Who among the following gave evidence before the Joint Select Committee on the Government of India Bill,1919 in favour of female franchise? 1. Mrs. Annie Basant 2. Mrs Sarojini Naidu 3. Mrs Hira bai Tata Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1, 2 and 3
Understanding the historical context of the Indian independence movement and the social reforms that took place during that time is crucial for answering this question. The question asks about the individuals who provided evidence before the Joint Select Committee concerning the Government of India Bill, 1919, specifically in support of female franchise.
The Government of India Bill, 1919, was a significant piece of legislation that aimed to introduce limited self-governance in British India. As part of the legislative process, a Joint Select Committee of the British Parliament was formed to scrutinize the Bill. Various groups and individuals from India presented their views before this committee, advocating for different provisions they wished to see included or modified in the Bill.
Advocacy for Female Franchise Before the Joint Select Committee
During this period, the demand for women's suffrage (the right to vote) was gaining momentum globally, including in India. Indian women activists and leaders actively campaigned for the inclusion of women in the electorate as part of any new constitutional reforms. Several prominent women traveled to London to present their case directly before the Joint Select Committee.
- Mrs. Annie Besant: A prominent figure in the Indian nationalist movement, president of the Indian National Congress, and a strong advocate for various reforms, including women's rights. She was among those who appeared before the Committee.
- Mrs. Sarojini Naidu: A renowned poet, freedom fighter, and women's rights activist. She was also a key figure who presented evidence advocating for female franchise before the Joint Select Committee.
- Mrs. Hira bai Tata: Along with her daughter, Miss Mithan Tata, Mrs. Herabai Tata represented the Women's Indian Association (WIA) and the National Indian Association. They were vocal proponents of women's suffrage and presented their arguments before the Committee.
These courageous women, among others, put forward strong arguments for granting voting rights to women, emphasizing their role in society and the need for political equality.
Analyzing the Options
Based on historical records, all three individuals mentioned – Mrs. Annie Besant, Mrs. Sarojini Naidu, and Mrs. Hira bai Tata – did provide evidence before the Joint Select Committee on the Government of India Bill, 1919, in favour of female franchise.
- Statement 1: Mrs. Annie Besant gave evidence. This is correct.
- Statement 2: Mrs. Sarojini Naidu gave evidence. This is correct.
- Statement 3: Mrs. Hira bai Tata gave evidence. This is correct.
Since all three statements are correct, the option that includes 1, 2, and 3 is the appropriate answer.
| Activist | Presented Evidence Before Joint Select Committee (1919)? | Advocated for Female Franchise? |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs. Annie Besant | Yes | Yes |
| Mrs. Sarojini Naidu | Yes | Yes |
| Mrs. Hira bai Tata | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
The evidence confirms that Mrs. Annie Besant, Mrs. Sarojini Naidu, and Mrs. Hira bai Tata were all prominent figures who actively campaigned for women's voting rights and presented their case before the Joint Select Committee on the Government of India Bill, 1919. Therefore, all three individuals listed were involved in this significant effort.
Revision Table: Key Figures and Events
| Figure/Event | Significance | Related to Female Franchise in 1919? |
|---|---|---|
| Government of India Bill, 1919 | Proposed constitutional reforms for India | Subject of the Joint Select Committee hearings |
| Joint Select Committee | Body formed by British Parliament to review the Bill | Heard evidence from various stakeholders, including women's rights advocates |
| Mrs. Annie Besant | Nationalist leader, Theosophist | Gave evidence for female franchise |
| Mrs. Sarojini Naidu | Poet, Freedom Fighter | Gave evidence for female franchise |
| Mrs. Hira bai Tata | Women's rights activist (WIA) | Gave evidence for female franchise |
| Women's Indian Association (WIA) | Early women's organization | Lobbied for women's suffrage |
Additional Information: Women's Suffrage Movement in India
The movement for women's suffrage in India was part of the broader struggle for self-rule and social reform. Indian women leaders argued that denying women the right to vote was inconsistent with the principles of democracy and equality. They highlighted women's contributions to public life and the freedom struggle.
Key milestones in the women's suffrage movement include:
- Formation of organizations like the Women's Indian Association (WIA) in 1917 and the All India Women's Conference (AIWC) in 1927, which advocated for women's rights, including suffrage.
- Deputations to British authorities and committees, like the one before the Joint Select Committee in 1919.
- Provinces in British India gradually began granting women the right to vote based on the powers devolved by the Government of India Act, 1919. Madras was one of the first provinces to do so in 1921, followed by others like Bombay and Bengal. However, the franchise was initially limited based on property, income, or education qualifications.
- The struggle continued until India achieved independence, and universal adult suffrage was introduced with the Constitution of India in 1950.
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