Gandhi-Irwin Pact, Conditions Proposed, Demands, Significance

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a political agreement signed on March 5, 1931, between Mahatma Gandhi and the then Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin. The pact signified a compromise, with Gandhi agreeing to suspend the movement in exchange for concessions such as the release of political prisoners and the right to produce salt

This agreement marked a shift in British policy, acknowledging the Indian National Congress's influence, and set the stage for future constitutional negotiations, including the Second Round Table Conference.

Gandhi Irwin Pact Background

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact emerged during the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930, led by Gandhi, aiming to resist British rule through non-violent means. The course for the Pact followed was as follows: 

• Salt March (Dandi March): Mahatma Gandhi and his followers defied British salt laws by marching 240 miles to produce salt, sparking widespread protests and boycotts across India.
• British Response: The British government arrested thousands of activists, including Gandhi, and imposed harsh measures to suppress the protests.
• Purpose of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact: Signed on March 5, 1931, the Pact was a truce between Mahatma Gandhi (representing the Indian National Congress) and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, aimed at halting escalating conflict during the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Gandhi Irwin Pact Proposed Conditions

The negotiations between Gandhi and Irwin were complex, with both sides presenting a range of demands and conditions. The discussions aimed to address the immediate grievances of the Indian populace while also paving the way for future constitutional reforms.

Conditions Proposed by the Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress proposed conditions that included the release of all political prisoners, the right to produce salt, the lifting of all repressive restrictions, the return of confiscated property, and formal recognition of the Congress as a legitimate political entity.

• Release of Political Prisoners: One of the primary demands was the release of all political prisoners arrested during the Civil Disobedience Movement. The INC sought the unconditional release of all activists to demonstrate goodwill and signal the government's willingness to negotiate in good faith.
• Right to Produce Salt: The INC demanded the abolition of the salt tax and the recognition of Indians' right to produce salt freely along the coast. This demand was symbolic, as it challenged the very essence of British economic exploitation and control.
• Lifting of Restrictions: The Congress demanded the removal of all repressive laws, ordinances, and restrictions imposed on civil liberties, including the freedom of speech, press, and assembly.
• Return of Confiscated Property: The INC sought the return of lands and properties confiscated from farmers and activists during the civil disobedience protests.
• Recognition of Congress as a Political Entity: The demand for formal recognition of the Indian National Congress as a legitimate political entity was crucial for establishing the INC's role in future negotiations and governance.

Conditions Proposed by the British Government

The British government proposed conditions that included suspending the Civil Disobedience Movement, participating in the Second Round Table Conference to discuss constitutional reforms, and cooperating to maintain law and order and prevent escalation.

• Suspension of Civil Disobedience: The British government sought an immediate suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement and a cessation of all forms of protest against British rule.
• Participation in Round Table Conferences: Lord Irwin invited the INC to participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London, aiming to discuss constitutional reforms and the future governance of India.
• Cooperation with British Authorities: The British demanded cooperation from the Congress to maintain law and order and ensure that the movement did not escalate into violence or anarchy.

Gandhi Irwin Pact Outcome

The negotiations between Gandhi and Irwin were marked by concessions and compromises on both sides. While some demands were accepted, others were left unresolved, highlighting the complexity of the agreement and the challenges in bridging the gap between colonial interests and the aspirations of the Indian populace.

Gandhi Irwin Pact Demands Accepted

The British accepted some of the demands from the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, including the release of political prisoners, the right to produce salt for domestic use, lifting some repressive restrictions, and allowing Gandhi to represent the INC at the Second Round Table Conference.

• Release of Political Prisoners: The British government agreed to release most of the political prisoners who had been arrested during the Civil Disobedience Movement. This was a significant victory for the INC, as it symbolized a concession to Indian demands.
• Right to Produce Salt: The British allowed Indians to collect and produce salt for domestic use along the coast, effectively ending the salt monopoly. This acceptance was a symbolic victory for the Indian populace and validated the efforts of the Salt March.
• Lifting of Restrictions: While not all repressive laws were lifted, the British agreed to remove some of the harsh restrictions imposed on civil liberties, allowing for greater freedom of speech and assembly.
• Participation in Round Table Conference: Gandhi agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference as the sole representative of the INC, marking a significant step towards constitutional discussions.

