question_answer

  Why did Mahatma Gandhi feel the need to launch a broad based movement in 1920? Give any three reasons.

Answer:

                                                                           For long period the Congress had ignored the dalits for fear of offending the conservative high caste Hindus. For the first time, Gandhiji called the untouchables as 'Harijan' or the children of God. Gandhiji organised Satyagraha to secure the entry of the untouchables into temples and access to public wells, tanks, roads and schools. Gandhi himself cleaned toilets to dignify the work of the bhangi (the sweepers) and persuaded the upper caste to change their heart and give up the sin of untouchability. Gandhiji signed Poona Pact (September 1932) with Dr Ambedkar. It gave the depressed classes reserved seats in Provincial and Central Legislative councils, but they were to be voted in by the general electorate.