Which of the following statements about the resolution adopted in the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress with regard to fundamental rights and economic policy is/are correct? 1. It was opposed by Ambalal Sarabhai. 2. Its 20 points included demands for civil liberties and adult suffrage. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
2 only
Analyzing the Karachi Session Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy
The question asks about the resolution adopted during the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress in 1931 concerning fundamental rights and economic policy. This session is a landmark event in India's independence movement as it outlined the vision of independent India regarding civil liberties, political structure, and economic justice.
Understanding the Karachi Session 1931
The Indian National Congress held its session in Karachi in March 1931. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel presided over this session. This session ratified the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and adopted two significant resolutions: one on Fundamental Rights and another on National Economic Programme. These resolutions were primarily drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru and represented a significant shift in the Congress's focus, moving beyond political independence to include socio-economic goals.
Examining Statement 1: Opposition by Ambalal Sarabhai
Statement 1 claims that the resolution was opposed by Ambalal Sarabhai. Ambalal Sarabhai was a prominent industrialist and philanthropist who had connections with Mahatma Gandhi. While there might have been opposition or reservations from various quarters, particularly industrialists regarding the economic policy aspects of the resolution, historical accounts do not prominently highlight Ambalal Sarabhai's specific and significant opposition to the *entire* resolution on fundamental rights and economic policy as a defining point related to its adoption. The resolution represented a broad consensus within the Congress leadership and was adopted by the session. Without specific historical evidence detailing Ambalal Sarabhai's notable opposition that impacted the resolution's passage or is a widely recognized fact about it, this statement appears questionable.
Examining Statement 2: 20 Points including Civil Liberties and Adult Suffrage
Statement 2 states that the resolution's 20 points included demands for civil liberties and adult suffrage. The Karachi Resolution on Fundamental Rights was comprehensive. It listed several fundamental rights that should be guaranteed in independent India. These included:
- Freedom of speech and expression
- Freedom of assembly and association
- Freedom of religion
- Protection of culture, language, and script
- Equality before the law
Furthermore, the resolution advocated for a democratic political structure based on adult suffrage. While the resolution is sometimes summarized into fewer points, the total number of demands listed across both fundamental rights and economic policy sections was substantial, often cited as being around 15 to 20 points, depending on how they are categorized and counted. The inclusion of civil liberties and adult suffrage as key demands is historically accurate and a well-documented aspect of the Karachi Resolution.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis:
- Statement 1, claiming opposition by Ambalal Sarabhai, is not a widely accepted or significant historical fact directly linked to the adoption of the resolution.
- Statement 2, mentioning 20 points including civil liberties and adult suffrage, accurately reflects the content and scope of the Karachi Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy.
Therefore, only Statement 2 is correct.
| Statement | Assessment | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Opposed by Ambalal Sarabhai | Incorrect/Unsubstantiated | No prominent historical evidence suggests significant opposition from Ambalal Sarabhai specifically to the adoption of the entire resolution. |
| 2. 20 points included civil liberties and adult suffrage | Correct | The resolution included these key demands, and its comprehensive nature encompassed a significant number of points (often cited around 15-20). |
Revision Table: Key Aspects of Karachi Session 1931 Resolution
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Session President | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel |
| Key Resolutions Adopted | Fundamental Rights, National Economic Programme |
| Primary Drafter | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Fundamental Rights included | Civil Liberties (speech, assembly, association, etc.), equality, freedom of religion, etc. |
| Political Goal | Adult Suffrage |
| Economic Policy goals | Minimum wage, union rights, state ownership of key industries, protection for peasants, etc. |
| Significance | Outlined socio-economic vision for independent India, foundational document for future policies. |
Additional Information: Impact of Karachi Resolution on Fundamental Rights
The Karachi Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy is considered a precursor to the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution of India. It was the first time the Congress explicitly defined what Swaraj (self-rule) would mean for the common people in terms of their rights and the state's responsibility towards their welfare. The demands for civil liberties were a direct response to the repressive measures of the British government. The economic clauses reflected a growing awareness within the Congress of the need for social justice and economic equality, advocating for policies that would benefit peasants and workers and reduce economic disparity. While not all points were implemented exactly as proposed, the spirit and many of the specific demands heavily influenced the vision of independent India's governance and welfare state.
Important Questions from Important Historical Data
Mahatma Gandhi's Hind Swaraj is essentially
Consider the following movements:
1. Moplah Rebellion
2. Bardoli Satyagraha
3. Champaran Satyagraha
4. Salt Satyagraha
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above in ascending order?
Who among the following is one of the authors of the book “philosophy of the Bomb”?
Which Viceroy had made the observation, “It's a beautiful world if it wasn’t for Gandhi …”?
While opposing the Public Safety Bill, 1928 who among the following said that it was 'a direct attack on Indian nationalism on the Indian National Congress' and as 'the Slavery of India, Bill No.1'?
