The correct option is 1 and 3 only
Explanation
The Second Round Table Conference (1931) in London was the only conference attended by Mahatma Gandhi, who participated as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress. During the conference, Gandhi claimed that the Congress represented the entirety of India and all its communities. This claim was strongly contested by other delegates representing specific interests.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Muslim League challenged Gandhi’s claim by asserting that the Congress was largely a Hindu body and did not represent the interests of the Muslim minority. They claimed the exclusive right to represent Indian Muslims.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Princes (rulers of Princely States) did not support Gandhi’s claim. Instead, they challenged the Congress's jurisdiction over their territories. They asserted that the Congress had no stake or authority in the Princely States and that the Princes alone represented the interests of their respective territories. Since the statement claims they "fully supported" Gandhi, it is factually wrong.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar challenged Gandhi’s claim by arguing that the Congress and Gandhi did not represent the 'Depressed Classes' (Dalits). He demanded separate electorates for them, a demand that led to significant ideological conflict with Gandhi.
Key Takeaway
Gandhi’s claim of pan-Indian representation at the Second Round Table Conference was rejected by three major groups: the
Muslim League (representing Muslims), the
Princes (representing Princely States), and
B.R. Ambedkar (representing the Depressed Classes).