In 1930, who organised the Dalits into the Depressed Classes Association and demanded separate electorates for them?

Correct option is D

Ans. (d) BR Ambedkar

Sol.Dr. B.R. Ambedkar organized the Dalits into the Depressed Classes Association (DCA) in 1930 to advocate for their political and social rights. He strongly believed that Dalits, who were historically marginalized, needed a separate electorate to ensure their proper representation in governance. This demand led to the Communal Award of 1932 by the British, which granted separate electorates to Dalits. However, this was later modified after the Poona Pact of 1932, where Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi agreed on reserved seats instead of separate electorates.

Information Booster:

• The Depressed Classes Association was formed in 1930 to protect Dalit rights.
• Dr. Ambedkar strongly advocated for social equality, education, and political representation for Dalits.
• The British government’s Communal Award (1932) granted separate electorates to Dalits.
• Mahatma Gandhi opposed separate electorates and led a fast unto death in protest.
• The Poona Pact (1932) resulted in reserved seats for Dalits instead of separate electorates.
• Dr. Ambedkar later played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution (1950), ensuring fundamental rights for Dalits.
• He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his contributions to social justice and lawmaking.

Additional Information:

• (a) Abdul Gaffar Khan – Also known as Frontier Gandhi, he led the Khilafat Movement and formed the Khudai Khidmatgar organization.
• (b) Jawaharlal Nehru – India’s first Prime Minister, played a key role in the freedom struggle and socialist policies but did not form the Depressed Classes Association.
• (c) Mahatma Gandhi – Supported Dalit upliftment and called them "Harijans", but opposed separate electorates, leading to the Poona Pact with Ambedkar in 1932.