Important Political Developments (1906–1920):

The period from 1906 to 1920 was very important in the political history of the Muslims of the subcontinent. During these years, Muslims became more politically organized and developed a stronger sense of separate political identity.

• Simla Deputation (1906):

  On 1st October 1906, a delegation of 35 prominent Muslims, led by Sir Aga Khan, met Lord Minto at Simla. They demanded separate electorates and adequate political representation for Muslims. Lord Minto accepted the principle of separate representation, which became an important achievement for Muslim political rights.

• Formation of All-India Muslim League (1906):

  The All-India Muslim League was established at Dacca on 30th December 1906. Its main objectives were to protect the political rights and interests of Muslims, promote loyalty to the government, and develop cooperation with other communities where possible. Later, it became the main political organization leading the Pakistan Movement.

• Morley-Minto Reforms (1909):

  The Indian Councils Act of 1909, known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, introduced separate electorates for Muslims. Muslims could elect their own representatives to legislative councils. This was a major constitutional achievement because it officially recognized Muslims as a distinct political community.

• Lucknow Pact (1916):

  The Lucknow Pact was signed between the Muslim League and Indian National Congress in 1916. Congress accepted the principle of separate electorates and agreed to special representation for Muslims in certain provinces. It temporarily created political cooperation between Muslims and Hindus.

• Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919):

  The Government of India Act 1919, based on the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms, introduced dyarchy in the provinces and increased Indian participation in legislative councils. However, the reforms did not provide complete self-government, so political dissatisfaction continued.

• Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy (1919):

  On 13th April 1919, British troops under General Dyer opened fire on a large gathering at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. Hundreds of people were

killed or wounded. The incident created widespread anger against British rule and strengthened nationalist movements.

• Khilafat Movement (1919–1920):

  After the First World War, Indian Muslims were deeply concerned about the future of the Ottoman Caliphate. Leaders such as Maulana Muhammad Ali, Maulana Shaukat Ali, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and Hakim Ajmal Khan organized the Khilafat Movement to protect the position of the Caliph. The movement also developed cooperation between Muslims and Congress under Gandhi.

OR

What were the main demands of the Muslim delegation presented to the Viceroy during the Simla Deputation?

A delegation of 35 Muslims led by Sir Agha Khan and representing various regions of India, met with the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto, on October 1, 1906. The delegation presented the following demands to the Viceroy:

• Recognition of Two Major Communities:

  Given that the circumstances in India are different from England due to the presence of two major communities, Muslims and Hindus.

• Separate Electorates for Muslims:

  A system of separate electorates for Muslims should be introduced in India.

• Reserved Quota in Government Services:

  A quota in government services must be reserved for Muslims.

• Appointment of Muslim Judges:

  Muslim judges should be appointed in courts to handle cases regarding Muslims.

• Additional Seats in Legislative Assemblies:

  The delegation demanded additional seats for Muslims in legislative assemblies beyond their proportionate population.

• University Status for MAO College:

  Mohammedan Anglo Oriental (MAO) College should be granted university status.

• Response of Lord Minto:

  Viceroy Lord Minto showed respect to the Muslim delegation and ensured that their demands will be presented to the crown.

Success of the Simla Deputation:

• Improved Relations with the British Government:

  The Simla Deputation bridged the gap between the Muslims and the British government by providing Muslims with an opportunity to present their demands directly.

• Increased Muslim Confidence:

  The success of the deputation boosted the confidence of the Muslim community and encouraged them to become more politically active.

• Paved the Way for the Muslim League:

  The Simla Deputation paved the way for the establishment of the All India Muslim League, which became an important political organization of the Muslims.

• Acceptance of Separate Electorates:

  The demand for separate electorates for Muslims was accepted through the 1909 Minto-Morley Reforms.

• Recognition of Muslims as a Separate Nation:

  The acceptance of separate electorates helped establish the political recognition of Muslims as a separate nation with distinct political interests.

• Direct Representation of Muslim Demands:

  The Muslims realized that they could present their demands directly to the British government without depending on the support of the Indian National Congress.

Establishment, objectives, and early development of the All India Muslim League:

• Background of the All India Muslim League:

  The Urdu-Hindi Controversy, the establishment of extremist Hindu organizations, the Simla Deputation, and the anti-Muslim policies of the Congress forced Muslims to form a separate political platform to protect their rights and interests.

• Establishment of the All India Muslim League:

  The All India Muslim League was established on December 30, 1906, at Decca. The annual session of the All India Muslim Educational Conference was held in Decca in 1906, where prominent Muslim leaders from different parts of India participated.

  After the conference, Nawab Salim Ullah Khan of Decca called a meeting to discuss the formation of a political party. The meeting was presided over by Nawab Waqar-ul-Mulk. He proposed the formation of a political party, and leaders such as Nawab Salim Ullah Khan, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan, and Hakeem Ajmal Khan supported the proposal. Thus, the All India Muslim League was established.

