Detailed Summary of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a pivotal agreement made in 1931 between Mahatma Gandhi and the British Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Amid rising tensions during the Civil Disobedience Movement, this pact sought to reconcile differences and explore potential resolutions. Gandhi, leading the movement against British colonial rule, decided to suspend the civil disobedience activities as a part of this agreement. In return, the British government agreed to release political prisoners and promised to deal with some of the demands presented by Gandhi and the Indian National Congress.
The pact's conclusion paved the way for Gandhi to attend the Second Round Table Conference held in London, which aimed to discuss constitutional reforms and India’s future governance. This significant moment highlighted both the complexities of British-Indian negotiations and Gandhi's pivotal role in advocating for India's independence.