Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Central Point of Disagreement:
At the Second Round Table Conference (1931), Dr B.R. Ambedkar demanded separate electorates for dalits, meaning dalits would vote only among themselves to elect their representatives. Gandhi opposed this, arguing that separate electorates would slow down dalits' integration into mainstream society and deepen social divisions rather than end untouchability.

The Poona Pact (September 1932):
When the British government conceded Ambedkar's demand, Gandhi began a fast unto death. Ambedkar ultimately yielded and the Poona Pact was signed. It gave the Depressed Classes reserved seats in provincial and central legislative councils, but these seats would be contested within the general electorate (not a separate one). This preserved dalit political representation while maintaining a unified electorate.

Source: Chapter 2, Section 3.3 – The Limits of Civil Disobedience

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• The examiner expects you to identify two things: (1) the exact disagreement — separate electorates vs. integration — and (2) what the Pact actually settled — reserved seats but voted by general electorate.
• Don't confuse "reserved seats" with "separate electorates"; they are different. The Pact gave reserved seats but denied separate electorates — that distinction is the key to full marks.
• Quote the text: "gave the Depressed Classes reserved seats… but they were to be voted in by the general electorate" — this phrasing scores well.