IDEOLOGY OF PAKISTAN

Ideology

Ideology is the combination of two Greek word, “Ideo” means “Ideas” and “Logos” means, “Science”.
In social sciences, Ideology means;

“A set of beliefs, ideas and values which directs a community or nation to achieve certain
goals”

Ideology is also a collective thinking of a community or nation. It brings them together and create
sense of oneness in them

Ideology of Pakistan or Two-Nation Theory

The ideology of Pakistan is also called Two-Nation Theory. It means that there are two nations in
the Indian sub-continent: Muslims and Hindus. Congress, on the other hand, believed in One-Nation
Theory in which all people who live in India are part of Indian nation. Congress believed that race,
common history and geography was the basis of a nation but Muslim League asserted that only
religion can be basis of nationhood.

Evolution of ‘Two Nation Theory’

Muslim nationalism emerged with the coming and spread of Islam that introduced new way of life
in the sub-continent. Muhammad bin Qasim was the first Muslim invader who conquered some part
of India. Later, Muslim Sufis (saints) like Ali Hejveri, Miran Hussain Zanjani etc., spread the word of
Islam. They rejected the strict caste system and idolatry of Hinduism and introduced a simple religion
that considered everyone equal and believed in one God.

Later, the Muslim Delhi Sultanate ruled India from 1195 to 1526. From 1526 to 1857, Muslim
empire of Mughals ruled India. During this period Islam spread to many areas of India and they
adopted the Islamic ways that were different from the local ways. They religious, social and political
difference made them a separate minority community. However, since they were rulers with power,
they did not pay much attention to their separate status.

After 1857, Muslim powers were defeated by the British who considered them responsible for
the War of Independence and started to crush their power by any means possible. This resulted in
the decline of Muslims.

Many Indian Muslims tried to stop their decline and stated work for the uplift of Muslims.
The prominent name among them is Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-98) who awakened and guided
Muslim community through the Aligarh movement.

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 In 1885, the Indian National Congress was founded to represent Indian nationalist movement
under the British. Sir Syed advised the Muslims not to join it because, he thought, the Muslims were
not in position to involve into the anti-government activities. He wanted Muslims to focus on
educating themselves. Sir Syed was in favor of Hindu-Muslim unity. However, the Benaras Hindi-
Urdu Controversy changed his views. After 1857, Urdu was considered by some Hindus as a Muslims’
language. In 1867, the Hindus of Benaras demanded Hindi to be made official language replacing
Urdu and wanted Urdu to be written in Denagri Script. Sir Syed believed that if two people cannot
even agree on writing script, how can they live together in the future. For the first time, he advocated
the idea that Hindus and Muslims are two different nations with their own religious, ritual, economic,
social and political customs. Thus the Two-Nation theory was born.

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 IDEOLOGY OF PAKISTAN IN THE LIGHT OF
THE STATEMENTS OF QUAID-I-AZAM AND ALLAMA IQBAL

The sense of nationhood developed among the Muslims before the establishment of Pakistan. At
first, their goal was mostly to protect and promote their identity and interests and shape their lives in
accord with their ideals and philosophy of life without being overwhelmed by an unsympathetic
majority. They adopted a strategy to get constitutional safeguards from the British against the
majority of Hindus. However, later due to circumstances and attitude of Congress, they started to
demand a separate state. Islam had central place to their further developments.

The role of leadership is very important to put nation on the way. A good leadership infuses
the qualities of awareness, consciousness, mobilization, sense of direction, and defense against the
adversaries. The Muslims were lucky having such competent leadership.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Two Nation Theory

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the great leader of Muslims of Sub Continent gave practical
shape to the ideology given by the Allama Iqbal. He had a strong believe in Hindu Muslim unity and
was of the opinion that both Hindus and Muslims should launch joint efforts to get rid of British
rule.

Quaid-e-Azam was a firm advocate of Two Nation Theory which became the ideological basis
Pakistan. He considered the Muslims as a separate nation. He said:

“Pakistan was created the day the first Indian national entered the field of Islam”.

“The Muslims are a nation by every right to establish their separate homeland. They can adopt
any means to promote and protect their economic social, political and cultural interests”.

