Replying to Mahatma Gandhi's opposition to separate electorates for t…

Replying to Mahatma Gandhi's opposition to separate electorates for the Depressed Classes, Ambedkar argued that they needed some share of political power. Which reason did he give for this need?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → They were economically entirely dependent on the high-caste Hindus

Option (1) They were economically entirely dependent on the high-caste Hindus — Correct. Ambedkar said the Depressed Classes were economically entirely dependent on the high-caste Hindus for their daily bread. So a share of political power was needed for them to protect themselves.

Option (2) The Congress ministries had refused them places in government — Incorrect. Congress ministries took office only in 1937, years after this debate. Ambedkar's complaint was against Hindu society.

Option (3) The British Governors had shut them out of government service — Incorrect. His complaint here was that Hindu society tried to bolt every door against the Depressed Classes.

Option (4) They formed a majority of voters in several provinces — Incorrect. Ambedkar argued from the weakness of the Depressed Classes. He called them a class unable to sustain itself in the struggle for existence.

NCERT (2026-27): “3.2 Dialogues …
for the Depressed Classes, Ambedkar wrote: Here is a class which is undoubtedly not in a position to sustain itself in the struggle for existence. The religion, to which they are tied, instead of providing them an honourable place, brands them as lepers, not fit for ordinary intercourse. Economically, it is a class entirely dependent upon the high-caste Hindus for earning its daily bread with no independent way of living open to it. Nor are all ways closed by reason of the social prejudices of the Hindus but there is a definite attempt all through our Hindu Society to bolt every possible door so as not to allow the Depressed Classes any opportunity to rise in the scale of life. In these circumstances, it would be granted by all fairminded persons that as the only path for a community so handicapped to succeed in the struggle for life against organised tyranny, some share of political power in order that it may protect itself is a paramount necessity …”

Replying to Mahatma Gandhi's opposition to separate electorates for the Depressed Classes, Ambedkar argued that they needed some share of political power. Which reason did he give for this need?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → They were economically entirely dependent on the high-caste Hindus

Option (3) The British Governors had shut them out of government service — Incorrect. His complaint here was that Hindu society tried to bolt every door against the Depressed Classes.