• Objectives of the All India Muslim League:
  1. Protection of Muslim Rights:

     To protect the rights of the Muslim community and present Muslim demands before the British Government in a respectful manner.

  2. Loyalty towards the British Government:

     To create feelings of loyalty among Muslims towards the British Government and remove misunderstandings about government policies.

  3. Cooperation with Other Communities:

     To cooperate with other communities of India without damaging the rights and interests of Muslims.

• First Annual Session:

  The first annual session of the All India Muslim League was held on December 30, 1907, in Karachi.

• Second Annual Session:

  The next session was held in Aligarh on March 18, 1908. Sir Agha Khan was elected as the president, while Hasan Bilgrami was appointed as the Secretary-General.

• London Branch:

  Syed Amir Ali was appointed as the president of the London Branch of the All India Muslim League.

• Importance of the Muslim League:

  The Muslim League provided a separate political platform for Muslims, who were the second-largest community in India after the Hindus. It played a very important role in protecting Muslim political interests and remained an important organization from 1906 to 1947.

Minto-Morley Reforms (1909):

Lord Minto, the Viceroy of India, prepared a draft of constitutional reforms and sent it to the Secretary of State for India, Mr. Morley. The British Parliament passed the Bill, which was implemented in India in 1909 and given the name Minto-Morley Reforms. The salient provisions of the Reforms are mentioned below:

1. The Muslim demand for a separate electorate for Muslims was accepted.
2. The membership of the Central and Provincial Council was increased.
3. The powers of the Legislative Councils were enhanced.
4. Indians were included in the Executive Council of the Viceroy and in the Provincial Executive Councils.
5. Local Bodies were allowed to elect their representatives.

Minto-Morley Reforms 1909 were fruitful for Muslims as their demand for a separate electorate was accepted, recognizing Muslims as a separate nation. The membership and powers of the Legislative Councils were increased.

The Lucknow Pact was important for various reasons. Congress accepted the Muslim demands of separate electorates for Muslims and one-third (1/3) Muslim representation in the central council. It was a significant milestone for Muslims when the Congress accepted them as a separate nation.

Lucknow Pact 1916:

The Lucknow Pact was an agreement between the All India Muslim League and the All India National Congress. A joint session of both organizations was held in Lucknow in December 1916, where they reached an agreement on important constitutional and political issues. It was a historic event because both parties agreed to cooperate on several matters.

• Separate Electorates for Muslims:

  The All India National Congress accepted the Muslim League's demand for separate electorates for Muslims. This meant that Muslims would elect their own representatives.

• Provincial Autonomy:

  It was agreed that provincial autonomy should be ensured. Provincial councils would be given powers to levy taxes and vote on the budget.

• Muslim Representation in the Central Council:

  The agreement provided for one-third (1/3) Muslim representation in the Central Council.

• Protection of Minority Rights:

  If a bill concerning a particular community was presented and three-fourths (3/4) of the members of that community opposed it, the bill would be rejected. This provision protected the interests of minority communities.

• Composition of Provincial Legislative Councils:

  In provincial legislative councils, four-fifths (4/5) of the members would be elected, while one-fifth (1/5) would be nominated.

• Representation of Muslims in Provinces:

  Muslim representation was adjusted according to the agreement:

  • In the Muslim-majority provinces of Bengal and Punjab, Muslim seats would be reduced.
  • In the Muslim-minority provinces of Bihar, Bombay, Madras, C.P., Orissa and U.P., Muslim seats would be increased.
• Powers of Legislative Members:

  Members of the legislative assemblies would have the right to ask questions and present adjournment motions.

• Separation of Powers:

  The Pact proposed a separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary to ensure a better system of administration and justice.

• Importance of the Lucknow Pact:

  The Lucknow Pact was an important political development because the Congress accepted the Muslim League's demand for separate electorates. It also provided safeguards for Muslim and minority interests and brought the two major political organizations together for cooperation.

Khilafat Movement (1919):

Background of the Khilafat Movement:

During the First World War, Turkey, the seat of the Khilafat, fought against the Allied Forces and was defeated. The Ottoman Khilafat, which had been established in 1299, was under threat from the Allied Forces. The Muslims of India started the Khilafat Movement to safeguard the institution of Khilafat in Turkey.

Objectives of the Khilafat Movement:

1. Protection of Turkish Khilafat:

   The Turkish Khilafat should not be abolished.

• Prominent Leaders of the Khilafat Movement:

  The prominent leaders of the Khilafat Movement were:

  • Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar
  • Maulana Shokat Ali
  • Maulana Abdul Bari
  • Hakeem Ajmal Khan
  • Dr. Mukhtar Ansari
  • Barrister Jan Mohammad Junejo
• Rallies and Protests:

  The leaders organized rallies and protests to emphasize the importance of the Khilafat institution, and to put pressure on the British Government to protect the interests of Turkey.

