RECOMMENDATIONS 79

dignity of India " was added to their propaganda slogans,
and the Civil Disobedience Campaign was given a fresh
stimulus. The Liberals, holding fast to their faith in Lord
Irwin and the Round Table Conference, made desperate
efforts to persuade Gandhi, who was then in prison, to
declare a cessation of the Civil Disobedience Campaign so
that the Congress might lend the weight of its influence in
securing the greatest possible common measure of agreement.
They argued, and quite reasonably, that the Round Table
Conference should not be sabotaged and that a united
demand from all Indian political parties would be irresistible.
And so on. Gandhi and his advisers remained adamant and
negotiations broke down.

CL RECOMMENDATIONS

For adequate appreciation of the recommendations of
the Commission, we must bear in mind four salient features
of the Indian problem : the size of the country and the
growth of its population ; the intensity of local problems;
the constitutional difficulties arising from the existence of
the Indian States ; and the problem of defending the country
against foreign aggression. These stubborn realities cannot
be lightly treated in suggesting any alteration in the frame-
work of the Government of the country.

Secondly, the Indian masses who form the majority
of the population live in rural areas and are primitive in
their outlook and understanding. Agriculture is their main
occupation, and the amenities of life they enjoy are ex-
tremely meagre. The intermediaries between them and the
State, be they the landed gentry or the moneylending class,
tenaciously maintain the feudal character of their relationship
and have no desire for change that may weaken the allegiance
of the masses to the dominant social and economic traditions.
Although the " pathetic contentment " of the masses is to a
certain extent disturbed, it cannot be urged that they have
become politically conscious.