POLITICAL AWAKENING

4 IN SUBCONTINENT
Students’ Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:
After studying this chapter, students will be able to:
· Explain the major reasons for the making of the Congress by Lord A. O. Hume in 1885 CE.
· Describe some initial demands of Congress.
· Assess the importance of these demands for the Muslims of subcontinent.
· Explain the causes of partition of Bengal and its annulment.
· Describe the importance of Simla Deputation 1906 CE.
· Describe the main reasons for the formation of the Muslim League in 1906 CE.
· Describe the importance of the Lucknow Pact of 1916 CE for Hindu Muslim unity.
· Describe some main points of the Montague Reforms and why they were introduced.
· Describe the incident of Jallianwala Bagh in 1919 CE.
· Identify some contributions of the founders of the Khilafat Movement in the subcontinent.
· Describe main features of the Nehru Report in 1928 CE.
· Identify the most important demand made in Jinnah's fourteen points.
· Explain the historical importance of Allama Iqbal's address of 1930 CE at Allahabad.
· Describe events that led the British to hold the three Round Table Conferences.
· Describe main features of the Government of India Act 1935.
· Explain the historical significance of the Day of Deliverance in 1939 CE.
· Identify the importance of the Pirpur Report for Muslim League.
· Explain the reasons and impacts of the reorganisation of the Muslim League.
· Describe the historical significance of the Lahore Resolution of 1940 CE in the formation of Pakistan.
· Describe the role of Muslim women and students in the Movement for Pakistan.
· Identify the key points of Cripps Proposal.
· Describe the major reasons that led to the 'Quit India Movement'.
· Explain why Muhammad Ali Jinnah had to announce, 'Direct Action Day'.
· Identify the key points of the 'Independence Act of 1947’.
· Describe the role of minorities in the establishment of Pakistan.

Skills:
Students will be able to:
· Use a timeline to identify the time of the Bengal Partition, formation of the Congress and Muslim League in
the span of the War of Independence till the formation of Pakistan.
· Explore reasons why the Muslim and Hindu Leaders united against the British.
· Use a timeline to identify the time of announcement of Fourteen Points of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allahabad
Address and Gandhi's Salt Movement, in the span of War of Independence till the formation of Pakistan.
· Explore the reasons why the Round Table Conferences were held in England from 1930-32 CE.

43
 Indian National Congress
Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British Civil Servant formed the Indian National Congress.
When Hume was in service, he thought that
increasing political unrest, economic difficulties of
the masses and increasing conspiracies might create
a situation like that of the War of Independence of
1857 CE. Therefore, he thought that there was a need
for an organization through which they might
express their grievances. Therefore, he established
the Indian National Congress in Bombay (Mumbai) in
1885 CE. Its first meeting was held on December 28,
1885 CE, in which 70 delegates participated in the
meeting, out of which only 2 were Muslims. The
Indian National Congress had determined its
objectives which were:
1. To evolve a sense of nationhood among the
Indians.
2. To address the grievances of the Indian
people.
3. To re-organize people in the fields of culture,
politics and morality. Allan Octavian Hume
4. To work for the welfare of Indian people.
Initial Demands of the Congress
When the Congress was founded in 1885 CE, it claimed to be the sole political party of all
Indians. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan adopted the policy of wait and see for two years. When the Congress
made its demands, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan advised the Muslims not to join the Congress. The
Congress demanded that:
1. British Parliamentary System be introduced in India.
2. All high posts should be filled through competitive examination.
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan opposed the fact that the British Parliamentary System could be
implemented in a country where a nation lived, whereas in India several nations lived. Moreover in
that system, the majority ruled over the minorities. Thus, it was against the Muslims of India. Sir
Syed Ahmed Khan also disliked the idea of competitive examinations. As the Muslims were very
backward in education, so they could not compete with the Hindus. These demands were against
the Muslims. So, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan advised the Muslims not to join the Congress.

44
 Partition of Bengal (1905 CE)
By the beginning of the 20th century CE, Bengal was the largest province of the
subcontinent and was not possible to administer it effectively. On many occasions, officials
proposed to cut its area. In 1874 CE, the districts of Assam i.e.,
Find Out!
Sylhet, Gopara and Kuchar were separated from Bengal, but its
population remained uncontrollable. In 1892 CE, the What was the purpose
Commissioner of Chittagong proposed the separation of east of partition of Bengal in
1905 CE?
Bengal, but the proposal could not be implemented. However, on
the arrival of Lord Curzon as Viceroy of India, Central Provinces
were integrated into Orrisa and Bengal was divided into two parts, western and eastern provinces
in 1905 CE. Lord Curzon visited the eastern part of Bengal to apprise the people about the benefits
of partition.
The division reduced the administrative pressure and ensured uplift of the eastern part of
the Bengal. As a result of the division, the western province became Hindu majority area and the
eastern province Muslim majority area.
Hindu Reaction
Hindus opposed this partition. In 1905 CE, they held a huge rally in Calcutta and opposed
partition and decided to start the Swadeshi Movement. It was meant to boycott British products
and to purchase local products. 7

Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India (1899-1905 CE) George-V

45
Muslims Reaction on Partition of Bengel
Muslims were very happy over this partition as there was a chance for the development of
Muslims. Therefore, Muslims refused to participate in the Swadeshi Movement. Hindus compelled
Muslims to join the movement by playing different tactics. Hindu youngsters began to attack
Muslims as well as Britishers.
Annulment of Partition of Bengal
The British King, George-V visited India in 1911 CE. He held a court on December 12,
1911 CE in Delhi in which he announced the annulment of the partition of Bengal and re-united
the east and west Bengal into a united province.
The annulment of the partition of Bengal was resented by the Muslims and they were
disappointed by the Government because the Government on many occasions promised not to
annul the partition, therefore, the Muslims remained loyal to the Government despite the pressure
from Hindus.

