Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) had the following impacts on the Indian freedom struggle:

1. Recognition of Congress: The British government recognized the Congress as a legitimate representative body of Indians, giving it political importance.
2. Release of prisoners: Political prisoners arrested during the Civil Disobedience Movement were released, boosting nationalist morale.
3. Suspension of Civil Disobedience: Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference, showing Congress's willingness for negotiation.
4. Limitation: However, the pact disappointed many nationalists as it did not fulfil key demands like commutation of Bhagat Singh's death sentence, weakening mass enthusiasm.

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 1931) is a key event in the Civil Disobedience Movement chapter. Examiners expect you to cover both positive outcomes (legitimacy of Congress, release of prisoners, halt to repression) and its limitations (disappointment over Bhagat Singh, eventual suspension of talks). Since the source passages do not directly detail this pact, draw on your textbook knowledge of Chapter 2 (Nationalism in India). For 3 marks, three crisp points are sufficient — avoid over-elaborating.