ALL INDIA MUSLIM LEAGUE

(AIML)

Founded in 19061

PAST YEARS QUESTIONS

Account for the emergence of All-India Muslim League in 1906 and assess its importance in Indian Politics between 1906 and 1913. (2004)

2

BACKGROUND Congress (dominated by Hindus) failed to

gain confidence of Muslims / minorities

Acid test of Sir Syed’s apprehensions - Congress announcement of “Sowdeshy Movement” – against Partition of Bengal (1905)

Fissures among the Indian society were deep rooted – religion, tradition and culture, norms and values, etc. – one platform was not possible

3

4

FACTORS FOR FORMATION

OF AIML

SEPARATE IDENTITY OF MUSLIMS

Conflicting interests B/W Hindus and Muslims – Congress couldn’t safeguard Muslim interests

Sir Syed’s apprehensions / contentions proved by the events and circumstances

Sir Syed’s opposition to joint electorates (demand for separate electorates) was the first seed to culminate in the formation of AIML

Indian Councils Act, 1892, system of electorate proved futile for Muslims – no Muslim candidate could obtain any seat up to 1906 5

CONGRESS ATTITUDE MUSLIMS

Safeguarded Hindu interests – no consideration for justifiable rights of Muslims / other communities

Congress Opposed Partition of Bengal (1905)

The partition by the British was on administrative grounds – not a Muslim demand intense reaction of Congress / Hindus an eye opener for Muslims

Congress announced “Sowdeshi Movement” –serious Hindu – Muslim riots

Therefore, a separate political organization for Muslims was found necessary & formed

6

CANDID ATTITUDE OF LORD MINTO

Simla Deputation (1905) – Muslim leaders

Lord Minto was positive – encouraged Muslims to concentrate their energies on separate electorates

Hindu historians argue that ML was created on official instigation to break Congress dominance & weaken Indian freedom movement. However, no evidence provided to substantiate the claim. 7

8

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

OF AIML

PHASE-I: LOYALTY / RIGHTS

Protect political rights of Muslims in India

Foster loyalty to the British and to remove misunderstandings with the government

Cooperation with other communities without prejudice to above goals

Secure supremacy of Urdu language9

PHASE-II: SELF GOVT. / UNITY

System of self government under British Government

New constitution passed on 23-03-1909 (Minto Morley Reforms)

Good relations with other communities to work for similar goals

Hindu-Muslim Unity leading to Lucknow Pact – Khilafat Movement

10

PHASE-III: INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE

1939 onwards

Struggle for free / independent state

11

12

ACHIEVEMENTS OF

AIML

ACHIEVEMENTS - I

A separate political platform for Muslims  

Political leadership [Jinnah – Member of Viceroy’s Executive Council & Indian Council Ministers – Ahmedul Mulk & S. Hassan Bilgarami]

Filled up the vacuum of Sir Syed Ahmed

Separate electorates through Minto-Morley Reforms (1909)

13

ACHIEVEMENTS - II Appointment of Muslim judges in High /

Supreme Courts – a Muslim demand accepted [Calcutta – SHARIFUDDIN; Allahabad KARAMAT HUSSAIN; Punjab - SHAH DIN]

Approval of Trust Bill [Trust a social entity – works for social benefits. Many Trusts in India denied benefits to Muslims – the Act extended benefits to Muslims

Creation of Pakistan 14

15

MINTO-MORLEY REFORMS

1909

INDIAN COUNCILS ACT, 1909

PAST YEARS QUESTIONS

Minto-Morely Reform was a “tool of change” in the political system of India. Discuss it with special reference to the demands of Simla Deputation. (2007)

16

INTRODUCTION Tension between Congress and AIML after

Partition of Bengal (1905) 

Muslims demanded ‘Separate Electorate’ during Simla Deputation (16-10-1906) prior to creation of Muslim League

AIML intensified efforts for the said demand and convinced British who brought reforms in the shape of Indian Councils Act 1909

Approved by British Parliament & enforced on 23-03-1909, the Act further reformed legislative councils

