Q. Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast unto death in 1932, mainly because (UPSC Prelims 2012)
Answer: Ramsay Macdonald announced the Communal Award
Notes: The correct answer is [C] Ramsay Macdonald announced the Communal Award. This was one of the most critical moments in the Indian national movement, centering on the issue of representation and the unity of Hindu society.

• The Communal Award (Statement C is Correct): In August 1932, the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald announced the "Communal Award." This scheme provided for separate electorates for several communities, including Muslims, Sikhs, Europeans, and most controversially, the "Depressed Classes" (now known as Scheduled Castes).
• Gandhi's Opposition: Mahatma Gandhi, who was then in Yerwada Jail in Pune, strongly opposed the provision of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes. He believed that this would permanently divide Hindu society and "legalize" untouchability, making it impossible to ever integrate these sections into the mainstream.
• The Fast Unto Death: On September 20, 1932, Gandhi began a "fast unto death" to protest this specific provision of the Award. His health deteriorated rapidly, creating immense pressure on both British authorities and Indian leaders.
• The Poona Pact: The fast ended on September 26, 1932, after the signing of the Poona Pact between B.R. Ambedkar (representing the Depressed Classes) and Hindu leaders (represented by Madan Mohan Malaviya). Under this pact, the demand for separate electorates was dropped in exchange for a significantly higher number of reserved seats for the Depressed Classes within the general electorate.
• Analysis of Incorrect Options:
  • Round Table Conference (Option A): While the failure of the Second Round Table Conference (1931) led to Gandhi's arrest and the resumption of the Civil Disobedience Movement, it was not the immediate cause for the fast unto death.
  • Congress and Muslim League (Option B): Differences between these two bodies were a constant feature of the era (e.g., regarding the Nehru Report or the 14 Points), but they were not the trigger for this specific fast in 1932.

The Poona Pact marked a shift in Gandhi's focus, as he subsequently devoted much of his energy to the "Harijan" movement and the abolition of untouchability.