The Simla Deputation (1906 CE) and Separate Electorate

Hindus were very angry with the British Government over the partition of Bengal as the
Government took this action against the wishes of Hindus and Congress. In 1906 CE, the
Government announced to carry out political reforms in India. Muslims had no representation in

The Viceregal Lodge, Simla

46
any provincial council. To increase the representation of Muslims, a deputation of prominent
Muslims led by Sir Agha Khan met Viceroy Lord Minto on 1st October, 1906 CE at Simla. In history,
it is known as Simla Deputation. The Muslims delegation made the following demands:
1. Separate seats may be reserved for Muslims in Legislative Councils. In the same way, the
separate electorate for Muslims may be implemented.
2. Keeping in view the Muslim importance, the Muslims may be given more representation in
legislative councils and other organizations than their actual number.
The Viceroy Lord Minto promised to protect the rights and interests of the Muslims. He
admitted that both demands of the Muslims were appropriate and admissible. The Simla
Deputation encouraged the Muslims and they began to think about their future.

Lord Minto, Viceroy of India (1905-1910 CE) Sir Agha Khan

Establishment of Muslim League (1906 CE)

A meeting of Muslim leaders was held in October, 1901 CE at Lucknow, in which it was
decided that an organization for the protection of political and
Find Out!
social right of Muslim would be formed. Thus, a committee was
constituted with the responsibility of convening a meeting of the Why was All India Muslim
Muslim leadership of all provinces of India but the meeting could League established?
not be convened.
On the success of the Simla Deputation, the Muslims felt the need to form a Muslim Political
Party to protect the interests of the Muslims at the national level. The reasons for the formation of
the all India Muslim League are given as:
47
 Founding Members of All India Muslim League

Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk Nawab Saleemullah Khan

1. To achieve the right of a separate electorate.

2. To unite the Muslim nation at all level.
3. To create political consciousness.
In December 1906 CE, an annual meeting of the Muhammadan Educational Conference
was held at Dacca. All important Muslim leaders of the subcontinent attended the meeting. They
discussed educational and political problems and considered the formation of a political party for
Muslims of the subcontinent. At the end of the Conference, a special meeting under the
chairmanship of Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk was held on December 30, 1906 CE, in which a resolution
for the establishment of the All India Muslim League was presented by Nawab Saleem-Ullah Khan,
which was adopted unanimously. According to the resolution, the following basic objectives of the
Muslim League were approved:
48
 i. To promote among the Muslims of India the feelings of loyalty to the British Government
and to remove misconceptions.
ii. To promote and advance the political rights and interests of the Muslims of India and to
represent the needs and requirements before the British Government.
iii. To prevent the rise among the Muslims of India of any feeling of hostility towards other
communities without prejudice to the other aforementioned objectives of the Muslim
League.
The establishment of Muslim League is an important event in the history of the
subcontinent. It was the starting point of the entry of Muslims into the political field. The Muslims
began to participate in the politics of India under the banner of Muslim League. The Muslim
League led the Muslims and presented them quite effectively.

Lucknow Pact (1916 CE)

The First World War (1914-18 CE) changed the political thought of Muslims and Hindus of
the subcontinent. The leadership of both sides had realized the fact that it was the right time to
achieve more concessions from the British Government. Therefore, they should cooperate with
each other.

The Lucknow Pact of 1916

So, the leaders of Muslim League and Congress were ready for cooperation. At that
moment, Quaid-e-Azam was a member of both the Muslim League and Congress.
Through his struggle, the meeting of the Muslim League and Congress was held in Bombay in 1915 CE. At
the end of the meeting, a committee was formed with the intention to sort out the common
elements between two communities. The committee proposed a scheme which was approved by
both parties in December 1916 CE at the joint session held at Lucknow. Both parties agreed on a
49
pact which is known as the “Lucknow Pact” in history. The main articles of the pact are as:
1. Congress accepted the principle of a separate electorate for the Muslims.
2. Congress agreed to give 1/3 representation to the Muslims in the Central Legislative Council.
3. Both parties agreed on the weightage formula under which the Muslims would get less
representation than their population in the Legislative Council in those provinces where they
were in the majority but more in the provinces, where they were in the minority.
4. In the Central or Provincial Assembly, a non-official shall not present a bill or resolution
against a community nor shall it be approved without the approval of 3/4 members of the
community.

Khilafat Movement (1919 CE)

The Muslims of India had great respect for the Khilafat which was held by the Ottoman
Empire. During World War-I, the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) joined the World War-I in favour of
Germany, but Germany lost the war. After this war, it was decided by the winning states that Turkey
should be divided among France, Greece and Britain but that decision was resented by Muslims.

Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar Maulana Shaukat Ali Jauhar

Therefore, the Muslim leaders like Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Maulana Shaukat Ali Jauhar and
Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar reacted against the British Government policy and were put
behind the bars.
Thus, Muslims started a movement which came to be known as the Khilafat Movement. The
aims of this movement were:
1. To protect the holy places of Turkey.
2. To protect the Caliph of Turkey.
50
 3. To restore the Ottoman Empire.

When the leaders of the Khilafat Movement realized that the British did not want to help
them, they started non-Cooperation Movement. The Congress supported the movement under
the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

A Scene of Khilafat Movement Mustafa Kamal Ataturk

The Khilafat Movement intensified when Maulana Abdul Bari and Maulana Abdul Kalam
Azad declared India Dar-ul-Harab. They called Muslims to migrate from India. A large majority of
Muslims migrated to Afghanistan, but Afghan authorities closed its borders. The Muslims suffered
a lot and they had to come back to India.
In 1922 CE, an incident in Chauri Chaura took place in which many policemen were burnt by
a crowd. Many Muslim leaders were arrested due to this incident. Later, Gandhi put off the Non-
cooperation Movement which weakened the Khilafat Movement.
In1924 CE, the Turkish leader Mustafa Kamal Ataturk abolished the Khilafat as a system of
Government. After the declaration of Mustafa Kamal, the Khilafat Movement ended itself.

Nehru Report (1928 CE)

The Indians accepted the challenge and called an All Parties Conference at Delhi in February
1928 CE but no agreed formula came out. So, the meeting was postponed giving chance to every
party to rethink about its version. Again, All Parties Conference was held in Bombay in which a
committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Motilal Nehru to prepare a report on the
constitutional reforms in India. Only two Muslim members, Sir Ali Imran and Shoaib Qureshi were
included in this committee. The proposals of the committee were known as “Nehru Report.”
The following are its main proposals:
1. It did not provide a separate electorate for any community.
2. It provided 1/4 seats for Muslims instead of 1/3 in Central Legislative Council.
51
 3. It did not provide the principle of weightage for Muslims in minority provinces.
4. It provided for a federal form of Government with residual powers with center.
5. It provided for a reservation for a non-Muslim seat in NWFP (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).

The Reaction of the Muslim League

Hindus' mentality was exposed as they were not ready to accommodate Muslims. These
recommendations were totally against the Muslims. If they were accepted, it was complete
dominance of the Hindus over the Muslims. So, the Muslims became united against Nehru Report.
The All Parties Conference of Muslim parties was held from December 31, 1928 CE to1st January
1929 CE at Delhi in which Quaid-e-Azam Muhmmad Ali Jinnah proposed four amendments
in Nehru Report but Congress refused to accept those amendments. Thus, Quaid-e-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah concluded that Hindus and Muslims could not work together and
they had to go in separate ways.

Fourteen Points of Quaid-e-Azam (1929 CE)

Muslim League convened its session in Delhi on 28th March 1929 CE. In this meeting
Quaid-e-Azam presented his famous Fourteen Points. These points are as follows:
1. The form of the future constitution should be federal with the residuary powers vested in
the provinces.
2. Uniform measures of autonomy shall be granted to all provinces.
3. All legislatures in the country and other elected bodies shall be constituted on definite
principles of adequate and effective representation of minorities in every province, without
reducing the majority in any province to a minority of even equality.
4. In the Central Legislative Council, Muslim representation shall not be less than one third.
5. Representation of communal groups shall continue to be by means of separate electorates
at present and it shall be open to any community at any time to abandon its separate
electorate in favour of joint electorate.
6. Any territorial distribution that might at any time be necessary shall not in any way affect
the Muslim majority in Punjab, Bengal and NWFP provinces.
7. Full religious liberty shall be granted to all communities.
8. No bill or resolution shall be passed in any legislature, if three-fourths of the members of
that community opposed the bill.
9. Sindh should be separated from Bombay Presidency.
10. Reforms should be introduced in NWFP and Balochistan on the same footings as in the
other provinces.
11. Muslims would be given an adequate share in all services having due regard to the
52
 Quaid-e-Azam
Quick Fact
The Quaid-e-Azam presented his Fourteen Points in response to the Nehru Report.

requirements of efficiency.
12. There shall be complete protection of Muslim culture and religion.
13. One-third of representation shall be given to the Muslims in Central or any Provincial
Cabinets.
14. No change in the constitution shall be made without the consent of the provinces.
Importance
Fourteen Points of Quaid-e-Azam carry great importance in the Muslim history of
India. These points guaranteed the political future of Muslims. Otherwise there was a danger of
dominance by Hindus and repeal of Muslim identity. Fourteen Points united the Muslims and both
factions of Muslims League came under the umbrella of Quaid-e-Azam . Fourteen Points
showed that the political gap between Hindus and Muslims had really widened and those points
became the principles for the Muslims of India. These points became a source of political dialogue
with Hindus for the next five years. When Congress refused to accept these points, Muslims
decided to create a separate homeland. The British Government also did accept some of these
points.
The anti-Muslim attitudes of Congress got exposed with the passage of time. Jinnah's
Fourteen Points and Nehru Report were two opposite proposals for the constitutional and political
solution of the subcontinent.
Congress was not ready to accept the separate identity of the Muslims, whereas Muslims
did not accept any constitutional formula which would not safeguard their rights. Thus, the British
Government decided to convene Round Table Conferences to resolve political issues of India.
53
 Allahabad Address (1930 CE)
When, in December 1930 CE, most of the Indian leaders were busy at a Round Table
Conference in London to discuss a future course of action, Muslim League convened its meetings
in Allahabad. Allama Iqbal presided over its annual session. His presidential address carries
great importance in political history of the subcontinent. Allama Iqbal highlighted the
Two-Nation Theory and argued that subcontinent was a homeland of two nations and Muslims are
a separate nation in this country.