Gandhi Irwin Pact Demands Unaccepted

The British rejected Gandhi-Irwin Pact demands, including the abolition of the salt tax, full restoration of confiscated property, INC recognition, and immediate constitutional reforms, opting for gradual changes through the Round Table Conferences.

• Complete Abolition of Salt Tax: While the right to produce salt was granted, the complete abolition of the salt tax was not accepted by the British government, reflecting the economic interests tied to the tax revenue.
• Full Restoration of Confiscated Property: Although some properties were returned, the complete restoration of all confiscated lands and assets was not achieved, leaving many farmers and activists without restitution.
• Formal Recognition of INC: The British government did not fully recognize the INC as the sole representative body of the Indian populace, maintaining its stance of engaging with multiple political entities.
• Immediate Constitutional Reforms: The demand for immediate constitutional reforms and self-governance was not accepted, as the British insisted on a gradual process through the Round Table Conferences.

Gandhi Irwin Pact Features

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was characterized by several key features that underscored its significance and the challenges it faced in implementation. These features highlight the nuanced nature of the agreement and its impact on the Indian independence movement.

• Mutual Concessions: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was founded on reciprocal compromises, with Gandhi agreeing to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement in exchange for British concessions on salt production and the release of political prisoners.
• Recognition of Indian Leadership: The pact marked a significant moment in the recognition of Indian leadership, with Gandhi negotiating as an equal partner, signalling a shift in British policy towards direct engagement with Indian leaders.
• Symbolic Victories: The acceptance of the right to produce salt and the release of political prisoners were symbolic victories for the Indian populace, affirming the effectiveness of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• Limitations and Challenges: Despite its achievements, the pact was criticized for not addressing broader issues such as self-governance and economic exploitation, highlighting the inherent limitations of the agreement.
• Impact on Future Negotiations: The pact paved the way for future discussions, including the Second Round Table Conference, where critical issues of constitutional reform and governance would be further deliberated.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact Significance

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact marked a shift in British policy, validating Gandhi's non-violent resistance and raising political awareness among Indians. It laid the foundation for future constitutional reforms and furthered the path toward India's independence.

• Shift in British Policy: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact marked a turning point, as the British government began engaging with Indian leaders like Gandhi and acknowledged the growing influence of the Indian National Congress (INC).
• Validation of Non-Violent Resistance: The pact validated Gandhi's non-violent methods, proving that peaceful resistance could lead to significant political gains, strengthening the movement's credibility.
• Increased Political Awareness: The pact raised political consciousness among Indians, inspiring widespread support for the freedom movement and reinforcing a sense of empowerment against British rule.
• Foundation for Future Reforms: Though not all demands were met, the pact laid the groundwork for further constitutional reforms and discussions on self-governance, advancing the cause of Indian independence. 

Gandhi Irwin Pact UPSC PYQs

Question 1: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following?  (UPSC Prelims 2020)

1. Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference.
2. Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement.
3. Acceptance of Gandhi’s suggestion for inquiry into police excesses.
4. Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

Answer: (b)

Gandhi Irwin Pact FAQs 

Q1. What happened on March 5, 1931?

Ans. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed on March 5, 1931.

Q2. What did Gandhiji decide under the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?

Ans. Gandhiji decided to suspend the civil disobedience movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference. 

Q3. What was the offer of Irwin?

Ans. Irwin offered to release political prisoners, allow the Indian National Congress to participate in the Round Table Conferences, and consider certain demands of the Congress.

Q4. What were the main points of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?

Ans. The main points included the suspension of civil disobedience by Congress, the release of political prisoners, and Congress's agreement to participate in the Second Round Table Conference.

Q5. What happened after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?

Ans. After the pact, Gandhi participated in the Second Round Table Conference, but it failed to achieve a comprehensive agreement.