Lord Hardinge vs Lord Irwin

Lord Hardinge served as Viceroy of India from 1910 to 1916, a period that included the outbreak of World War I. He oversaw India's significant contribution to the war effort, including the deployment of Indian troops to Europe and the Middle East, and managed the resulting economic and political strains.

Lord Hardinge announced the transfer of the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi at the Delhi Durbar in 1911. This decision was intended to strengthen British rule by associating with Mughal heritage and to better administer the northern regions. The new capital was inaugurated in 1931.

Lord Hardinge's government faced a wave of revolutionary activities, including the assassination attempt on him in 1912 (the Delhi Conspiracy). He responded with repressive measures, including the Defence of India Act 1915, which gave the government sweeping powers to detain suspects without trial.

Lord Hardinge was the target of a bomb attack during a state procession in Delhi on December 23, 1912. The attack, carried out by Indian revolutionaries, killed his servant and injured Hardinge. He survived but was severely wounded. The event intensified British crackdown on revolutionary groups.

Irwin was appointed Viceroy of India, a period marked by rising Indian nationalism and the Simon Commission boycott. His tenure is noted for his attempts at conciliation with Indian leaders, including Gandhi.

Irwin issued a declaration stating that the natural outcome of India's constitutional progress was dominion status. This statement, made without British government approval, raised nationalist hopes but was later diluted, causing disappointment.

Irwin supported the convening of the First Round Table Conference in London to discuss Indian constitutional reforms. The conference included Indian representatives but was boycotted by the Indian National Congress, limiting its effectiveness.

Irwin negotiated the Gandhi-Irwin Pact with Mahatma Gandhi, ending the Civil Disobedience Movement. The agreement included the release of political prisoners and allowed Indians to make salt for personal use, but fell short of full independence demands.