Q. With reference to the final settlement of the Indian struggle in South Africa (1914), consider the following statements regarding the personalities involved:
1.General Jan Smuts represented the South African government and negotiated a compromise that abolished the £3 poll tax and recognized Indian marriages.
2.Lord Hardinge, the then Governor General of India, played a critical role by publicly criticizing the South African government’s treatment of Indians and supporting a commission of inquiry.
3.C.F. Andrews and G.K. Gokhale acted as mediators, with Andrews traveling to South Africa at Gokhale’s behest to facilitate talks between Gandhi and the authorities.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. The Smuts-Gandhi Agreement led to the Indian Relief Act of 1914, which addressed major grievances.
- Statement 2: Incorrect. Lord Hardinge’s (Viceroy of India) speech in Madras was a rare instance of a British Viceroy supporting a popular movement against another part of the Empire.
- Statement 3: Correct. Gokhale was Gandhi’s political mentor, and Andrews (Deenbandhu) provided crucial diplomatic support.