Address on 23rd March, 1940 - Pakistan Resolution

“The Hindus and Muslims belongs to two different religions, philosophies, social customs and
literature. Their aspects on life and of are different. It is quite clear that Hindus and Muslims
derive their inspiration from different sources of history”.

Address on March 08, 1944

“Hindus and Muslims through living in the same town and villages, had never been blended
into one nation. They were always two separate entities.”

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Address at Islamia College Peshawar 1946

'We do not demand Pakistan simply to have a piece of land but we want a laboratory where
we could experiment on Islamic principles”.

Allama Iqbal and Two Nation Theory

Allama Iqbal, the poet, philosopher and a great thinker with the help of his poetry tried to awaken
the Muslims of the sub-continent. He believed in the separate identity of Muslims as a nation.

1930 Allabad Address

“I am fully convinced that the Muslims of India will ultimately have to establish a separate
homeland as they could not live with the Hindus in the United States”.

“India is a continent of human beings belonging to different races, speaking different

languages and professing different religions...., I, therefore demand the formation of a
consolidated Muslim state in the best interest of India and Islam”.

“I would like to see the Punjab, Northwest Frontier Province, Sindh and Baluchistan
amalgamated into a single State self-government within the British Empire or without the
British Empire, the formation of a consolidated North-West India Muslim state appears to me
to be the final destiny of the Muslims at least of North West India”.

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 SIR SYED AHMED KHAN (1817-18918)
AND ALIGARH MOVEMENT

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan is a great leader of the Muslims of India who founded the Aligarh movement.
He did great service for the Muslims of India after the 1857 War of Independence. He not only
founded the Two Nation Theory but his Aligarh movement also created leadership for the Pakistan
Movement. He led the Muslims in their weakest moment after 1857.

Conditions of Muslims after the War of Independence

The British considered Muslims to be responsible for the War of Independence. Therefore, they did
everything to ensure that Muslims are weakened so that they would not rise against them in future.
Their Jagirs and jobs were taken from them, their language, Persian (Farsi) was also replaced with
English. They also lost their prestige and power because the Mughal Empire was demolished. As a
nation, it was their downfall.

To stop the decline of Muslims of India, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan founded Aligarh Movement.
Its aims were to improve the political, social, educational and economic life of Muslims.

Educational Services

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was the first Muslim leader who realized the importance of education for his
people. In order to equip Muslim with the ornament of knowledge, he opened many educational
institutions and societies which revolutionized the life of the Muslims.

• Two Madrassahs in Muradabad (1858) and Ghaziabad (1862) which imparted education in
Persian.
• In 1864, Sir Syed laid the foundation of a Scientific Society which translated English works
into Urdu.
• Muhammaden Anglo-Oriental (M. A. O) High School was founded in 1875.
• In 1877, M.A.O High School was given the status of a college and inaugurated by Viceroy
Lord Lytton. Later on, this college became a University in 1920.

Scientific Society 1864

Sir Syed founded the Scientific Society to translate western books into Urdu and also fund
educational works.

Muhammadan Educational Conference 1886

Sir Syed established Muhammadan Educational Conference in 1886 to promote education among
Muslims. It also works for upgrading Muslims education institutions.
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Aligarh Institute Gazette 1866

This journal was published in both English and Urdu so that Muslim can know about the western
world and their sciences.

Political Services

Sir Syed Ahmed khan rendered meritorious political services in order to defend the rights of the
Muslims. His services were as under:

Removing Blame of War from Muslims

After the War of Independence 1857, sir Syed compiled a pamphlet entitled Rasala-i-Asbab-e-Baghawat-
i-Hind, in which he explained to the British that the Muslims were not responsible for the war but
the British policies forced them to revolt. He enlisted the following factors which led to the uprising;

1. Misunderstanding of the people about the rulers.

2. Oppression of the British army.
3. Government’s unawareness of the bad conditions and grievances of the people.
4. Introduction of laws that against the wishes of the people.

Sir Syed also founded Indian Patriotic Association to counter anti-Muslim propaganda by the Hindus.

