A Governors’ Raj

British Administration during Lord Irwin’s Viceroyalty, 1926–1931

This book explores the nature and impact of the governor’s role in developing government policy, and the consequent effect in British India. Analysing the governors’ approaches towards and influence on Indian nationalism and other matters, it examines Lord Irwin’s era due to its importance in India’s constitutional development.

The book explores the governors’ contributions to British policy responses towards: the Montford Reforms and dyarchy; the Simon Commission; the Dominion Status Declaration; the First Round Table Conference; communal tensions; the detenu issue; communism, terrorism, Bardoli; Gandhi, civil disobedience and insurgency. It is introduced by an exposition of their constitutional, legal and personal standing in India.