Published on 12 Nov 2025
Key Contributions
Delhi Pact (Gandhi-Irwin Pact) (1931): Lord Irwin negotiated the Gandhi-Irwin Pact with Mahatma Gandhi, resulting in a truce, release of political prisoners, return of confiscated property, and permission for Indians to make salt.
Impact: The agreement was a significant recognition of the Indian National Congress as a major political force and provided a platform for further negotiations.
Second Round Table Conference (1931): Irwin played a role in facilitating Gandhi's participation in the Second Round Table Conference in London to discuss constitutional reforms in India.
Impact: The Conference did not result in immediate significant reforms, it highlighted the British government's willingness to engage with Indian leaders, thereby legitimizing the Indian independence movement on the international stage.
Implementation of the Simon Commission Recommendations: Lord Irwin oversaw the initial stages of implementing the recommendations of the Simon Commission, which called for constitutional reforms in India.
Impact: The Simon Commission, widely boycotted by Indians, eventually led to the Government of India Act of 1935. This Act provided for provincial autonomy and laid the groundwork for the future federal structure of independent India.
Salt March (1930): Irwin's administration witnessed the Salt March, a significant act of civil disobedience led by Gandhi against the British monopoly on salt production.
Impact: The Salt March galvanized mass participation in the independence movement, drawing widespread international attention and increasing pressure on the British government to negotiate with Indian leaders.
History & Culture
Lord Irwin
Delhi Pact
Gandhi Irwin Pact
Second Round Table Conference 1931
Simon Commission
salt March
civil disobedience movementviceroy
British administration
General Studies Paper 1
Modern Indian History
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