 1885
- Arrange the establishment of the following in a chronological order (starting with the earliest) :
1. The East India Association
2. The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha
3. The Madras Mahajan Sabha
4. The Bombay Presidency Association
Select the correct answer using the code given below : - In 1866, who organised the East India Association in London to discuss the Indian question and to influence British public officials to promote Indian welfare?
The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was established by M. G. Ranade and G. V. Joshi on:
Govind Babaji Joshi was a remarkable social worker in the second half of 19 th century Maharashtra. He established _____ which had in 1862 pioneered a Co-operative Credit Society.
________ founded the Prarthana Samaj.