• Khilafat Delegation to England:

  A delegation consisting of Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, Syed Husain, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, and Hasan Hayat was sent to England to highlight the importance of the Khilafat issue.

• Meeting with British Leaders:

  The delegation met with British parliamentarians, including the Prime Minister, and explained the importance of the Khilafat institution and the concerns of Indian Muslims.

• Failure of the Delegation:

  Unfortunately, the British Government's attitude towards the Turkish issue was not favourable. The delegation failed to achieve its objective and returned to India empty-handed.

Gandhi's role in the Khilafat Movement, the Hijrat Movement, and the reasons for Gandhi's decision to call off the Khilafat Movement:

• Gandhi's Role in the Khilafat Movement:

  Gandhi, a prominent Hindu leader, joined the Khilafat Movement and earned respect among the Muslim community. During the Khilafat Movement, Hindu-Muslim unity reached its peak.

  Gandhi advised Muslims to:

  • Resign from government jobs.
  • Abstain from attending educational institutions.
  • Boycott courts.
  • Renounce their government titles.
• Hijrat Movement:

  Maulana Abdul Bari Farangi and Maulana Abu-al-Kalam Azad issued a fatwa declaring India a Dar-ul-Harb (House of War). They believed that Muslims faced threats to their lives and their ability to practise Islam. Therefore, they advised Muslims to leave India and seek refuge in an Islamic country.

• Migration to Afghanistan:

  Following the fatwa, approximately 18,000 Muslims attempted to migrate to Afghanistan. However, the Afghan Government refused to allow Indian Muslims to enter its territory. As a result, the migrants were left with no choice but to return to their homes.

• Gandhi's Decision to Call Off the Khilafat Movement:

  Gandhi decided to withdraw from the Khilafat Movement for two main reasons:

  1. Moplah Rebellion:

     The Moplas, who were of Arab descent and settled along the Malabar Coast, participated in protests during the Khilafat Movement. Some were arrested, and nearly 400 were killed by the British Government.

     The Moplas later rebelled and used guerrilla warfare against the British Government. They also attacked British officers, and some Hindu neighbours. The government took measures to suppress the rebellion. Gandhi strongly criticized the violent activities of the Moplas.

  2. Chauri Chaura Incident:

     In 1922, Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement. On February 5, 1922, people of Chauri Chaura, a small town in the Farakhabad District, staged a demonstration and refused to pay taxes and obey government laws.

     The police attempted to disperse the demonstrators by force. In response, the mob set fire to a police station, resulting in the death of 22 policemen.

• End of the Khilafat Movement:

  The violence at Chauri Chaura deeply concerned Gandhi. He immediately called off the Non-Cooperation Movement, and the Khilafat Movement also came to an end.

Important Political Developments Between 1920–1939:

The period from 1920 to 1939 was a significant phase in the political development of Muslims in the subcontinent. During these years, several events increased Muslim political awareness and strengthened the demand for constitutional safeguards and a separate political identity.

• Khilafat Movement (1920–1924):

  The Khilafat Movement was launched by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate after the First World War. Maulana Muhammad Ali, Maulana Shaukat Ali, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad were among its prominent leaders. It brought Muslims into mass politics and temporarily promoted Hindu-Muslim unity. However, the movement ended after the abolition of the Caliphate in 1924.

• Delhi Muslim Proposals (1927):

  In 1927, Muslim leaders presented the Delhi Proposals to reach an agreement with Congress on constitutional issues. Muslims showed willingness to abandon separate electorates if their major political demands, including adequate representation and constitutional safeguards, were accepted.

• Nehru Report (1928):

  The Nehru Report, prepared under the leadership of Motilal Nehru, proposed a constitutional framework for India. Muslims strongly opposed it because it did not adequately protect their political interests and rejected their demand for separate electorates. This increased political differences between Congress and the Muslim League.

• Jinnah’s Fourteen Points (1929):

  In response to the Nehru Report, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah presented his Fourteen Points. He demanded federal government, provincial autonomy, separate electorates, adequate Muslim representation, and protection of Muslim religious, cultural, and political rights. These points became an important framework for Muslim constitutional demands.

• Allahabad Address (1930):

  Allama Muhammad Iqbal, in his famous Allahabad Address of 1930, proposed the consolidation of Muslim-majority provinces in north-western India into a unified political unit. His ideas provided an important intellectual foundation for Muslim political autonomy.

• Round Table Conferences (1930–1932):

  The British government organized three Round Table Conferences in London to discuss India’s constitutional future. Muslim leaders, including Jinnah and Iqbal, participated and emphasized minority rights, Muslim representation, and provincial autonomy. However, the conferences failed to produce a complete constitutional settlement.