17

SALIENT FEATURES-I Muslims’ demand of ‘Separate Electorate’

accepted – transformed nature of politics in India (national to communal)

Modus operandi for elections – partly direct elections and partly indirect nominations

Small non official majority allowed at Provincial level while official majority retained at Centre

18

SALIENT FEATURES-II Members of Legislative Councils could:

Raise questions relating to administration and policy; and

Discuss budget item wise

Provincial Councils expanded

W & E Bengal, UP and Madras = 50

Punjab =30)19

SALIENT FEATURES-III

60 members added to Central Legislative Council

Viceroy’s Executive Council expanded

20

CONGRESS / HINDU REACTION

Hindu politicians and Congress launched a campaign against ‘Separate Electorates’

Congress in 1910 Session demanded its withdrawal

All Hindu and several British observers believed communal electorates a breach of democratic principles and sowing seeds for divisions in the society / polity

Hindu Muslims relations further deteriorated21

ROLE OF MUSLIM LEAGUE

First achievement of AIML within two years of the establishment

British Govt. for the first time accepted that in India where different nationalities live Western type of democracy was inapplicable – voice of Sir Syed became reality

The status of AIML established as the only political organization representing Muslims22

IMPORTANCE FOR MUSLIMS - I

Muslims’ main demand of Separate Electorate was accepted in the provinces where Provincial Councils existed

Muslims were given double vote (they could vote separately for Muslims and also for general constituencies)

Legal and constitutional status of Muslims in India as a separate entity was accepted & established

Created great political awareness among the Indians / Muslims

23

IMPORTANCE FOR MUSLIMS - II

Congress hadn’t accepted AIML / Muslims as separate entity – now they were (after some time) willing to discuss issues to reduce Hindu – Muslim tension conference of 60 Hindus and 40 Muslims held at

Allahabad on 01-01-1911 to discus such issues

Congress realized that AIML was an important factor to be reckoned with in Indian politics

Reforms gave impetus to the constitutional development in India – first time direct elections were introduced albeit partly 24

CONCLUSION Reforms played significant role in the

constitutional history / development in India

But for Muslims they were of paramount importance and shaped their political fate

Had there been no provision of ‘Separate Electorate’ least chances of Lucknow Pact (1916) consequently no concept of Pakistan Resolution and ultimately Pakistan itself!

25

26

LUKNOW PACT1916

PAST YEARS QUESTIONSDescribe the main contents and relative

importance of the Lucknow Pact and Delhi Muslim Proposals and their respective impact on the subsequent political developments in India. (2011)

Illustrate the role of Quaid-e-Azam for protecting the constitutional rights of Muslims of the subcontinent from 1916-1933? (2009)

Quaid-e-Azam was the ambassador of “Hindu-Muslim Unity”. Discuss it in perspective of Lukhnow Pact and what future vision depicted from the pact? (2008)

27

INTRODUCTION An episode of great political and constitutional

magnitude

Example of Jinnah’s sagacious statesmanship – holding dual membership of Congress and AIML acted as an apostle of Hindu – Muslims unity

A bridge to narrow down the gulf between Hindus and Muslims

A step towards establishment of a bi-national state and self govt. in India when Congress + AIML agreed over the political & constitutional future of India

28

EVENTS LEADING TO THE PACT Meeting of 60 Hindus and 40 Muslims held at Allahabad

on 01-01-1911

Congress annual session at Karachi (Dec. 1913) Bhopindra Nath Basu positive gestures towards Muslims and stressed for better understanding / Cooperation

1913 - Jinnah jointed ML while retaining Congress membership–Ambassador of Unity

On 31-12-1915 Congress and ML held sessions at Bombay – committees set up to explore ways of cooperation

Joint session of Congress and AIML in Dec. 1916 at Lucknow

Jinnah presided ML and made a strong plea for unity. Congress leader Ambica Charan Manjumdar reciprocated

29

30

SALIENT FEATURES

Settlement of Communal Issues (Hindus vs. Muslims) Demands from the British (Congress + AIML vs. British Govt.)

