Negotiations, Truce, and Decline

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in:

   • A.March 1931✓ Correct Answer
   • B.January 1930
   • C.April 1930
   • D.December 1929

   Explanation: The pact between Gandhi and Viceroy Irwin was signed on 5 March 1931.

2. Q2.Under the terms of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, Gandhi agreed to:

   • A.Call off the Civil Disobedience Movement and participate in the Round Table Conference✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Immediately declare full independence
   • C.Reject any further negotiations with the British
   • D.Boycott all future Congress sessions

   Explanation: Gandhi agreed to suspend civil disobedience and attend the Round Table Conference in London.

3. Q3.In return for Gandhi's concessions under the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, the British government agreed to:

   • A.Release political prisoners✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Grant India dominion status immediately
   • C.Abolish the salt tax permanently
   • D.End all forms of taxation

   Explanation: The government agreed to release political prisoners as part of the pact.

4. Q4.The arrest of which Gandhian follower in April 1930 sparked police firing on demonstrators in Peshawar?

   • A.Abdul Ghaffar Khan✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Jawaharlal Nehru
   • C.Vallabhbhai Patel
   • D.C. Rajagopalachari

   Explanation: Abdul Ghaffar Khan's arrest triggered angry demonstrations in Peshawar met with police firing.

5. Q5.Following Gandhi's arrest in 1930, industrial workers in which city attacked police posts, courts, and railway stations?

   • A.Sholapur✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Nagpur
   • C.Ahmedabad
   • D.Kanpur

   Explanation: Workers in Sholapur attacked symbols of British rule, including police posts and law courts, after Gandhi's arrest.

6. Q6.Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference in London as:

   • A.The sole representative of the Indian National Congress✓ Correct Answer
   • B.A representative of the British government
   • C.One of several equal Congress delegates
   • D.An observer with no speaking rights

   Explanation: Gandhi went to London as the Congress's sole representative at the Second Round Table Conference.

7. Q7.The Second Round Table Conference ultimately:

   • A.Broke down without a satisfactory agreement, and Gandhi returned disappointed✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Resulted in immediate Indian independence
   • C.Was boycotted entirely by Gandhi
   • D.Led to the abolition of the salt tax

   Explanation: Talks at the conference failed to reach agreement, and Gandhi returned to India disappointed.

8. Q8.After the failure of the Second Round Table Conference, the new Viceroy, Lord Willingdon:

   • A.Launched fresh repressive measures against nationalists✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Immediately granted India self-government
   • C.Reinstated the Gandhi-Irwin Pact terms in full
   • D.Resigned from his post

   Explanation: Lord Willingdon cracked down on nationalist leaders and activity after the talks collapsed.

9. Q9.Following the collapse of the Round Table talks, Gandhi's response was to:

   • A.Relaunch the Civil Disobedience Movement, which gradually declined over the following years✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Permanently abandon the independence struggle
   • C.Ally exclusively with the Muslim League
   • D.Accept a compromise granting only provincial autonomy

   Explanation: Gandhi relaunched civil disobedience, but it steadily lost strength over the next few years.

10. Q10.Business groups' declining support for the Civil Disobedience Movement around 1930-31 was primarily driven by their concern over:

    • A.The alarming spread of popular violence and disruption to business✓ Correct Answer
    • B.A sudden increase in profits from British trade
    • C.Opposition to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact
    • D.A desire for immediate full independence

    Explanation: Business groups grew anxious as popular unrest and violence threatened commercial stability.