Founder of Two-Nation Theory

He is regarded as founder of Two-Nation theory. At first he was in favor of the Hindu-Muslim unity
but after the 1867 ‘Hindu-Urdu Controversy’ in Banaras, he changed his views. He now told Muslims
that they are separate from other nations of India. This created a sense of nationhood among Muslims
that resulted in the creation of Pakistan.

Distancing Muslims from Politics

Sir Syed advise Muslims to not indulge in politics of Congress that he think was working for interest
of the Hindus. He also wanted the Muslims to concentrate on education and not politics. This advice
not only kept Muslims away from Congress but also proved helpful to Pakistan movement that was
carried on by educate Muslims.

Proposal for Separate Electorate for Muslims

He was the first Muslim to propose separate electorate for the Muslims in order to protect their
political rights in 1883.

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Literary Services

Sir Syed Ahmed khan was not only a prominent educationalist but also a capable author. He wrote
about 30 books. Following are some of his important works;

• Asarul Sanadid – A book on the old Monuments in Delhi.

• Rasala-i-Asbab-e-Baghawat-i-Hind – A Booklet about cause of Indian Revolt of 1857.
• Tarikh Sarkashi-e-Bijnaur - History of rebellion in Bijnaur.
• Tafsir ul-Quran – A Commentary on Quran in 7 Volumes.
• Loyal Muhammadans of India – This book was about services of Muslims for the British.
• Tabbayan-ul-Kalam – This was a comparative study of Quran and Bible.
• Khutbat-e-Ahmadiyah – Essays on the life of Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
• Risalah Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq – A Magazine that aimed at social & behavioral reforms.
• Jam-e-Jum – A book about the lives of the rulers of Delhi.

Social Services

Sir Syed wanted that Muslims of the Sub-continent should get an honorable position in the Hindu-
dominated society. For this purpose, he not only opened many schools but also established an
orphanage at Muradabad to provide refuge to the orphan Muslim children. In fact, his whole life
revolved round his desire for the betterment of his community.

He took several steps for the revival and betterment of the Muslims. He wrote the most
influential magazine Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq in which he outlined the ethical aspects of the Muslims’ life.
In this magazine he criticized the conservative way of the Muslims and advised them to adopt new
trends of life.

He set himself to the task of protecting the Urdu from being faded away and replaced by
English. He worked laboriously for the promotion of Urdu and gave a new tone and colour to the
Urdu literature. He founded Anjuman-i-Tarki-i-Urdu which worked for the protection of Urdu. He
wrote another magazine as Ahkam-i-Ta’am-i-Ahle-Kitab in which the principles and etiquettes of eating
and dinning in Islam were discussed. In this magazine Sir Syed wrote that it was not against Islam to
eat with the Christians on the same table. He gave references from the Quran and proved that it was
not un-Islamic to eat with a nation who was the bearer of Holy book.

Religious Services

Sir Syed rendered many religious services through his movement and writings. He wanted Muslims
to not only get education but also to learn from books about their religion and beliefs. For that
reason, he wrote many books on Islam and other religions..

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Essay on Life of Muhammad (PBUH)

It was written in response to the book, “Life of Muhammad, written by William Muir, a Christian writer.
In this book he wrote disrespectful remarks about the Prophet of Islam. Sir Syed wrote essays on the
life of (PBUH) named Kutbat-i-Ahmadiyah in which he disproved the remarks of William Muir.

Tabbayan-ul-Kalam

It was a commentary on Bible in a philosophical style and explained the similarities between Islam
and Christianity with solid arguments.

Tafsir ul-Quran

This is an important Commentary on Quran in 7 Volumes. This is different from the traditional
commentaries because Sir Syed has tried to give a new modern translation of Quran and principles
of Fiqa.

