Question

: When the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed, the Secretary of state for India was ______________.
A. Salisbury
B. Curzon
C. Wedgwood Benn
D. Montagu

Answer 1

Hint:
- Gandhi-Irwin pact was signed on 5 March,1931.
- It was between Mohandas K. Gandhi and Lord Irwin.

Complete answer:
Gandhi-Irwin Pact -
- The Second Round Table Conference was due to take place in London in 1931.
- The Salt Satyagraha was performed in 1930 and worldwide focus was given to India and Gandhi. For its unfair treatment of Indians, the British government in India was criticised.
- Along with thousands of Indians, Gandhi and several other leaders were incarcerated.
- Lord Irwin needed the problem to come to a close.
- So, in January 1931, Gandhi was released from prison.
- Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the then President of Congress, allowed Gandhi to hold talks with Lord Irwin.
- Consequently, Gandhi met and conducted talks with Irwin. It was when the two met as 'equals' for the first time.

Features of Gandhi-Irwin Pact -
- The Indian National Congress (INC) decided to take part at the Round Table Meeting.
- The INC will stop the civil disobedience movement.
- Withdrawal of all the ordinances that curbed Congress's operations.
- Excepting those concerning violent offences, termination of all prosecutions
- Release of those arrested for taking part in the campaign for civil disobedience.
- Removal of the tax on salt.

An agreement signed on March 5, 1931, between Mohandas K. Gandhi and Lord Irwin was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. At the time , the State Secretary was Wedgwood Benn.

Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Note:
Gandhi – Irwin Pact – Demands of Gandhi not agreed to by Irwin –
- A public investigation into police excesses during the movement's repression.
- Commuting life sentences to the death sentences of Bhagat Singh and his associates.