SETTLEMENT OF COMMUNAL ISSUES-I

Congress conceded the Muslim / ML demand of Separate Electorate –

Not only where they existed earlier (under 1909 Act) but in Punjab and CP as well

But, Muslims were to lose the double advantage of vote in general elections (in vogue since 1909)

Muslim Representation in Central Legislative Council to constitute 1/3rd of the elected members

31

SETTLEMENT OF COMMUNAL ISSUES-II

Communal veto –

no bill, affecting a particular community, should be processed in any council, if 75% of members of that community in the council oppose it.

32

SETTLEMENT OF COMMUNAL ISSUES-III

‘Weightage’ PrincipleMuslim minority provinces:

More share was given to Muslims UP (pop. 14% - seats 30%); Madras (pop. 6.15% -

seats 14%)

Muslim majority provinces: Hindus were given weightage more than their

population In Bengal (25% more) and Punjab (10% more)

[criticized by certain Muslim politicians and journalists as they lost majorities in Bengal and Punjab while no real benefit accrued in Muslim minority provinces ]

33

SETTLEMENT OF COMMUNAL ISSUES-III

In Provincial Councils Muslims seats were:

Punjab 50%; Bengal 40%; Bombay 35%; UP 30%; Bihar 25%; CP 15%; Madras 15%;  

34

DEMANDS FROM BRITISH GOVT.

Provincial Autonomy: Max. administrative and financial autonomy for provinces

Half members of Central / Provincial Executive Councils to be popularly elected

All Legislative Councils with substantial popularly elected majorities (around 80%)

Separation of Executive from Judiciary35

SIGNIFICANCE -I Notwithstanding the criticism on weightage

principle, for the first time an agreed solution to the constitutional issues in India was found by the two parties / communities

Created trust among Hindus and Muslims [critical - ultimately of no use]

Three clear benefits to MuslimsSeparate electorate accepted by HindusMore seats / weightage in Muslim minority provinces Communal veto [not accepted by British in 1919 Act]Khilafat Movement

36

SIGNIFICANCE - II Heavy price paid by Muslims – lost

majorities in Bengal and Punjab

For Congress / Hindus – gave strength to the indigenous cause vis-à-vis the British

The Hindu-Muslim honeymoon culminated into

Non-cooperation Movement

Khilafat Movement 37

CONCLUSION

Though Hindu – Muslim unity and the influence of the pact proved short lived yet it greatly impacted the future course of events in next few years

The political strength of Congress and AIML increased vis-à-vis the British

38

39

KHILAFAT MOVEMENT

PAST YEARS QUESTIONS

Trace the course of the khilafat movement and assess its significance for the development of Muslim nationalism. (2004)

Analyse the credit side as well as debit side of the Khilafat Movement.(1996)

40

INTRODUCTION

The Movement was an attempt towards religious consciousness –

The only movement during British India which had no direct concern with the affairs of Muslims of India

But it greatly influenced subsequent political strategy of Indian Muslims – in fact spearheaded Pakistan movement

41

BACKGROUND Turkey (Ottoman Empire) – the seat of Muslim

Caliphate joined hands with Germany against allies, headed by Britain during WW-1 (1914-19)

British Government sought help of Indians (especially Muslims) against Germans and its partners and promised not to deprive Turkey of her territories including holy places after cessation of hostilities

Victorious Britain, backed out of the promise – turned Turkey into fragments like Germany and Austria

Enraged Muslims launched Khilafat Movement – struggle for status quo (retention of Khalifah - the institution was instrumental to the concept of Islamic Ummah)

42

43

FEATURES &

DYNAMICS

PIONEERS Who led the movement?

Jinnah or Aga Khan?Ulemas from Deoband or Nadva?