Aligarh Movement

Syed Ahmad launched his educational movement by setting up:

1. 1859 - Gulshan School at Muradabad

2. 1863 - Victoria School at Gazipur
3. 1864 - Scientific Society for the translation of English works in the native language, Urdu, at
Aligarh
4. 1866 - Aligarh Institute Gazette imparting information on history - ancient and modern,
science of agriculture, natural sciences, physical sciences and Advanced Mathematics
5. 1870 - Committee Striving for the Educational Progress of Muslims
6. 1875 - Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental School (MAO) at Aligarh on the pattern of English
public schools. It became a College in 1877 and then a University in 1920
7. 1886 - Mohammedan Educational Conference, which met every year to take stock of the
educational problems of the Muslims and to persuade them to get modern education and
abstain from politics. It later became a political mouthpiece of the Indian Muslims and the
forerunner of the All India Muslim league.

Aligarh movement means that movement which was inspired by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, his
colleagues and Muslim students of M.A.O College (later Aligarh University). The students of Aligarh
College fired by the spirit of Muslim nationalism spread throughout the country and became the
torch bearer of Two-Nation Theory. Thus, the quest of the Muslims for their national identity took
the shape of a movement which resulted in the renaissance of the Muslims in the 19th century. This
movement revolutionized the economic, social, and political status of the Muslims. However, Sir
Syed was the chief architect of this movement. He worked day and night for the revival of Muslim
glory. After the failure of the War of Independence in 1957, the Muslims became the victims of the
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wrath of the British rulers and they were subjected to an unprecedented systematic process of
suppression and elimination. On the other hand the British rulers favoured the Hindus by granting
them important government jobs in plenty. Thus the tide was turned on the Muslim community
within a short span of time witnessed a steep fall from the high pedestal of the ruling class to a
politically neglected and economically depressed minority.

Conclusion

In the pretext of above mentioned efforts of Sir Syed we come to know that he took the responsibility
of the renaissance of Muslim glory and to achieve its destination he guided the Muslim ship to a right
direction and took it to a definite position where Muslims could mould their lives according to the
pristine principles of Islam. Undoubtedly, Sir Syed’s Aligarh Movement was the pioneer of two-
nation theory which injected life in the dormant body of Muslim nation. He restored confidence
among Muslims and fought for their political, religious, cultural, social and economic rights. He died
on 27th March 1898.

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 PARTITION OF BENGAL (1905)

Partition of Bengal

United Bengal’s area covered 189,000 sq. miles with 80 million populations. It was not possible to
govern such a large province efficiently under one governor.

Before 1905, many proposals of partition of Bengal had been under consideration but Lord
Curzon decided to partition the province to improve administration on 16 October 1905. A new
province of East Bengal (population 31 million) was created with Muslim majority. This was
welcomed by all Muslims because now they had a new Muslim majority province with its own
administration, development funds and new jobs.

The Muslim community supported it strongly but Hindus considered it the division of
motherland. Congress joined the anti-partition movement. They started widespread violent agitation,
protests and boycotted foreign goods. However, the British government assured the Muslims that
the partition was a final act and would never be reversed. This created a feelings of goodwill among
Muslims towards the British as they had benefited Muslims of Bengal politically without any
demands.

Annulment of the Partition

On 12 December 1911, at Delhi Darbar, the British suddenly announced that the partition of Bengal
is reversed. The Muslims were very disappointed by the government response as it accepted the
demands made by Hindus through violence, protests and force. Assurance given to peaceful and
loyal Muslims were disregarded.

Muslims Reaction

The annulment of Partition of Bengal made Muslims and Muslim League realize that they could not
trust the British and their assurances. If they wanted to have their rights, they must make demands
and struggle to achieve them.

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 THE SIMLA DEPUTATION (1906)

Simla Deputation was the first attempt by Muslims to protect their rights and stand as a different
community. It was first systematic attempt on the part of the Muslims to present their demands to
the British government and to seek their acceptance. The Partition of Bengal encouraged Muslims
to engage with the British Government who gave them a new Province. They thought if we can talk
with the British, we can gain much more for Muslims of India.

Therefore, on 01 October, 1906, a delegation of 35 Muslims from all India met with Indian Viceroy,
Lord Minto, at Simla. This delegation was led by Sir Agha Khan while Nawab Mohsin-ul-Malik served
as its secretary.

