Question

Mention any one provision of each of the Gandhi Irwin Pact signed in 1931.

Answer 1

Hint: The Gandhi-Irwin pact was signed on 5th March,1931 by Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin who was the Viceroy of India. It was a political agreement. This took place before the Second Round Table Conference which was going to be held in London.

Complete Step by Step answer:
Lord Irwin had made a vague offer for granting ‘ dominion status to India. With this pact marked the end of a period of civil disobedience. Gandhi was arrested for breaking the salt laws. After his release, Gandhi and Irwin began the negotiation. One of the provisions of the pact was Mahatma Gandhi pledged to discontinue the Satyagraha or civil disobedience. In return Irwin promised to release all political prisoners, arrested during the civil disobedience and also allow Indians to make salt for domestic purposes.

This pact caused outrage in Great Britain because it went into agreement with a party who was on its way to destroy the British rule. Winston Churchill was also disgusted with this pact. After the Gandhi-Irwin pact, the Second Roundtable Conference was held and Mahatma Gandhi represented on behalf of the Indian National Congress. The meeting was not successful because he did not agree with the policy of communal representation that was suggested. The demand for complete freedom had also been rejected.

Note: The Gandhi-Irwin pact was a deal which was of great political significance. Gandhi had been authorised by Vallabh Bhai Patel to be the representative in this meeting. Though many people were disappointed because the civil disobedience movement had to be stopped and especially because it was nearing victory. Gandhi assured the people that more vigour was required to fight for the second stage to gain independence.