The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The language controversy in the Constituent Assembly was a highly contentious issue, reflecting the linguistic diversity of India. The debate primarily revolved around the choice between Hindi, Hindustani, and English as the official language of the new republic, eventually leading to the "Munshi-Ayyangar formula" as a compromise.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct.
Mahatma Gandhi strongly advocated for Hindustani (a blend of Hindi and Urdu) as the national language. He believed that Hindustani was a composite language understood by a large section of the population, both Hindus and Muslims, and could serve as a unifying force for the nation. - Statement 2 is Incorrect.
R.V. Dhulekar, a member from the United Provinces, was a staunch proponent of Hindi, not English. He famously argued in the Constituent Assembly that those who did not know Hindustani had no right to stay in India and were unfit to be members of the Assembly. He demanded that the Constitution be framed in Hindi. - Statement 3 is Correct.
To resolve the deadlock between proponents of Hindi and representatives from non-Hindi speaking regions, the Language Committee arrived at a compromise. It was decided that Hindi in Devanagari script would be the official language of the Union, but English would continue to be used for all official purposes for a period of fifteen years from the commencement of the Constitution (Article 343).
Key Takeaway:
The Constituent Assembly adopted a compromise where Hindi was designated as the "Official Language" (not National Language) and English was retained as an associate official language for 15 years to assuage the concerns of non-Hindi speaking states.