Understanding the Committee on the Communal Question in 1944

The question asks about a specific committee appointed in November 1944 to examine the communal question in India. This appointment happened after the breakdown of the Gandhi-Jinnah talks, which had aimed to resolve the communal problems between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League.

Context: Breakdown of Gandhi-Jinnah Talks

Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammad Ali Jinnah held talks in September 1944 to find a solution to the political deadlock, particularly concerning the issue of Partition and the demand for Pakistan. These talks were based on the C. Rajagopalachari formula. However, the talks ultimately failed, highlighting the deep differences and the unresolved communal problem.

The Non-party Conference and its Standing Committee

Following the failure of the Gandhi-Jinnah talks, prominent Indian liberals and moderates, who were not aligned with either the Congress or the Muslim League, felt the need for an independent initiative. The Standing Committee of the Non-party Conference took up this task.

Appointment of the Sapru Committee

In November 1944, the Standing Committee of the Non-party Conference appointed a committee to undertake a judicial examination of the communal question and suggest solutions. This committee was headed by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, a distinguished lawyer and liberal leader.

• Committee Head: Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru
• Appointed By: Standing Committee of the Non-party Conference
• Appointment Date: November 1944
• Purpose: To examine the communal question in a judicial framework and propose a solution.
• Context of Appointment: Followed the failure of the Gandhi-Jinnah talks.

This committee is widely known as the Sapru Committee.

Examining the Options

Let's look at the given options:

• Zakir Hussain Committee: This committee was related to basic education, formed much earlier (1937) by the Congress government. It is not related to the communal question in 1944.
• Balwantrai Mehta Committee: This committee is known for its recommendations on Panchayati Raj (democratic decentralization), appointed in 1957. It is not related to the communal question in 1944.
• Sapru Committee: As discussed, this committee was appointed in November 1944 by the Standing Committee of the Non-party Conference specifically to examine the communal question following the breakdown of the Gandhi-Jinnah talks. This matches the description in the question.
• Patel Committee: There have been various committees headed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on different matters, particularly during the Constituent Assembly period (like the Provincial Constitution Committee). However, none specifically match the description of a committee appointed in November 1944 by the Non-party Conference for the communal question in this specific context.

Based on the historical context and the details of the committees, the Sapru Committee is the correct answer.

Conclusion

The committee appointed in November 1944 by the Standing Committee of the Non-party conference to examine the communal question in a judicial framework following the breakdown of the Gandhi-Jinnah talks was the Sapru Committee.

Revision Table: Key Details on the Sapru Committee

Additional Information: Sapru Committee and its Significance

The Sapru Committee was an attempt by moderate leaders to break the political deadlock and offer an alternative constitutional framework, especially regarding the communal problem. The committee consisted of prominent individuals from various communities. They produced a report in 1945 which proposed a constitutional scheme for India. Key points of the Sapru Committee report included:

• Rejection of the demand for Pakistan as envisioned by the Muslim League.
• Proposals for joint electorates with reservation of seats for minorities.
• Establishment of a Constitution-making body.
• Formation of a National Government.

Although the Sapru Committee's recommendations were not ultimately implemented, its report provided a detailed examination of the constitutional and communal issues facing India at that time from the perspective of the liberal section of Indian leadership. It reflected an effort to find a middle ground and maintain the unity of India while addressing minority concerns, contrasting with the positions of the Congress and the Muslim League.