Lord Irwin served as the Viceroy of India from 1926 to 1931 during a crucial phase of the Indian freedom movement. His tenure was marked by civil disobedience, negotiations with Indian leaders, and violent British repression.
1. Key Events During Lord Irwin’s Tenure
1.1 Simon Commission (1927)
✔ A 7-member British commission led by Sir John Simon was sent to review the Government of India Act (1919).
✔ No Indian members were included, leading to nationwide protests.
✔ Lala Lajpat Rai was injured in a lathi charge during a protest and later died.
1.2 Nehru Report (1928)
✔ A constitutional draft for self-governance was prepared by Motilal Nehru.
✔ Recommended Dominion Status for India.
✔ Rejected by Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, who demanded complete independence.
1.3 Lahore Session of Congress (1929)
✔ The Indian National Congress (INC) under Jawaharlal Nehru passed the Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) resolution.
✔ January 26, 1930, was declared as “Independence Day”, celebrated across India.
1.4 Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)
✔ Launched by Mahatma Gandhi against British rule.
✔ Dandi March (March 12 – April 6, 1930) – Gandhi led a 241-mile march to break the salt law.
✔ Thousands participated in boycotts, protests, and nonviolent resistance.
1.5 First Round Table Conference (1930–31)
✔ Held in London to discuss constitutional reforms in India.
✔ INC boycotted the conference, demanding full independence.
1.6 Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 5, 1931)
✔ Agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin to end the Civil Disobedience Movement.
✔ Gandhi agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference.
✔ British government agreed to release political prisoners (except Bhagat Singh & others).
2. Important Developments
✔ Lord Irwin admitted that British rule had lost Indian confidence.
✔ The British government tried to suppress protests through violent repression.
✔ The execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev (March 23, 1931) created outrage across India.
3. MCQs on Lord Irwin’s Tenure
- Which commission was sent to India in 1927, leading to protests?
- (a) Hunter Commission
- (b) Simon Commission
- (c) Nehru Commission
- (d) Rowlatt Commission
- Answer: (b) Simon Commission
- When was the Purna Swaraj resolution adopted?
- (a) 1928
- (b) 1929
- (c) 1930
- (d) 1931
- Answer: (b) 1929
- Who led the Salt March in 1930?
- (a) Subhas Chandra Bose
- (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
- (c) Mahatma Gandhi
- (d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Answer: (c) Mahatma Gandhi
- Which agreement ended the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1931?
- (a) Poona Pact
- (b) Gandhi-Irwin Pact
- (c) Lucknow Pact
- (d) Simon Agreement
- Answer: (b) Gandhi-Irwin Pact
- Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were executed during the tenure of which Viceroy?
- (a) Lord Linlithgow
- (b) Lord Irwin
- (c) Lord Wavell
- (d) Lord Mountbatten
- Answer: (b) Lord Irwin
4. Subjective Questions on Lord Irwin
- Explain the causes and consequences of the Simon Commission protests.
- What were the key features of the Nehru Report (1928)?
- Discuss the significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930).
- Describe the impact of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact on the Indian freedom struggle.
- How did the British respond to the demands for Purna Swaraj?
5. Conclusion
Lord Irwin’s tenure was a turning point in India’s freedom struggle. His rule saw intensified nationalist movements, brutal repression, and major negotiations with Indian leaders. The Civil Disobedience Movement and Gandhi-Irwin Pact set the stage for future constitutional reforms.
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