Jinnah had opposed Khilafat Movement from the platform of ML, Why? Logic: interference into foreign affairs was

against the charter of the party

Maulana Mohd Ali Jauhar (Comrade and Hamdard spread message)

Maulana Shaukat Ali Jauhar; Abul Kalam; Ulemas from Deoband joined the movement

44

ALL INDIA KHILAFAT CONFERENCE

AIKC – a body to protect status of Turkey / Khilafat – passed resolution in first session in Dec 1919 at Amritsar asking Muslims to:

Abstain from victory celebrations;Boycott the British goods;Not to cooperate with the Government;

AIKC sent a delegation to the British to acquaint them with Muslim feelings

March 1920 delegation reached Europe – addressed meetings in London / Paris –

The aim remained unfulfilled. They came back home without any success

45

NON-COOPERATION MOVEMENT

Gandhi an advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity

Joined Jauhar brothers

Motive was to gain strength for ‘self rule’ Hindus also felt betrayed by the British for their

promise of self rule in India after the War 

Announced Non-cooperation Movement, from platform of Congress in 1920 Session at Calcutta, and exhorted Indians to:

 

Surrender all British titlesRefuse to attend any Government functionBoycott of British law courtsBoycott of forthcoming elections

46

KHALIFAH & SAWARAJ

Khalifah and Sawaraj (self rule) became the two slogans of the movement

The movement became very successful and popular – both Mohammad Ali and Gandhi toured India – Jauhar even imprisoned.

47

ANTI-CLIMAX Death Blows to the Khilafat Movement:

Gandhi unilaterally called off Non-cooperation Movement in February 1922. Why?

After Chauri Chaura (small town in Bombay) Tragedy when 15 policemen were killed by angry protestors and skirmishes between people and law enforcers started – to restore peace

 The emergence of Kamal Ata Turk and

establishment of Modern Turkey after abolishing the title of Khalifah

48

49

SIGNIFICANCE IN THE

HISTORY OFMUSLIM INDIA

A. INDIGENOUS / POPULAR Most popular indigenous movement - No direct

relevance to Indian Muslims –but united them and brought further closer to Indian Hindus

New type leadership for Muslims: who no longer operated behind the scene but mingled with masses and prepared to go behind the bars

Popular politics replaced drawing room discussions

Jauhar brothers established Jamia-i-Milli (National Muslim University) which served as alma mater for national education Critical: Jauhar brothers, under Gandhi’s leadership, tried

to take over Aligarh but could not succeed, established this institution

50

B. AN EYE OPENER An eye opener for Muslims – Hindus and Muslims

made a united / common cause but Gandhi called off Non-Cooperation Movement unilaterally

Critical:

He did it to avert violence but should have taken Muslims in confidence

Muslims suspected Gandhi’s intentions – communal violence ensued which served a death blow to Hindu Muslim unity

Involvement of masses in politics: Indian Muslims knew how to agitate and how to participate in politics 51

C. RELIGIOUS CONSCIOUSNESS

Religion was pivotal for the movement, subsequently became instrumental for future politics

Religious consciousness turned into political consciousness

Involvement of masses in politics: Indian Muslims knew for the first time how to agitate and how to participate in politics

52

D. UNITY IN MUSLIM RANKS

Brought radicals and moderates closer:

Jauhars and Agha Khan

While ‘agitators’ were taking out processions in India, ‘constitutionalists’ / ‘loyalists’ were writing articles in ‘The Times’ in Britain

Their aim was identical (only the means were different)

53

THE DARKER SIDE Brought an end to politics of Luknow Pact which

Jinnah had concluded with Congress with great effort

In the beginning it appeared that Khilafat Movement and Non-Cooperation Movement were logical corollaries of the unity period

Soon the myth of Hindu-Muslim unity broke down!

It took leadership of Muslims from enlightened / secular leaders like Jinnah to the Muslim clergy, who hated the secular politics of ML led by Jinnah

Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, a new political organization of Muslims emerged on the Indian scene, which later opposed Pakistan plan

54

CONCLUSION Movement couldn’t achieve its stated

objectives but its impact was far reaching on the subsequent course of the politics of Indian Muslims

Khilafat movement indeed spearheaded Pakistan movement as:

Muslim masses learnt politicsThey knew that Hindu Muslim unity was a mythThey started thinking to devise a separate

strategy for themselves 55

56

MONTAGU-CHELMSFORD REFORMS

/GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

ACT 1919

INTRODUCTION Indians had been demanding and were

promised ‘self rule’ during WW-1 (1914-18)