Allama Iqbal Allama Iqbal with Colleagues

Allama Iqbal said, “I wish that Punjab, Sindh, NWFP and Balochistan may be
integrated into single political entity. Whether it is autonomous within British rule or without,
somehow perceive that ultimately, Muslims of north-west India shall get a separate state." Allama
Muhammad Iqbal's address carries great importance in the Muslim freedom struggle.
This address served as a tower of light to the Muslims and enabled them to identify their
destination without which their problems could never be solved. The failure of the Simon
Commission and criticism of the Muslim League in Nehru Report created hurdles for constitutional
reforms. Therefore, the British Government arranged Round Table Conferences from 1930 CE to
1932 CE to have dialogue with the Indian leaders but nothing came out of those conferences.

Round Table Conferences (1930-32 CE)

Before the publication of the report of Simon Commission in 1930 CE, Lord Irwin, Viceroy of
India, announced to hold Round Table Conferences to resolve the Indian problems. Prior to this,
Quaid-e-Azam had written many letters to the British Prime Minster in which
he proposed to arrange a conference for the solution of Indian problems.

54
 After the announcement of Lord Irwin, Gandhi demanded granting India dominion status,
otherwise Congress would not attend the conference. The British Government rejected his
demand and Gandhi started the Civil Disobedience Movement but Muslims did not participate in
this movement.
First Round Table Conference (1930 CE)
The First Round Table Conference was held officially by Lord Irwin on November 11, 1930 CE
in London and chaired by the British Prime Minister, Ramsay MacDonald. Congress did not attend
the conference, while 18 representatives of Muslims including Quaid-e-Azam , Sir Agha
Khan, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Molvi Fazal-ul-Haq and Sir Muhammad Shafi attended the
First Round Table Conference.

Ramsay MacDonald Quaid-e-Azam Sir Muhammad Shafi

There was complete agreement at this conference over separating Burma from
subcontinent and imposing a federal system in the subcontinent. On this occasion, twelve
committees were formed which put forward recommendations for reforms in NWFP, minority
issues and separating Sindh from Bombay.
Second Round Table Conference (1931 CE)
The First Round Table Conference was concluded on January 19, 1931 CE. During this
Conference, the British Government and other delegates had realized that the conference would
be inconclusive in the absence of Congress. Meanwhile, Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed on
5th March, 1931 CE in India. The Congress withdrew the call of Civil Disobedience Movement and
the Government released its volunteers. Congress consented to participate in the Second Round
Table Conference. Master Tara Singh mandated Gandhi to represent Sikhs and gave him a charter
of 17 demands which included division of Punjab on religious bases. It is important to mention
here that Lala Lajpat Roy also suggested division of India on a communal basis in 1924 CE as a
solution to its problems.
55
 Communal Award (1932 CE)
The Second Round Table Conference could not produce any solution to communal
problem. During this Conference, the British Prime Minster Ramsay MacDonald announced that if
the conference could not solve the communal problem, then the British Government itself would
announce the solution. At the end of the conference, the Government declared the Award in
1932 CE which was known as the Communal Award.
Principle of a separate electorate was maintained in the Communal Award. Muslims got
more seats in the minority provinces. Sikhs were given weightage in Punjab. Hindus got more seats
in NWFP and Sindh than their population. Europeans in Bengal and Assam were also given more
weightage than their population.
Muslims did not get much from the Communal Award, but they accepted it. Hindus and
Sikhs were fully against this Award. Gandhi severely protested the separation of untouchables
from Hindus. Meanwhile, Hindu leaders pressurized Dr. Ambedkar not to accept untouchables
separate from Hindus. Therefore, a pact was signed between Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar which was
known as the "Poona-Pact." According to this pact, it was settled that Hindu and Untouchables
would be recognized as one nation and Hindus would give away some seats to untouchables.
Hindus benefitted from the Poona-Pact as by having untouchables merged in Hindu nation,
their numbers and strength were increased.
Third Round Table Conference (1932 CE)
44
The Third Round Table Conference started on November 17, 1932 CE and continued to
November 24, 1932 CE. The British Labour Party was willing to give more powers to the provinces
as compared to the previous set up. The British Government formed a committee to prepare
recommendations based on which the Government would prepare the draft of the Indian Act of
1935.