The Deputation told the Viceroy that Muslims were only about 18% of the Indian population but
due their lands, their presence in the British army and social and political position, their importance
was great. The memorandum which they presented consisted of the following demands:

1. Electoral weightage of more representation because of their importance.

2. Separate electorates.
3. Reservations of Muslims seats in government jobs.
4. Special Muslim seats in Municipal, district boards University senates/syndicates and on
Viceroy Executive Council.
5. Muslim University at Aligarh.

The Viceroy was sympathetic and accepted almost all the demands. It encouraged the Muslims to
launch struggle for their rights parallel to the Indian National Congress but it required an organized
platform. The result was the formation of All India Muslim League.

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 FORMATION OF THE MUSLIM LEAGUE (30 December 1906)

The success of Simla Deputation, Muslim leadership was encouraged and in order to formally present
their demands and concerns to the British government, they decided to form a political platform.
The Muslim leaders desired to create a permanent political forum. After the meeting of the
Mohammedan Educational Conference, the Muslim leaders met to set up the All India Muslim League.
Wiqar-ul-Mulk chaired the meeting. Nawab Salimullah proposed formation of Muslim League while
Hakim Ajmal Khan and Maulana Zafar Ali Khan seconded. Thus a political organization All India
Muslim League came into being.

In the Karachi session Dec. 1907 its constitution was approved and in March 1908 at Aligarh,
Agha Khan was formally elected its president.

Muslim League’s Objectives

1. Protection and promotion of political rights and interests of the Muslims.

2. Cooperation with other communities without harming the first objective.
3. Fostering sense of loyalty, among the Muslims, towards the government.

Change in the Objectives of the Muslim League (1913)

Later, Partition of Bengal, Western aggression towards Muslim countries, Balkan wars, Libya-Italy
war, Demolition of the mosque in Kawnpur (1913), etc. weakened Muslim faith in the British. In
addition, new generation of western educated Muslim leaders joined Muslim League who wanted to
have self-government or more political power. Therefore, objectives were changed or added with the
following:

1. Self-government under the British Crown keeping in view the peculiar conditions in India.
2. Good relations with other communities’ cooperation with any party working for similar goals.

This change brought the ML and Congress closer. In this way the era of cooperation between Hindus
and Muslims set in. The role of the Quaid-i-Azam, who joined Muslim League in 1913, is highly
noteworthy to bring the Congress and the Muslim League to the table.

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 LUCKNOW PACT 1916

The Lucknow pact was the product of Hindu-Muslim unity envisaged by M. A. Jinnah. In December
1915, the ML and Congress met separately in Bombay. Both the parties set up committees for making
a scheme for constitutional changes in consultation with other political parties.

Jinnah did a lot to unite the two nations along with the recognition of the rights of Muslims. Meeting
of both parties held at Lucknow in 1916.

Proposals of Lucknow Pact

The constitutional proposals were approved:

1. One Third seats for Muslims in the Imperial Legislative Council.

2. Separate Electorate
3. Half members of the Executive Council to be elected by the Imperial Legislative Council.
4. Commissioned ranks in the army for Indians.
5. Expansion of Provincial Legislative Councils.
6. Half members of the Governor’s Executive Council be elected by Provincial Legislative
Council.
7. Weightage to minorities in provinces.

Importance

Lucknow Pact brought both Muslim and Hindu communities together for the first time. Congress
now had the support of Muslim League for demand of self-government while Muslim League had
been assured of weightage, separate electorates and 1/3 seats. This Pact created a feeling of solidarity
and brotherhood among the two communities. Muslim League also now left the British side political
advantages and became more independent and active.

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 THE KHILAFAT MOVEMENT (1919-1924)

The Khilafat movement was a religious and political movement launched by the Muslims of British
India for the unity of the Ottoman Caliphate (Khilafat-e-Usmania)

Formation of Khilafat Committee

Turkey sided with Germany in during the First World War. The British government made assurances
to the Indian Muslims that Khilafat-e-Usmania would not dismembered (divided). However, after
Turkey lost the war, the British and its allies started to divide the territory of the Turkey among
themselves. This betrayal created much resentment among the Muslims of India. Therefore, Muslims
of India formed a Khilafat Committee in July 1919, to support Turkey.