‘Self Rule’ = Governance at Provincial level by native politicians

The Act of 1919 fell short of the aspirations of the Indians

It offered a limited role to the native politicians in governance at Provincial level

57

SALIENT FEATURES - I Direct elections for Provincial Councils

Wider franchise rights Lower property qualifications

Principle of ‘Separate Electorates’ retained Extended to Sikhs But other minorities still denied

In the constitutional structure Congress-ML arrangement (Lucknow Pact) was rejected

58

SALIENT FEATURES - II The principle of ‘Dyarchy’ introduced

Certain ( ‘authority’ wise less important ) subjects (e.g. health, education, etc. but significant in service delivery) were “transferred” to the Ministers

Chosen from and responsible to the Provincial Legislative Council

More important functions (e.g. police / law & order, revenue administration, etc.) were retained by British Governors / Executive Council

Analysis: limited executive authority given at Provincial level – objective was to train the natives about the governance

59

SALIENT FEATURES - III Governor to enact any bill, including money

bill, if he “certified” it as essential

Central Legislative Council was replaced by a bicameral legislature:

Council of State and Indian Legislative Assembly with great majority of

elected members

Analysis: Still no executive authority yielded to natives at Central level

Examination / review of the working of the system by a commission after ten years

60

WORKING OF REFORMS - I 1920 elections were boycotted by Congress

– criticized / rejected Act of 1919 Congress splinter National Liberals participated

in elections in most of the provinces

Muslims did not rejectBut AIML also followed Congress – did not

participate in elections (unity period – 1919 to 1924 - AIML did not meet independently – worked with Congress)

After Khilafat movement, the chapter of rapprochement (unity period) ended

61

WORKING OF REFORMS - II

In 1924, AIML demanded sawaraj (‘self rule’) –

Minority safeguards – separate electorates

Federal polity

Muslim majorities in Punjab, Bengal, NWFP not to be

disturbed

Full provincial autonomy

62

SIGNIFICANCE / IMPLICATIONS

1919 Act - Not much significant except that for the first time limited executive authority was delegated to the natives at provincial level

It widened gulf between Hindus and Muslims to some extent – Hindu Ministers’ policies accentuated the gulf

63

CONCLUSION 

In the beginning the Reforms brought Congress and AIML further closer but

Later on parting of ways started with the practical experiment of the limited rule

64

65

NEHRU REPORT 1928

PAST YEARS QUESTIONS - I Describe the main contents and relative

importance of the Lucknow Pact and Delhi Muslim Proposals and their respective impact on the subsequent political developments in India. (2011)

Illustrate the role of Quaid-e-Azam for protecting the constitutional rights of Muslims of the subcontinent from 1916-1933? (2009)

Make a critical comparison of the Nehru Report and the Quaid-e-Azam’s Fourteen Points. (2001)

66

PAST YEARS QUESTIONS - II Describe the main recommendations of the

Nehru Report. What was the Muslim reaction to them?(1993)

Give a critical evaluation of the Fourteen Points of the Quaid-i-Azam. (1997)

Compare and contrast the Nehru Report and Quaid-i-Azam’s Fourteen Points(1996).

67

INTRODUCTION 

NEHRU REPORT:

A devise of Motilal Nehru

A blue print of Hindu polarization against Muslims and their political rights

A death blow to the concord of Lucknow

A Congress Constitution, demanding Dominion Status for India, came in August 1928

68

BACKGROUND Lord Birkenhead, Secretary of State for India,

criticized Indians – ‘not being able to produce a unanimous report acceptable to all communities’

Reply: ‘All Parties Conference’ was convened – AIML joined but later pulled out due to practical dominance of Hindu Mahasaba – an extremist organization

The committee comprised of certain members of the minority communities, who were not truly represented by their respective communities 69

SALIENT FEATURES - I Dominion Status for India – Parliamentary

form of government

Rejected Federation on communal basis – in fact suggested ‘unitary state’

Provincial autonomy but residuary powers at centre (provinces - linguistically constituted)