The Government of India Act 1935

The British Government framed the Government of India Act 1935 and implemented it
throughout India after being passed by the British Parliament.
The following were its main features:
1. Federal Government
The Act declared India as a federation. The powers were distributed between the provinces
and the Central Government.
2. Viceroy (Governor-General)
At the top of Central Government, there was a Viceroy or Governor-General who had
extreme powers. He was not answerable to the council or legislature.
56
3. Central Legislative Council
The Central Legislative Council was bicameral (two houses) and its head was Governor-General.
It consisted of:
i. Council of States
The council of states comprised 260 members. 156 members were taken from provinces
and 104 members were taken from princely states. The members were elected for the period of
five years.
ii. Central Legislative Council
It had 375 members, out of which 250 were taken from the provinces and 125 from Indian
states. They were also elected for a period of five years.
4. Judiciary
There was a federal court comprising one chief justice and six superior judges. The court
used to hear appeals against the decisions of High Courts.
5. Provincial Administration
i. Governor
The Governor was the head of the province who was appointed by Governor-General. He
was responsible for protection of minorities, rights of civil servants, issuance of ordinances and law
and order in the province.
ii. Cabinet
The Provincial Cabinet comprised those ministers who were taken from Provincial
Legislative Council. Ministers were nominated by the Governor and they were answerable to
Governor and the Provincial Legislative Council.
iii. Provincial Legislative Council
4
There was a Legislative Council in each province. The members of the Legislative Council
were elected for the period of five years.
6. Separate Electorate
The seats in the Central Legislative Councils were separately reserved for the Muslims.
Muslims could participate in elections and only Muslims could vote.
7. Provincial Autonomy
Many provinces were autonomous. The diarchy was abolished and all the local
departments were given under the charge of Indian Ministers. The Provincial Cabinets were
powerful to run the administration of provinces.
Importance
The Government of India Act 1935 was an important point in the move towards
independence of India. It provided the basis for negotiations which finally resulted in the British
57
leaving India.

Elections of 1937 CE
Elections of provincial assemblies were held in February-March 1937 CE under the
Government of India Act 1935. All political parties participated in the elections. Congress won
more seats than other parties and emerged as a largest party. The Muslim League could not
achieve a majority in any province. Congress formed Governments in seven provinces of Madras,
Bombay, United Province, Central Province, Bihar, Orissa and NWFP out of eleven provinces. In
Punjab Sir Sikandar Hayat, in Sindh Sir Ghulam Hussain Hadait Ullah, in Bengal Maulvi Faqal-ul-
Haq and in Assam Sir Muhammad Saad Ullah formed coalition Governments.
The election had not been a success for the Muslim League as it had brought benefits to the
Muslims. It was the first election in which the Muslims had contested. The election helped to unify
the Muslim League. It also helped the party to improve its organization and planning. Later, the
Muslim League succeeded in creating Pakistan for the Muslims of India.
The Congress Ministries and Day of Deliverance
After establishing Governments in the provinces, Congress planned to eliminate the
identity of the Muslims and put restrictions on the Muslims' religious activities.
Construction of a new masjid was banned and Muslims were harassed while offering
prayers. Employments for the Muslims were banned. Hindi became the national language in place
of Urdu. Educational reforms were introduced that were purely anti-Muslim in spirit. The Warda
Scheme and Vidya Mander Scheme were implemented in the schools. Muslim children were
compelled to worship Gandhi's statue. Muslim students were compelled to recite Vande-Mataram,
which was an anti-Muslim anthem. The Muslims were kept backward in economic circles. They
were expelled from Government services and career opportunities were closed for them. These
incidents compelled the Muslims to demand for a separate state for the Muslims. During the Word
War-II in 1939 CE, the Congress Ministries resigned to pressurize the British Government to leave
India and handover all authorities to Indians.
At the resignation of Congress Ministries, Quaid-e-Azam advised the Muslims to
celebrate a “Deliverance Day” on December 22, 1939 CE to rejoice the resignation of Congress
Ministries.
Pirpur Report
The Pirpur Report was regarding atrocities committed during the Congress Ministries
against the Muslim community during their rule. A committee was constituted comprising Raja
Syed Muhammd Mehdi of Pirpur, Syed Taqi Hadi Naqvi, Syed Ashraf Ahmed, Maulvi Abdul Ghani,
Syed Zakar Ali and Mian Ghias-ud-Din. On November 15, 1938 CE, the committee presented its
report. According to this Report, during the Congress Ministries, all types of brutalities were
committed against the Muslims. They were deprived of their due rights; for example, slaughtering
of cow was prohibited, Azan in masjids was banned, the Congress flag was hoisted in the schools of
58
the Muslims and worshiping of Gandhi's picture was made compulsory for Muslim children.
This report had serious effects on the politics of the subcontinent which are:
1. The world became aware of cruelties committed by Congress Ministries against the Muslims.
2. The reality about the Congress design was revealed and the relations between the British
Government and the Muslims improved.

Re-organization of Muslim League

Quaid-e-Azam returned to India from England in 1934 CE and took steps for the
unity of Muslims and re-organization of the Muslims League. He re-united the factions of the
Muslim League.
He was not disappointed with the bad performance of the Muslim League in the elections
of Provincial Assemblies in 1937 CE. In a short span of time, he succeeded in opening 170 branches
of the Muslim League only in United Province. Soon there were established branches of the
Muslim League in every province.
As a result, the Muslim League emerged as a sole representative party of the Muslims of the
subcontinent and succeeded in achieving Pakistan.

Lahore Resolution
The annual session of the All India Muslim League was held from 22nd March to 24th
March, 1940 CE under the presidentship of Quaid-e-Azam at Minto Park, Lahore in which a
large number of Muslims delegates participated.

