Gandhi-Irwin Pact

Introduction

Mahatma Gandhi and his followers consider the Gandhi-Irwin Pact as the salt march that was started against the British ruler. It was signed between Mahatma Gandhi who was then the leader of the nationalist Movement of India and Lord Irwin who was the British viceroy in India from 1926 to 1931.

What was Gandhi-Irwin Pact?

Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a political agreement that was also known as the Delhi pact. During the Satyagraha, which was led by Mahatma Gandhi against the British government, he put some of his demands forward. He gave an ultimatum to the government to either reject or accept the demand by January 31, 1930. Because of it, the British viceroy of that time, Irwin put a suggestion of one round table conference. Later in 1931 when Gandhiji along with other members of the CWC (congress working committee) released from jail, they took the initiative to discuss with the viceroy. During the discussion, the pact between Gandhiji and Irwin was signed.

Background of Gandhi-Irwin Pact

The Pact was signed in a very critical political situation that made a huge impact on History.

• It was before the second round table conference between the British viceroy and the CWC.

• The satyagraha that was led by Gandhiji and his followers made a worldwide impact and receive the attention of everyone. As a result, the British rulers faced criticism from all over the world for treating Indians badly.

• Along with many other freedom fighters Gandhiji got imprisoned.

• The initiative to end the issue was taken by Lord Irwin.

• In 1931, Gandhiji and many other top leaders were released from Prison.

• After a long discussion, the CWC and Congress President Sardar Vallabhai Patel and Gandhiji made a decision of participating in a conference with Irwin (Shaikh, Khan & Jatoi, 2018).

• This is the first situation where both Indians and British were treated equally and as a result, Gandhiji and Irwin meet each other to talk about the negotiation.

Features of the Act

The main features that made the pact significant are −

• Gandhi and other members of congress agreed to participate in a round table conference with the viceroy then, Lord Irwin.

Features of the pact

• As a cost of negotiation “civil disobedience” means the satyagraha of 1930 that was initiated by the Indian National Congress would stop.

• Withdrawal of those ordinances curbed the movement and every activity of Congress.

• Withdrawal of all prosecutions involving non-violent crimes.

• The pact also made sure the release of those people who got imprisoned for taking part in satyagraha.

• The salt tax removal was also a significant part of the pact.

Results of Gandhi-Irwin Pact

The result of the pact affected the upcoming movement in Indian political history −

• In 1931, congress participated in the second round table conference with Irwin, which was held in London.

• The government took a positive step and agreed to the withdrawal of all the ordinances that affect the activity of congress.

• The picketing of liquor and cloth shops from the Foreign were allowed.

• The ban on the Indian National Congress gets revoked.

• Those people who got imprisoned for participating in satyagraha got released.

• It gave permission to the local people to collect salt from the seaside.

• The British government agreed to skip all the fines that were not collected yet.

• This pact results in a lenient treatment of the resigned servants of governments who participated in the Satyagraha.

Significance of the Act

There were many positive effects of the pact and the British government accepted most of the demands made by congress but some of the demons got rejected. Here are the two demands of Gandhiji with that Irwin did not agreed −

• During the suppression of the movement, a public enquiry should be made on the police excesses.

• The death sentence of Bhagat Singh and his associates is to be reduced to a life sentence.

These two demands of Gandhiji were not get fulfilled by Lord Irwin which changes history, especially the death sentence of Bhagat Singh which affected the Indians the most.

Conclusion

The pact that was signed between Gandhi and Irwin was famous as the Delhi Pact. Through the pact, Gandhiji and other leaders of Congress conceded some demands, such as the withdrawal of some ordinances and prosecution, the release of those who took part in the satyagraha and those political prisoners who took part in non-violence crimes. The most important demand that is fulfilled was the permission for free collection and manufacturing of salts.

FAQs

Q.1. What was the main cause of Gandhi-Irwin Pact?

Ans. The main cause behind signing the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was to make sure the release of the prisoners, who did not participate violently in the time of the “Civil Disobedience Movement”, but came under the brutal effects of the British.

Q.2. What was the reason Gandhiji wrote a letter to Lord Irwin?

Ans. Gandhi wrote a letter to Lord Irwin to inform him about the biased nature of the salt laws that were imposed by the government of British. He wrote the letter on March 2nd of 1930, explained his stand, and mentioned his intention. However, Lord Irwin did not give a reply to the letter.

Q.3. Where the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed?

Ans. The pact between Gandhi and Irwin was signed on 5th march, 1931 in London. This political agreement was signed just before the second round of the Table conference.

Q.4. What was Rowlatt Act?

Ans. The Rowlatt Act was enacted in February 1919. This act provides permission for some political cases to be tried without any juries. Because of the act, permission was given to interment suspects without having any kind of trial.