NWFP be given provincial status

Sindh separated from Bombay subject to financial viability 70

SALIENT FEATURES - II “Separate electorates” abandoned – in

favour of joint electorate

Communal veto scrapped

Universal adult suffrage proposed

Only 1/4th seats for Muslims in Central Legislature

Hindi to be official language of India

71

ANALYSIS

The report regarded Muslim problem as purely religious and cultural (communal) matter – to be cured by full religious liberty and cultural autonomy – ‘Declaration of Rights’

Muslims knew where they stood in Congress scheme – In 1916 when they needed AIML support they accepted ‘Separate Electorate’ - here they scrapped it! 72

73

MUSLIM RESPONSE

IMMEDIATE REJECTION - I

Muslims were shocked – Members of Central and Provincial Councils found it impossible to agree

Agha Khan doubted if any serious minded person could imagine the Muslims accepting it

The immediate result – the two groups of AIML (created in 1927) came closer to oppose it 74

IMMEDIATE REJECTION - II On 12-03-1929 when the Report was

debated in the Indian Legislative Assembly all Muslim members including Jinnah rejected it

The Times (13-03-1929) observed:

‘The solidarity of Muslim feeling in the Assembly was not unexpected, but certainly disturbing to those trying to represent the Nehru Report as a demand of a united India. Henceforth, such a claim must be manifestly absurd’.

75

DELHI PROPOSALS (1929)All India Muslim Conference, presided

by Agha Khan, met in Delhi in 1929 and laid down following demands:Federal system – residuary powers to

provincesSeparate electorates Muslim weightage in Hindu Majority

provincesMuslims due share in Cabinets (Central &

Prov.)Due share in public service jobsProtection & promotion of Muslim education,

culture, etc.

76

77

MUSLIM RESPONSE

(CONTD.)

JINNAH’S 14 POINTS(1929)

COMMUNAL ISSUESSeparate electorates – with possibility of

joint electorates at a later stage

1/3rd Muslim representation at Centre

Communal veto demanded

Weightage – without changing majority into minority, especially in Bengal & Punjab

78

FEDERALISM Bi-national state with loose Federation of 5

Muslim and 6 Hindu majority provinces

Complete provincial autonomy - Residuary powers to provinces

Change in the Constitution – only with the consent of the constituent states

Adult franchise

79

REFORMS IN SINDH / NWFP

Separation of Sindh from Bombay

Reforms in NWFP and Balochistan on the same footing as in other provinces

Necessary territorial adjustments should not convert Muslim majorities into minorities in Punjab, Bengal and NWFP

80

PARTING OF WAYS Jinnah’s fourteen points were repetition of

what Congress had accepted in Lucknow Pact

Rejection of these Muslim demands in the Report created / widened gulf between Hindus and Muslims (Congress and ML)

This was turning point in the history of India – the two communities never united afterwards 81

CONCLUSION

This political development convinced the Muslims that they could not trust Congress / Hindus

Henceforth, co-existentialism replaced with separatism – struggle for freedom

82

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – I(POINTS OF DIVERGENCE)

LUKNOW PACT

NEHRU REPORT

JINNAH’S 14 POINTS

SEPARATE ELECTORATESRECOGNIZED By Congress

ABANDONED (proposed ‘Joint Electorate’)

DEMANDED By Jinnah

PROVINCIAL AUTONOMY

MAXIMUM AUTONOMY Demanded

DEMANDED ButRESIDUARY POWERS with the Centre

DEMANDED But RESIDUARY POWER with Provinces 83

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – II(POINTS OF DIVERGENCE)

LUKNOW PACT

NEHRU REPORT

JINNAH’S 14 POINTS

COMMUNAL VETORECOGNIZED By Congress

ABANDONED By Nehru

DEMANDED By Jinnah

MUSLIM REPRESENTATION IN LEGILATIVE COUNCIL

Congress RECOGNIZED1/3rd Muslim Representation

CONCEDED Only 1/4th By Nehru

Jinnah DEMANDED 1/3rd Again

84

LUKNOW PACT

NEHRU REPORT

JINNAH’S 14 POINTS

SINDH’S PROVINCIAL STATUSNo Mention DEMANDED if

financially viable

DEMANDED By Jinnah in any case

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

No Mention HINDI Jinnah DEMANDEDLanguage rights for Muslims 85

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – III(POINTS OF DIVERGENCE)