59
 Minar-e-P akistan, Lahore where P akistan Resolution was Presented

55
In his presidential address, Quaid-e-Azam explained the Two-Nation Theory and
said, "Hindus and the Muslims belong to two different religions, philosophies, social customs and
literature. They neither intermarry nor inter-dine and
indeed, they belong to two different civilizations which
are based mainly on conflicting ideologies. Their
concepts of life are different. It is quite clear that
Hindus and the Muslims derive their inspiration from
different sources of history. To yoke together two such
nations under a single state, one as a numerical
minority and the other as a majority, must lead to
growing discontent and final destruction of any fabric
that may be so built for the Government of such a
state."
On the basis of above mentioned ideas of
Quaid-e-Azam , A.K Fazlul-Haq, the then Chief
Minister of Bengal, moved the historic resolution on
23rd March, 1940 CE known as the Lahore
Resolution.The resolution declared, "No constitutional
plan would be workable or acceptable to the Muslims
unless geographical contiguous units are demarcated
into regions which should be so constituted with such Quaid-e-Azam
60
 Quaid-e-Azam with other Leaders

territorial readjustment as may be necessary that the areas in which the Muslims are numerically in
majority as in the north-western and eastern zones of India should be grouped to constitute
independent states in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign."
It further reads, "Those adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards shall be specifically
provided in the constitution for minorities in the units and in the regions for the protection of their
religious, cultural, economic, political and administrative and other rights of the minorities with
their consultation. Arrangements, thus, should be made for the security of the Muslims who were
in minority."
In the resolution, the word “states” was used. But in 1946 CE, it was amended and demand
for a separate state “Pakistan” was launched. This Lahore Resolution was later known as “Pakistan
Resolution”. After this resolution, Muslims political movement entered a new phase. Public
meetings were organized throughout the country in which a separate homeland for the Muslims
was demanded. Hindus were against the separate homeland for the Muslims. The Sikh's Party
“Akali Dul” and the Congress strongly opposed the idea of Pakistan which shows that Congress
was puzzled at the Pakistan Resolution.
The resolution was endorsed by Maulana Zafar Ali Khan from Punjab, Sardar Aurangzeb
from NWFP, Sir Abdullah Haroon from Sindh and Qazi Esa from Balochistan along with many
others.
Having passed the Pakistan Resolution, the struggle for Pakistan started which continued
for seven years. The British and Hindus created many obstacles but the Muslims were determined.

61
They had clarity that they were struggling for the right cause, so all the tricks of enemies were
turned down.

Role of Women and Students in Pakistan Movement

Women's Role in Pakistan Movement

The Muslim women of the subcontinent
played an important role in the struggle for Pakistan,
which is its own example. Among these women was
Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, the sister of the Quaid-e-
Azam , who remained side by side with her brother
in the struggle of Pakistan and contributed to the
awareness of Muslim women. She was an active member
of the All India Muslim League.
Begum Salma Tassaduq Hussain participated in
the campaign to make Muslim women members of the
Muslim League after the formation of the Muslim
League Women's Wing. In March 1940 CE, she attended
the meeting of the Muslim League held in Lahore to host
the Begums of political leaders and Women Delegates
and was elected Joint Secretary of the Punjab Muslim
League Women's Wing.
Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah

Campaign of Muslim League Women’s Wing Fatima Sughra

Fatima Sughra, who installed the flag of the Muslim League on the Civil Secretariat was an
active member of the Pakistan Movement. She was only 14 years old at that time.
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 Begum Shaista Ikramullah Begum Raa'na Liaquat Ali

Begum Shaista Ikramullah was the organizer of the Muslim Girls Federation. At that time,
organizing young girls was not an easy task but at this difficult stage she did not give up and
played an important role in organizing the students across India.

Begum Raa'na Liaquat Ali was the first lady of Pakistan. She was wife of Pakistan's First Prime
Minister Liaquat Ali Khan. She served for the rehabilitation of refugees after the establishment of
Pakistan. She was the first woman Governor of Sindh. Before the establishment of Pakistan, she
founded a women's organization, All Pakistan Women's Association (APWA). She also served as
Pakistan's ambassador to the Netherlands and Italy.

A leader of the Pakistan Movement, Begum Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, participated in
the Khilafat Movement with her
mother-in-law, (Bi Amma). She
raised political awareness not only in
women but also in men.
Lady Nusrat Haroon took part
in the Khilafat Movement. In 1925 CE,
she founded an association called
"Islah-al-Khawateen" in Karachi,
which has the honour of being the
first association of Muslim women in
Karachi. In short, women played vital
role in Pakistan Movement despite
Begum Jahan Ara Shahnawaz Begum Nusrat Haroon
many obstacles.

Begum Jahan Ara Shahnawaz went to London to attend the Round Table Conference. She
represented women at the Second and Third Round Table Conferences. She became a member of
the All India Muslim League Women's Committee to raise political awareness among Muslim
women. She also participated in the historic session of the Muslim League in Lahore in 1940 CE.
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Students’ Role in Pakistan Movement
Students played a significant role in Pakistan's historic freedom struggle. During the British
Government in subcontinent, students emerged as a credible force for change. In August 1936 CE,
an All India Students Conference was held in Lucknow presided by Quaid-e-Azam .
Delegates chosen by district and provincial student bodies formed the All India Students
Federation (AISF). Three months after the initial conference, another meeting was held in Lahore.
AISF held its sixth session in Nagpur, capital of the Indian province named Central Province (now
Madhya Pradesh) on December 25, 1940 CE. The agenda of this conference was to chart a line of
action and policy against the British rule.
Aligarh students became the pacesetters in behaviour and dress for the rest of Muslim of
India. Young men from Punjab, Bengal, Madras, Sindh, NWFP, UP, Bombay and Hyderabad lived
for years at Aligarh as students wore the same uniform and developed a remarkable uniformity.
Almost all great revolutions of the modern world have the youth or student factor in
common. The creation of Pakistan too had many contributors who played a vital role in the
Freedom Movement.

