Gandhi Irwin Pact

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, also known as the Delhi-Pact, was an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and British Viceroy Lord Irwin signed on March 5, 1931, marking a truce in civil disobedience. It aimed for political dialogue, but outcomes were limited.

In this article, we have discussed everything about the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, what was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact? Why was the Gandhi-Irwin pact signed? and many more.

Let's dive in.

Gandhi Irwin Pact: Overview

The following is a brief overview of Gandhi Irwin Pact:

Significance of Gandhi-Irwin Pact

Gandhi-Irwin Pact had a major significance in Indian history and paved the path of the struggle for independence.

• The pact led to an increase in Indian representation in the legislative bodies.
• It opened the door for future discussions among Indian leaders and British authorities.
• It established the Indian National Congress as a major political party in India.
• It paved the way for the introduction of Government of India Act 1935.
• It provided an example showing how to fight for independence without using violence.
• It drew international attention towards the brutality of British rule on common people in India.
• Participation of Mahatma Gandhi in the Second Round Table Conference.

Background of Gandhi-Irwin Pact

1930 marked the beginning of the Salt March and Civil Disobedience movement by Mahatma Gandhi and his followers against British rule in India. Gandhiji and many other political leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru were arrested and imprisoned for making salt. Lord Irwin, then Viceroy of India wanted to resolve the political tension in the country so he released Mahatma Gandhi from prison in January 1931. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, then President of Congress authorized Mahatma Gandhi to hold negotiations with Lord Irwin on behalf of the Indian National Congress. The pact was signed before the Second Round Table Conference. After that Mahatma Gandhi participated in the Second Round Table Conference in London later that year.

Participants of Gandhi-Irwin Pact

The participants of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, also known as the Delhi Pact, were:

1. Mahatma Gandhi: He was the leader of the Indian National Congress and the primary representative of the Indian nationalist movement during the negotiations with the British government.
2. Lord Irwin (Baron Irwin, later Earl of Halifax): He was the Viceroy of India at the time, representing the British government and the colonial administration in India.

Features of Gandhi-Irwin Pact

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, signed in 1931, aimed at resolving conflicts between Gandhi and the British, leading to improved relations.

• Suspension of Civil Disobedience Movement
• Salt tax was abolished.
• Peaceful picketing of foreign cloth shops.
• Release of the prisoners arrested in Civil Disobedience Movement but not charged with any violent offences.
• The ordinances which were introduced to impose curbs on activities of Indian National Conference were withdrawn.
• Tej Bahadur Shapru acted as the mediator in Gandhi Irwin Pact.
• Release of Mahatma Gandhi along with other Satyagrahis like Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Fair treatment of the government employees who had resigned.
• Right to produce salt to the people living in coastal villages was given by the British rule which was prohibited before.

Result of Gandhi Irwin Pact

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931 resulted in mutual agreements between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, easing tensions in India. It marked a step towards dialogue, though challenges persisted.

• People in coastal villages were allowed to produce salt.
• All the bans on Indian National Congress were withdrawn establishing it as a major political party of India.
• Those who were arrested during the Civil Disobedience Movement but not charged with any violent offence were released.
• Participation of Congress Working Committee in Second Round Table Conference.
• Peaceful protests outside the foreign cloth stores and liquor store was allowed.
• The British rule agreed to return the confiscated land to people.

Conditions Proposed by the Gandhi Irwin Pact

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931 outlined conditions for ending the Civil Disobedience Movement in India. It allowed the participation of Congress in the Second Round Table Conference, promoting dialogue.

• To discontinue the Civil Disobedience Movement by the Indian National Conference.
• Participation of Indian National Congress in Round Table Conference.
• To withdraw all the ordinances imposing curbs on activities of Indian National Conference.
• To release prisoners arrested for participation in Civil Disobedience Movement.
• Removal of tax on salt.
• To withdraw trials of persons except those involved in violence.
• Release of Bhagat Singh and his associates.
• The return of confiscated lands.
• Investigation of police brutality during the movement and on the protestors arrested during the movement.

Outcomes of the Gandhi Irwin Pact

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, signed in 1931, led to improved relations between British authorities and Indian leaders, allowing for the release of political prisoners and fostering a brief period of dialogue.

• To lift the ban over Congress.
• To withdraw all ordinances and end prosecutions.
• To release the political prisoners except for those guilty of violence.
• To restore confiscated properties of Satyagrahis.
• Participation of Indian National Conference in Second Round Table Conference.
• To permit peaceful picketing of liquor and foreign cloth shops.
• Production of salt was allowed to the coastal villages people.
• A demand was made to investigate the brutality of police during the movement but was refused.

Unaccepted Terms

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact faced criticism for its unmet expectations. Some key unaccepted terms included limited prisoner release and insufficient political concessions, leading to dissatisfaction among various factions.

• Demand of public enquiry into police excesses.
• Commuting the death sentences of Bhagat Singh and his associates was not accepted.
• The demand for return of all the collected fees and charges during the movement was refused by Lord Irwin.

People also View:

• Role of Mahatma Gandhi in Freedom Struggle