Objectives

1. Ottoman Khilafat should not disbanded (divided).

2. All territories of the Turkey should be controlled by it.
3. Control of holy the places should not be given to non-Muslims.

The Movement

Muslims journalism played a vital role to steer the direction of the struggle. Zamindar (Zafar Ali Khan),
Comrade and Hamdard (Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar), and Al-Hilal (Maulana Abul Kalam Azad)
were some of the prominent newspapers and magazines that made people aware of the situation in
Turkey and their duty to help Khilafat-e-Usmania.

The first Khilafat Conference was held at Delhi in November 1919. Indian Congress leaders
Gandhi and Nehru also participated because they were also being protesting against the British
government. These steps were announced:

1. No participation in victory celebrations.

2. Boycott of British goods
3. Non-Cooperation with the Government

In Jan. 1920, delegations were sent to Indian Viceroy and Europe to but they failed to get support
for the Turkey. Therefore, Khilafat Committee decided to start Non-Cooperation in collaboration
with the Congress in May 1920. The Non-Cooperation Movement was started by the Congress in
1919 to protest the cruel Rowlett Act & the Jallianwala Bagh Killings in 379 innocent people were
murdered. Congress asked people to;

1. Return Titles to the British government.

2. Boycott courts and educational institutions
3. Resign from jobs
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 4. Resign from police and military jobs
5. Refuse to pay taxes

Thus both Muslims and Hindus stood against the British Rule under Khilafat Movement and Non-
Cooperation Movement.

Hijrat Movement 1920-21

The Indian ulama (religious leaders) declared British India ‘Darul Harab’ or a place where Muslims
are not allowed to perform their religious practices. They asked Muslims to migrate from India to
Afghanistan. So a large number of Muslims sold their homes & business and started to go to
Afghanistan. Initially Afghans welcomed them but they closed the border because they could not
provide for them. It resulted in loss of lives and money.

End of the Movement

Moplah Revolt (Malabar Coast)

Moplahs were the descendants of the Arab Muslims settled in the Sub-Continent even before the
arrival of Muhammad Bin Qasim. In August 1921, they revolted against their Hindu landlords and
the police. This embittered the Hindu-Muslim relations.

Chora-Chori Incident

In 1922, protestors set a police station on fire and 21 policemen were killed. Since Gandhi believed
in non-violence, this incident made him end the Non-Cooperation Movement and left Muslims
alone.

Developments in Turkey

In 1922, Attaturk emerged as a national leader and restricted powers of the Caliph (Khalifa). Then in
n March 1924, he abolished (ended) the Khilafat-e-Usmania and declared Turkey a Republic. This
ended the Khilafat Movement because the Turk have themselves abolished their Khilafat-e-Usmania.

Importance

1. It showed that Islam is a living force among Muslims of India.

2. This was the first and last Pan-Islamist movement in India that failed.
3. It resulted in the sufferings of the Muslims.
4. Hindu-Muslim unity proved short-lived.
5. Muslim League did not play direct part in the movement but its failure drove people toward
ML.

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 JINNAH’S FOURTEEN POINTS (1929)

Background

To introduce further constitutional reforms in India, British government sent a commission called
Simon Commission to India in 1927. It consisted only of British members and no Indian was
included. This was not acceptable to both Congress and Muslim League because they believed that
only Indians understand their problem and gave present better solutions. Therefore, both the parties
boycotted the Commission. Members of Simon Commission explained that since Indians cannot
agree with each other, that was the reason for their exclusion.

Nehru Committee Report and Muslim Response

To prove the British wrong, an All Parties Conference appointed 10 members’ committee with Moti
Lal Nehru as its Chairman. Representatives from all communities were included in the Committee.
However, its report, called Nehru Report (1928) was a disappointment for the Muslim League. It
rejected Separate Electorates, 1/3 Muslim representation in Central Assembly, reserved seats for
Muslims in provincial assemblies and put conditions on separating Sindh from Mumbai. It meant
that Congress refused to honor promises made in the Lacknow Pact (1916).

