UPSC Prelims 2025 · GS Paper I
Question 74: History and Culture
Subsequent to which one of the following events, Gandhiji, who consistently opposed untouchability and appealed for its eradication from all spheres, decided to include the upliftment of ‘Harijans’ in his political and social programme?
AnswerThe answer is (a).
After the Communal Award of 1932 gave separate electorates to the Depressed Classes, Gandhi fasted in Yerawada jail and the Poona Pact was signed in September 1932. It kept a joint electorate with reserved seats for the Depressed Classes. Soon afterwards Gandhi formed the All India Anti-Untouchability League, later the Harijan Sevak Sangh, started the weekly Harijan and toured the country against untouchability. So he made the upliftment of Harijans part of his programme after the Poona Pact.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: the Poona Pact was followed by his Harijan campaign.
- (b) Wrong: the Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931 was about ending civil disobedience, not untouchability.
- (c) Wrong: the Quit India arrests came in 1942, ten years after his anti-untouchability campaign began.
- (d) Wrong: the 1935 Act came after the campaign had begun.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.