Quaid-e-Azam with Students

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 Cripps Proposals (1942 CE)
During the Second World War, the position of the British was weak and was alarmed at the
successive victories of Japan. In these circumstances, the
British Government sent a mission to India in 1942 CE under
Sir Stafford Cripps to achieve Hindu-Muslim consensus on
some constitutional arrangements.
Cripps arrived in Dehli and started a series of
meetings with leading Indian politicians including Nehru,
Abul Kalam Azad and Quaid-e-Azam . In the
meetings, he tried to convince them to accept his following
proposals:
1. Indian union would have dominion states.
2. A Constituent Assembly would be established to
frame the constitution.
3. Provinces were free to either join Indian Union or to
form their own union.
4. Indian Union was free to join Common Wealth.
Sir Stafford Cripps
Reaction of Congress and Muslim League
Find Out!
Both Congress and the Muslim League rejected the
proposals. Congress rejected it due to the right of provinces Why did Cripps come to India?
to form their own union, while the Muslim League rejected
because there was no clear-cut proposal for the division of India and establishment of an
independent state. Thus, the mission failed due to the rejection by both parties and the situation in
subcontinent even worsened.

Quit India Movement

With the departure of Cripps, Quit India Movement was started by Gandhi and Congress.
The Quit India meant the withdrawal of the British Government from India and handing over
powers to Hindus. Hindus, in their majority provinces, created the problem of law and order by
setting Government-buildings on fire and disconnecting electric wires, but soon the movement
was suppressed.
The Muslim League condemned the Quit India Movement and participated in Provincial
Governments. Quaid-e-Aazm gave the slogan to divide and quit India as it was the
considered opinion of Quaid-e-Azam that after the departure of the British from India,
Hindus would never provide justice to Muslims. Therefore, British should divide India and quit it.
65
The failure of Quit India Movement made it clear to Hindus that any movement in India without the
support of the Muslims could not be successful.

Quit India Movement

Direct Action Day (1946 CE)

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the president of the All India Muslim League, announced in a Press
Conference on 31st July, 1946 CE, to protest against British Government and All India National
Congress's attitude for not accepting a separate state of Pakistan for the Muslims of India. He
announced that “We wanted divided India not united India.” Processions and demonstrations
were held on August 16, 1946 CE throughout India.

Quaid-e-Azam with Liaqat Ali Khan

66
 The Independence Act of 1947 and the Establishment of Pakistan
British Parliament passed Independence Act of 1947 on July 18, 1947. According to this Act,
the two independent states emerged in the subcontinent.

On August 13, 1947 CE,

Viceroy Lord Mountbatten came
to Karachi. On August 14, 1947 CE,
both Quaid-e-Azam and
Lord Mountbatten reached
constituent Assembly Hall and
Viceroy officially transferred the
power of the newly born state of
Pakistan. Quaid-e-Azam
took the oath as the First
Governor General of Pakistan and
Liaquat Ali Khan was nominated
as the First Prime Minister. In this
way, Pakistan emerged as a
sovereign Islamic state on the map of the world. Quaid-e-Azam , with the grace of Allah
Almighty, made the impossible possible.
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 Role of Minorities in the Establishment of Pakistan
The minorities, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsi etc. also contributed their role in the establishment
of Pakistan along with the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the All India Muslim
League. They contributed their best role in the Lahore Resolution, Boundary Commission and the
division of Punjab. They supported Pakistan and played their role in the Pakistan Movement when
it was at its peak.

On the request of the Quaid-e-Azam , Diwan Bahadur Satya Parkash Singha, a
renowned lawyer Ch. Chandu Lal, CE Gibbon, FE Chaudary, Raj Kumari Amirt, Fazal Ilahi, Alfried
Purshad and SS Albert attended the annual session of Muslim League which was held on 22-24
March, 1940 CE at Minto Park, Lahore. It was reassured in the meeting that religious, cultural,
political, administrative rights of minorities would be protected through their consultation.
In 1942 CE, a meeting of the All India Muslim League was held on the ground of Dhobi Ghat,
Lyallpur (Faisalabad). Indian Christian Association presented the inaugural address to Quaid-e-
Azam and Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah. In response to the address, Quaid-e-Azam
assured that equal rights would be granted to all minorities in Pakistan.
Quaid-e-Azam said, “Pakistan would be the solution of all problems of minorities”.
He said this during a reception given to him by the religious minorities including Christian,
Scheduled Caste, Hindu, Sikh, Anglo-Indian and European at Lyallpur in 1942 CE.
SP Singha and other leaders like CE Gibbon and Fazal Ilahi recorded statements before the
Punjab Boundary Commission. These leaders requested that the Christian population may be
counted as a part of Pakistan. The bold decision of the Christians to stand with the Muslim League
was termed as their vote for Pakistan. Other minority associations like the Joint Christian Board,
Punjab Scheduled Castes Federation, All India Christian Association Punjab and Baba Gewin Singh