LUKNOW PACT

NEHRU REPORT

JINNAH’S 14 POINTS

FORM OF GOVERNMENTAGREEDSelf Govt. at Provincial Level

DEMANDED Federal (RPs to Centre) Parliamentary

REITERATED Federal (RPs to Provinces)Parliamentary

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

No Mention HINDI Jinnah DEMANDED 86

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – IV(POINTS OF CONVERGENCE)

LUKNOW PACT

NEHRU REPORT

JINNAH’S 14 POINTS

NWFP & BALUCHISTANNo Mention DEMANDED

reforms for Provincial status

DEMANEDED Provincial Status

FRANCHISE PROPOSED Universal adult suffrage

REITERATED Universal adult suffrage

87

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – V(POINTS OF CONVERGENCE)

88

IQBAL’S ALLAHABAD ADDRESS

1930

PAST YEARS QUESTIONS

Examine Allama Iqbal’s concept of Muslim Nationalism in the light of Allahabad address (2005)

Write detailed notes on any TWO of the following: (b) Allama Iqbal (2001)

Analyse political developments between Iqbal’s Allahabad address and the Lahore Resolution. (1991)

89

INTRODUCTION 

A landmark in the history of Muslim India

He was dubbed as visionary and an idealist but time proved that his solution was genuine, possible and practical – to the complex social, political and religious problems of India 90

POLITICAL PROBLEMS OF INDIA

Complex social, cultural, political and linguistic issues remained in the thought process of politicians, thinkers, statesmen since centuries

In late 1920s – new socio-political consciousness of Muslims of India

Iqbal was a poet philosopher and a political thinker – studied Indian scene from different angles 91

POLITICAL PROBLEMS OF INDIA 

He was a critic of modern / territorial nationalism as understood in Europe

India, unlike European countries, inhabited by several nations mainly Hindus and Muslims

Duality of religion and polity / state (secularism) not applicable in Indian society

Islam plays significant role in Muslim lives. They are not willing to submerge their ‘religious identity’

Hence, to ensure internal harmony settlement of communal question is crucial

92

THE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS - I 

India was not a county but a continent where many nations live - each with separate identity, religion, culture, etc.

Federalism can’t succeed without recognizing the national identity of Muslims

Modern nationalism / unitary form of government simply unthinkable for Muslims

Redistribution of India – Muslim India within India: propounded two nation theory logically 93

THE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS 

Residuary powers be given to self governing units

Punjab, NWFP, Sindh and Balochistan amalgamation – final destiny at least of North West India

This will offer peace and security due to internal balance of power

94

CRITICAL ANALYSIS Presented his idea logically and defended it

effectively

He did not argue for a Muslim State but for a Muslim block within Indian federation of a very loose centre equivalent to a confederation

Bengal and Assam did not appear into his calculations – later on brought into the scheme by Muslims 95

CRITICAL ANALYSIS [Making of Pakistan by K K Aziz] Some critics

argue that Iqbal never argued for an independent state and, therefore, should not be accorded the parentage of Pakistan

The criticism can be repudiated by Iqbal’s letters to Jinnah (from May 1936 to Nov. 1937)

On 28-03-1937, he wrote “it is necessary to redistribute the country and provide one or more Muslim states with absolute majorities. Don’t you think the time for such a demand has already arrived?” 96

SIGNIFICANCE Provided new opportunities to think in terms

of a separate homeland for Muslims

Jinnah gave most serious consideration to Iqbal’s scheme of partition

Lord Lothian, the then Secretary of State for India appreciated and found it as the only formula to save India from continual tension and strife

97

CONCLUSION

Iqbal was the one who gave possible solution to the troubles of India

Lahore Resolution finally demanded a separate homeland which was initially thought by Iqbal 

Iqbal was indeed an architect and an ideologue of Pakistan – Jinnah gave reality to his dream 98