Understanding the Round Table Conferences

The Round Table Conferences were a series of three conferences held in London between 1930 and 1932. They were organized by the British government to discuss constitutional reforms in India. The Indian National Congress (INC) was a key political party in India at the time, and their participation was considered crucial for the success of these talks.

The Second Round Table Conference (September 1931 - December 1931)

The first conference was held in 1930, but the INC did not attend due to the ongoing Civil Disobedience Movement. Following the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in March 1931, which effectively ended the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Indian National Congress (INC) agreed to participate in the Second Round Table Conference.

INC Representation at the Second Round Table Conference

A crucial aspect of the Second Round Table Conference was the representation from various Indian groups, including the Indian National Congress (INC). The INC decided to send one main representative to the conference.

• The primary representative sent by the Indian National Congress (INC) to the Second Round Table Conference was Mahatma Gandhi.
• He attended the conference in London to put forward the demands and views of the INC.
• Mahatma Gandhi argued for Indian independence and discussed various issues related to future constitutional reforms.
• However, the discussions at the Second Round Table Conference faced significant disagreements, particularly concerning the issue of separate electorates for different communities, which ultimately led to its failure.

Let's look at why the other options are incorrect regarding attendance at the Second Round Table Conference as the main representative of the INC:

• Subhash Chandra Bose: He was a prominent leader but did not represent the INC at the Second Round Table Conference.
• Sucheta Kripalani: She was a significant figure in the Indian freedom struggle but was not the INC's representative at this particular conference.
• Jawaharlal Nehru: While a key leader, Jawaharlal Nehru did not attend the Second Round Table Conference. He was imprisoned during this period.

Therefore, among the given options, only Mahatma Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference as the representative of the Indian National Congress (INC).

Conclusion on Second Round Table Conference Attendance

Based on historical records, it is clear that Mahatma Gandhi was the sole representative of the Indian National Congress at the Second Round Table Conference held in 1931. His presence followed the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, which created a temporary truce between the INC and the British government.

Revision Table: Key Information on Round Table Conferences

Additional Information: Important Leaders and Conferences

While Mahatma Gandhi represented the INC at the Second Round Table Conference, other prominent Indian leaders from different groups also attended the various Round Table Conferences. These conferences were significant attempts, although largely unsuccessful from the INC's perspective, to negotiate India's future constitutional structure with the British government.

• Apart from Gandhi, other notable attendees at the Second Round Table Conference included Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (though not as INC delegate), Sarojini Naidu (representing women), Madan Mohan Malaviya, Ghanshyam Das Birla, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, B. R. Ambedkar, and others representing diverse interests.
• The failure of the Second Round Table Conference led to the resumption of the Civil Disobedience Movement by the INC upon Gandhi's return to India.