Diwan Bahadur Satya Parkash Singha CE Gibbon FE Chaudary

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 Jamshed Nusserwanji Mehta Ch. Chandu Lal

of Amritsar sent their consent to the Boundary Commission to be included in Pakistan. Jugader
Nath Mandil also endorsed the declaration. Famous Parsi Politician Jamshed Nusserwanji Mehta
(First elected Mayor of Karachi) and other Parsi community also played an important role in the
formation of Pakistan.
In the final days of the Pakistan Movement, Quaid-e-Azam met the Christian leader
Ch. Chandu Lal to convince minorities to support Pakistan. He supported Quaid-e-Azam .
At that time, a Christian leader, Joshva Fazal Din, started a movement to make whole Punjab a part
of Pakistan.
On 21st June 1947 CE, a meeting of the elected Christian members of the Punjab Legislative
Assembly was held, which was chaired by Diwan Bahadar SP Singha, who was a renowned Christian
leader and speaker of that Assembly. In the meeting, it was decided unanimously to vote for
Pakistan. Therefore, all Christian members of the Assembly voted for the division of Punjab to pave
the path for the establishment of Pakistan.

69
 Important Points

1. In 1886 CE, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan established the British Indian Association.
2. The Indian National Congress was established in 1885 CE.
3. Muslims reacted severely to the annulment of partition of Bengal.
4. The main objective of the Simla Deputation was to demand the separate electorate for the
Muslims.
5. Muslim League was formed in 1906 CE.
6. Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar played a very important role in the Khilafat Movement.
7. Quaid-e-Azam was not in favour of the Civil Disobedience Movement of Gandhi.
8. The Lahore Resolution was presented by A.K Fazlul-Haq, the then Chief Minister of Bengal.
9. The British Parliament approved the Indian Independence Act of 1947 on July 18, 1947CE.
10. Quaid-e-Azam became the First Governor General of Pakistan.
11. The minorities also played an important role in the establishment of Pakistan.

WOR D B O X

Words Meanings
Obligation: something by which a person is bound to do certain things
Endorse: support
Emerge: become apparent
Dominion: sovereignty or control

70
 Exercise

Q.1 P (P) the correct answer:

Tick

i. The Muslim League was established in:

(a) 1900 CE




(b) 1906 CE


(c) 1910 CE




(d) 1916 CE
ii. The Indian National Congress was established in 1885 in the city of
(a) Delhi




(b) Bombay


(c) Lahore




(d) Calcutta
iii. The Partition of Bengal was annulled in:
(a) 1911 CE




(b) 1913 CE


(c) 1915 CE




(d) 1917 CE
iv. The Simla Deputation met with:
(a) Lord Canning



(b) Lord Curzon

(c) Lord Minto



(d) Lord Rippon
v. Pakistan Resolution was passed:
(a) 1939 CE




(b) 1940 CE


(c) 1941 CE




(d) 1942 CE
vi. Quaid-e-Azam presented his Fourteen Points in:
(a) 1919 CE




(b) 1928 CE


(c) 1929 CE




(d) 1940 CE
vii. The First Round Table Conference was held in:
(a) 1928 CE




(b) 1930 CE


(c) 1931 CE




(d) 1932 CE
viii. The Communal Award was presented in:
(a) 1931 CE




(b) 1932 CE


(c) 1933 CE




(d) 1934 CE
ix. Cripps Proposals were presented in:
(a) 1940 CE




(b) 1941 CE


(c) 1942 CE




(d) 1943 CE
x. Quaid-e-Azam advised the Muslim to celebrate a Deliverance Day in:
(a) 1936 CE




(b) 1937 CE


(c) 1938 CE




(d) 1939 CE

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Q.2 Give short answers of the following:

i. What is meant by the Khilafat Movement?

ii. Why did Muslims refuse to accept the Nehru Report?
iii. Describes the objectives of the establishment of the Muslim League.
iv. Why was Civil Disobedience Movement started?
v. Who led the Simla Deputation?
vi. Who presided over the annual session of Lahore Resolution?
vii. What was the purpose of the Quit India Movement?
viii. What did Quaid-e-Azam say in a meeting at Lyallpur (Faisalabad) in 1942 CE?

Q.3 Write the answers of the following in detail:

i. Discuss the background of the establishment of the Muslim League.

ii. Write down important points of the Lucknow Pact.
iii. Explain Khilafat Movement started by the Indian in the subcontinent.
iv. Discuss the Civil Disobedience Movement and its effects on unity of Hindu-Muslims.
v. Highlight the Fourteen Points of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah .
vi. Why Lahore Resolution is called Pakistan Resolution? Explain it.
vii. Describe the establishment of the Muslim League and its objectives.

Learning Activities
Flow Chart:
· Use a flow chart to help students identify the important events took place in the
subcontinent from 1857 CE to 1947 CE.
Quiz:
· Develop a quiz on the Partition of India and Formation of Pakistan (1940-47CE) .
Project I:
· Divide the class into groups. Ask each group to gather information from books and
the Internet to conclude that Mr. Jinnah has rightly earned the title of Quaid-e-Azam
. Each group can present their findings to the class for understanding and
further discussion.

72
Project II:
· The teacher can divide the class into groups to inquire how the Partition of Bengal
turned out in the favour of the Muslims. Each group can present their findings to the
class for understanding and further discussion.

73