Jinnah’s 14 Points

Jinnah still wanted to keep Hindu-Muslim Unity and presented his 14 Points in 1929 as conditions
for Muslim support to Congress. Main points were:

1. Federal system with residuary powers with the provinces

2. Provincial autonomy.
3. Separate electorate for Muslims.
4. 1/3 (33%) representation of Muslims in Central Legislature.
5. 1/3 (33%) Muslim representation in cabinets.
6. No law will be passed if 3/4 (75%) elected members of a community voted against it.
7. Sind to be made a separate province.
8. Constitutional Reforms in NWFP and Balochistan.

Importance

This difference of opinion between Congress and Muslim League is very important. Lucknow Pact
(1916) showed that Muslim League had stopped trusting the British and allied themselves with the
Congress with condition. However, now Congress (Nehru Report) and Muslim League (Jinnah 14
Points) had developed differences.

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 LAHORE RESOLUTION 1940

Lahore resolution was the first and most important step towards demand of a separate state for the
Muslims of India. Before Lahore Resolution, Muslim politics was concerned only with securing
constitutional concessions for the Muslims but now they have, for the first time, demanded their
own state.

Background

After the enactment of Government of India Act 1935, elections were held to the provincial
assemblies in which Congress formed ministries in 8 out of 11 provinces. Muslim League performed
very badly and failed to form government in any province.

The policies of the Congress Ministries, especially their Wardha Educational Scheme,
discrimination in jobs etc., finally convinced Muslim League that Congress cannot be trusted to
protect the rights of Muslims.

Therefore, now Muslims could trust neither the Hindus nor the British. They needed a new
program and goal to protect the rights of the Muslims of India.

Allama Muhammad Iqbal in 1930 had already presented an idea of a separate homeland for
India. That idea was further explored by Muslim League leaders.

The Resolution

The Muslim League held its annual session at Lahore on 22-24 March 1940. The Lahore Resolution
was moved by Maulvi Fazlul Haq and seconded by Ch. Khaliquzzaman that finally approved on
March 24, 1940. It had two important demands:

1. Provinces in which Muslims are majority should be constituted as independent states (in 1946,
the word “states” was replaced with “state”).
2. Provinces in which Muslim are minority, they should be given constitutional rights.

Importance

Lahore Resolution was a historical document in the history of Muslim struggle for an independent
state. The resolution united the Muslim supporters and leaders for independence under the leadership
of Quaid-e-Azam, encouraged them to work devotedly to achieve the reality of a pure motherland
i.e. Pakistan.

Now the Muslim League had a clear demand which was understandable to the people in
Muslim majority provinces. Muslim League explained to the Muslims that in a separate homeland,
they would be free to rule themselves without any fear or control.
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After the Lahore Resolution, Muslims started to support Muslim League wholeheartedly and only
after seven years they succeeded in getting a country of their own.

Page 18 of 23
 THE ELECTIONS OF 1945-46

Background

After the end of Second World War in 1945, the British Empire was weakened and could no longer
keep India under its control. The British now wanted to leave India in a peaceful way by first trying
to resolve the differences between Muslim and Hindu communities. Therefore, Elections to the
Central and Provincial legislatures were held in 1945-46 to enable Indian representatives to decide
the future of Indian independence.

Election Results

After the Lahore Resolution (1940), the message of Muslim League was very clear. They demanded
a separate homeland for the Muslims of India in which they would be politically, socially and
economically free from control of others. They would rule themselves in the new country and would
freely follow Islam. This message had appeal for the Muslims of India and they voted for it. Muslim
league had performed very badly in 1937 elections but now they had achieved great success.

• Central Legislature Elections (December 1945)

Muslim League won all 30 seats reserved for Muslims. The Congress won 57 of the general
seats.

• Provincial Elections (February 1946)

In the provincial elections, the ML won most of the Muslim seats:
Punjab: 79 out of 86 Muslim seats
Bengal 113 out of 119 Muslim seats
Sindh 28 out of 35 Muslim seats
NWFP 17 out of 38 Muslim seats

The ML formed its ministry in Sind and coalition government in Bengal. Khudai Khidmatgar
formed government in NWFP while the Unionist Party, Akalis and the Congress in Punjab.

