Background of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was political agreement in Indian history. It was concluded on 5 March 1931 between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India. This pact emerged from the backdrop of growing civil disobedience against British rule. The Salt Satyagraha in 1930 had garnered worldwide attention. It brought into light the injustices faced by Indians under British governance. Many leaders, including Gandhi, were imprisoned during this period. Lord Irwin sought to resolve the escalating tensions.
Key Events Leading to the Pact
– Delhi Manifesto Rejection – Gandhi’s demands were initially rejected, leading to the Lahore Congress session. – Civil Disobedience Movement – Gandhi launched this movement with 11 demands, giving the British an ultimatum. – Round Table Conference – In July 1930, Lord Irwin proposed a conference to discuss dominion status. – Release from Prison – On 25 January 1931, Gandhi and the Congress Working Committee (CWC) were released unconditionally.
Features of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact had several key features:
- Participation in Round Table Conference – The Indian National Congress (INC) agreed to attend the upcoming conference.
- End of Civil Disobedience – The INC would cease its civil disobedience movement.
- Withdrawal of Ordinances – The British government would withdraw all ordinances that restricted Congress activities.
- Release of Political Prisoners – Those arrested for participating in the movement would be released.
- Removal of Salt Tax – The salt tax was abolished. – Restoration of Confiscated Properties – Properties seized during the movement would be returned.
Terms Not Agreed Upon by Irwin
Despite the agreement, some demands were not accepted:
- Public Inquiry – Gandhi sought an inquiry into police brutality during the movement.
- Death Sentences – Commuting the death sentences of Bhagat Singh and others was not agreed to.
Impact of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact
The pact marked a turning point in the Indian independence movement. It ended Gandhi’s fast in jail, which was a protest against the separate electorates for the Depressed Classes. The agreement facilitated further negotiations and discussions regarding India’s future.
Background of the Poona Pact
The Poona Pact was signed on 24 September 1932 in Yerwada Central Jail. It was an agreement between Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar, representing the Depressed Classes. The pact was a response to the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald’s decision to grant separate electorates to the Depressed Classes. Gandhi opposed this, fearing it would deepen divisions within Hindu society.
Key Provisions of the Poona Pact
- Reserved Seats – The pact provided for reserved seats for the Depressed Classes in provincial legislatures.
- Joint Electorates – Elections would occur through joint electorates, allowing members of the Depressed Classes to participate alongside the general electorate.
- Electoral College – Members of the Depressed Classes would elect candidates through an electoral college system.
- Double Voting – Members of the Depressed Classes gained the right to vote in both general and reserved categories.
Reserved Seats Distribution
The Poona Pact allocated a total of 147 reserved seats across various provinces:
- Madras – 30 seats – Punjab – 8 seats
- Bombay (including Sindh) – 14 seats
- Central Provinces – 20 seats
- Bihar and Orissa – 18 seats
- Bengal – 30 seats
- Assam – 7 seats
- United Provinces – 20 seats
Educational Provisions
The Poona Pact included provisions for educational advancement:
- Funding for Education – A portion of educational grants was allocated for the education of the Depressed Classes.
- Fair Representation – Measures were to ensure fair representation in local bodies and public services.
Reactions to the Poona Pact
The Poona Pact elicited varied responses. While it aimed to address the concerns of the Depressed Classes, not everyone was satisfied:
- Ambedkar’s Concerns – Dr Ambedkar feared the pact would lead to fragmentation within the Depressed Classes.
- Hindu Reactions – Some Hindus opposed the arrangement, demanding revisions.
- Provincial Discontent – The pact faced criticism in regions like Punjab and Bengal, where Hindu populations were .
Historical Significance of the Pacts
Both the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and the Poona Pact hold historical significance. They represent crucial steps in the struggle for Indian independence. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact facilitated dialogue with the British government. It also marked a shift towards negotiations rather than outright rebellion. The Poona Pact addressed the representation of marginalised communities, denoting the complexities of caste politics in India.
Gandhi and Ambedkar’s Divergent Views
Gandhi and Ambedkar had differing perspectives on the rights of the Depressed Classes: – Gandhi’s Perspective – He viewed the struggle for independence as paramount. He aimed to unify the Hindu community, including the Depressed Classes. – Ambedkar’s Perspective – He focused on the rights and dignity of the Depressed Classes. He believed in separate representation to ensure their political empowerment.
Legacy of the Gandhi-Irwin and Poona Pacts
The legacies of these pacts continue to influence Indian politics. They set precedents for negotiations between the Indian leadership and British authorities. The Poona Pact remains a reference point in discussions about caste and representation in India. It brought into light the need for inclusive political frameworks that consider the rights of all communities.
Conclusion Remarks on the Pacts
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact and the Poona Pact were instrumental in shaping the trajectory of India’s freedom struggle. They reflect the complexities of negotiating rights and representation in a colonised society. These agreements laid the groundwork for future discussions on independence and social justice in India.
