The First Round Table Conference, held in London without the participation of the Congress, began in:

The First Round Table Conference began in London on 12 November 1930, and continued until 19 January 1931.

About the conference:

• It was inaugurated by King George V, and was chaired by the British Prime Minister.
• It was the first conference at which the British and Indian representatives met as equals to discuss constitutional reforms for India.
• It was attended by 89 delegates, including representatives of the British political parties, the princely states, and various Indian groups.

Indian participants included representatives of the Muslim League (such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Aga Khan), the Hindu Mahasabha, the Liberals, the depressed classes, the Sikhs, the Indian Christians and the business community.

The Congress boycotted the conference, because it was carrying on the Civil Disobedience Movement, and most of its leaders were in jail.

Main discussions:

• The princes agreed to join an All-India Federation, if their rights were protected.
• There was agreement on the principle of responsible government in the provinces.
• The representation of minorities remained a difficult issue.

Result:

• The conference achieved little, as the Congress, the main political party, was absent.
• The British realised that no settlement was possible without the Congress.
• This led to talks with Gandhi, the release of Congress leaders, and an agreement under which the Congress agreed to attend the next conference.

The three Round Table Conferences:

• The conferences were based on the idea that Indian representatives and British leaders should meet around a "round table" to discuss the future constitution of India.
• Their discussions finally led to the Government of India Act of 1935.

Why not the other options?

• ✗March 1930 was the time of the Dandi March.
• ✗September 1931 was the start of the second conference.
• ✗November 1932 was the start of the third conference.