Importance

Now Muslim League had become the true presentative organization of the Muslims of India
and it was in a position to make demands that could not be ignored. The elections of 1945-46
strengthened the position of Jinnah and Muslim League to great extent.

Page 19 of 23
 THE CABINET MISSION (MARCH 1946)

Background

The British Labour government sent a mission to formulate acceptable constitutional settlement. It
was called Cabinet Mission because it was comprised of the cabinet members of the British
Parliament.

Cabinet Mission

The Mission held various consultations with British officials as well as political leaders of all Indian
parties. The main issue was the Muslim League demand for division of India as British and the
Congress both wanted to keep India united.

Proposals

After much consultations, the Cabinet Mission made the following important points:

1. An Indian Union would be formed of British India and princely states.

2. Centre would deal with foreign affairs, defense, communication and taxation.
3. Rest of the subjects (powers) would be with provinces.
4. No legislation on communal affairs if the majority of that community is not present did not
vote in favor.
5. Provinces will be divided into three groups:
Group A
Hindu majority provinces of UP, CP, Madras, Bombay, Bihar, Orissa.
Group B
Muslim Majority Provinces of Punjab, NWFP, Balochistan and Sindh.
Group C
Bengal and Assam.
6. After ten years, a province could quit the Indian Union.
7. Interim Government to be set up.

Muslim League Reaction

The Muslim League accepted the proposals even though it did not divide India. The reason was that
believed that Muslim majority provinces can have a separate country after 10 years (point no. 6). It
was also favorable to Muslim League that Muslims would have powers on 3 levels; Provincial level,
Group level and Central level.

Congress Reaction

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The Congress was critical of groupings and right to leave after 10 years. It agreed to contest elections
for the Central Legislature but declined to be bound by the proposals of the Cabinet Plan. It said that
after elections, elected members could change the proposals of Cabinet Mission Plan. This position
alarmed Muslim League because Congress could remove the Provincial Groups and the option to
leave after 10 years.

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 3RD JUNE PLAN (1947)

Background

After the 1945-46 Elections, an Interim government was formed. Congress refused to include
Muslim League in the cabinet but after the Direct Action Day (16 August, 1946) on Jinnah’s call that
caused violent protests across the whole country, Congress included members of Muslim League•

However, it was clear from the differences between Muslim League and Congress that both
communities cannot live together in peace and, therefore, the British decided to divide India in
announcement made by Viceroy Lord Mountbatten on 3rd June, 1947 (called 3rd June Plan).

Main Points of 3rd June Plan

1. Areas who do not want to accept Indian Union Constitution would be allowed to set-up a
separate Constituent Assembly.
2. Muslim and non-Muslim members of Punjab & Bengal assemblies will meet separately to
decide if they want to divide their provinces.
3. If Bengal and Punjab decide to divide, a Boundary Commission would be formed to draw
boundaries.
4. Sind Assembly will decide to join Indian or Pakistan.
5. In NWFP and Sylhet, referendum would be held to know if people wanted to join India or
Pakistan.
6. Jirga of Balochistan would decide to join India or Pakistan.
7. Princely states will decide to join India or Pakistan keeping in view their geographical position
and wishes of population.

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 INDIAN INDEPENDENCE ACT JULY 1947

This Act was passed by British Parliament to give legal status to the 3rd June Plan, 1947.

1. Two independent dominion states on August 15, 1947

2. Their legislatures will have all powers to make laws for the respective states.
3. The Interim Constitution of the two new states would be Government of India Act, 1935.
4. Governor Generals can amend the Interim Constitution until March 31, 1948.
5. All arrangements between the British and the Princely states to come to an end and they will
have new arrangements with the new states.
6. British King will no longer use the title of the King of India

Bengal and Punjab decided to divide. Muslims decided to join Pakistan while non-Muslims areas
were to join India. Sindh Assembly decided to join Pakistan. NWFP and Sylhet decided in
Referendum to join Pakistan. Baluchistan Jirga also decided to join Pakistan

Mountbatten wanted to be joint Governor General of India and Pakistan but Muslim League
decided against it and nominated Jinnah as governor general of Pakistan.

On the stroke of mid-night Pakistan came into being on 14 August, 1947.

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