Gandhi Irwin Pact 1931

Background

In order to understand why Gandhi Irwin Pact was signed in 1931, we need to look at the two major events which happened one after another in the mid of year 1930.

  • Gandhiji broke the salt law on the morning of 6 April 1930 at Dandi, a coastal village in Gujarat. This lead to the launch of civil disobedience movement.
  • Simon Commission published its report in May 1930.

And, when British Government held its first round table conference at London in Nov 1930 to discuss the Simon Commission report with prominent Indian Leaders, parties and nominated members of British Parliament. Congress decided not to participate in this conference.

Why Congress did not participated in first round table conference ?

Because, during that time Indian National Congress was leading the Civil Disobedience Movement against British government. And, part of this movement, they were boycotting all the government organisations, institutions and laws. So, INC decided to boycott the 1st round table conference as well.

Now, since the first round table conference failed mainly because INC did not attended it.

How can a conference fail just because 1 single party did not attended it?

After non-cooperation movement and Civil Disobedience movement, INC has emerged as the sole reprsentative of Indian Masses. Thousands and thousands of people were ready to get arrested o just 1 call of INC leaders like Gandhi, Nehru etc.

So, Any discussion related to constitutional reforms of India can not be successful without the accent of Indian National Congress.

So, after the failure of first round table conference, it became almost necessary for British government to approach and negotiate the demands with Indian Nation Congress.

It was Tej Bahadur Sapru who mediated Gandhi Irwin Pact 1931.

Next Steps & The Signing of Pact

Lord Irwin, the then viceroy, initiated the talks with Gandhiji. Gandhiji was also impressed with the sincerety of Lord Irwin.

Talks between Gandhiji and Lord Irwin went for almost a fortnight, which includes 8 meetings altogether. Outcome of these meetings was – Gandhi Irwin Pact. This Pact was signed on 5th March 1931.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed on 5th March 1931

Terms & Conditions of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact

  1. All political prisoners, who do not have any charge of violence against them, were to be released immediately.

  2. All the ordinances passed by British government against INC to stop civil disobedience movement were to be taken back.

  3. British Government agreed to return the land confiscated because of not paying land tax.

  4. Pact also laid down the condition that the British Government will take back the government officers, who left their jobs as part of civil disobedience movement.

  5. Apart from this, now, coastal villages were allowed to make salt for their consumption.

  6. And, most importantly, Peaceful Picketing of Shops selling liquor and foreign goods was now made legal

During this meeting, Gandhiji requested for commutation of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev’s execution. But, the request was rejected by Lord Irwin.

Significance of Gandhi-Irwin Pact

Gandhi Irwin Pact was of much significance as it was for the first time when British Government and Indians were negotiating as equal.

This Post Has 10 Comments

  1. Please have a notes on third round table conferrence…..plzzzz….

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  3. Greetings sir..
    Sir plese provide mind map for all the relevent topic which in on your channel.(if posaible)

  4. Its really very helpful.
    Can u pls provide mindmapping for relevant topics. 🙂

  5. I like your Notes and study…Welldone

  6. Sir plz add all notes,😘😘❤️❤️❤️

  7. Can anyone plz provide the pdf of mindmap

  8. Sir plz ancient and medieval history par bhi video/notes bana dijiye

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