• Communal Award (1932):

  The British government announced the Communal Award in 1932, which continued separate electorates for Muslims and provided representation to different communities. It offered Muslims some political safeguards but did not completely resolve the constitutional dispute.

• Government of India Act 1935:

  The Government of India Act 1935 introduced provincial autonomy and expanded the electoral system. Elections were held in 1937, after which Congress formed ministries in several provinces.

• Congress Ministries (1937–1939):

  The Muslim League criticized the Congress ministries for policies that it believed threatened Muslim religious and cultural identity. Issues such as Bande Mataram, the Wardha Scheme of Education, and the promotion of Hindi increased Muslim concerns. Consequently, the Muslim League worked to organize Muslims more effectively under its leadership.

• Day of Deliverance (1939):

  In 1939, Congress ministries resigned after Britain involved India in the Second World War without consulting Indian leaders. Quaid-i-Azam called 22 December 1939 the Day of Deliverance, asking Muslims to mark the end of Congress rule. This further widened the political gap between the Muslim League and Congress.

Simon Commission:

The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms were introduced by the British Government in 1919. It was announced that after ten years, a commission would be sent to India to assess the results of these reforms and recommend further constitutional reforms for Indians.

Establishment of the Simon Commission:

The British Government fulfilled its promise and appointed a commission in 1927 under the leadership of Sir John Simon. It was known as the Simon Commission.

Absence of Indian Members:

The main reason for opposition was that not a single Indian was included as a member of the Simon Commission. Indians considered it unfair that a commission formed to discuss India’s constitutional future had no Indian representative.

Boycott by Political Parties:

The two major political parties, the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League, boycotted the Simon Commission. They opposed the commission because of the complete absence of Indian representation.

Protests Against the Simon Commission:

When the Simon Commission arrived in India, widespread protests and demonstrations were held against it. Protesters raised the famous slogan:

“Simon Go Back! Simon Go Back!”

Fourteen Points of Quaid-e-Azam ﷺ (1929):

Under the Nehru Report (1928), Muslim interests were adversely affected. Quaid-i-Azam ﷺ Muhammad Ali Jinnah convened the session of the All India Muslim League in 1929 and presented his fourteen points.

The Fourteen Points are significant in the history of Pakistan as they were presented by Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1929, outlining the political rights and safeguards for Muslims in British India.

1. Provincial Autonomy:

   Provincial autonomy should be equally granted to all provinces.

2. Federal System and Residuary Powers:

   A federal system should be introduced, and residuary powers should be vested in the provinces.

3. Minority Representation:

   Effective and adequate representation should be provided to minorities in all the legislative assemblies, but their majority should not be converted into a minority.

4. Separate Electorates for Muslims:

   There should be a separate electorate system for Muslims.

5. Separation of Sindh from Bombay:

   Sindh should be declared a separate province.

6. One-Third Muslim Representation in Central Legislature:

   One-third (1/3) of seats should be reserved for Muslims in the central legislative assembly.

7. Reforms in Baluchistan and NWFP:

   Reforms should be introduced in Baluchistan and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

8. Protection of Muslim Majority in Punjab, Bengal and NWFP:

   If the demarcation of the provinces is necessary, then the Muslim majority in the provinces of Punjab, Bengal and North West Frontier Province (current Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) should not be turned into a minority.

9. One-Third Muslim Ministers in Central and Provincial Ministries:

   There must be one-third (1/3) of ministers from the Muslim community in the central and provincial ministries.

10. Muslim Representation in Government Services:

    Seats should be reserved for Muslims in government jobs.

11. Religious Liberty:

    All the communities in India should be granted religious liberty.

12. Protection Against Community-Based Legislation:

    A bill belonging to a particular religious community should not be passed by the legislature if three-fourths (3/4) of the members belonging from that community oppose the bill.

13. Protection Against Community-Based Legislation:

    Muslim culture, education and language should be granted constitutional protection. Amendments to the constitution should be made after obtaining approval from the provinces and states.

14. Constitutional Amendments with Provincial and State Approval:

    Amendments to the constitution should be made after obtaining approval from the provinces and states.

Significance of Fourteen Points of Quaid-i-Azam ﷺ (1929):

The Quaid's fourteen points were a prompt and appropriate response to the Nehru Report. These were moderate and genuine demands of the Muslim community presented at the right time. Muslims continued their struggles in the subsequent years based on the framework of fourteen points.

Allama Iqbal's address holds great significance in the political struggle, as it provided a clear direction for Indian Muslims. He demanded for the establishment of a separate Islamic state in Muslim-majority areas. This marked the first instance in which a Muslim had demanded a separate homeland for Indian Muslims at the All India Muslim League platform.

The Round Table Conferences (1930–1932):

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah wrote a letter to the British Prime Minister, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, urging him to convene a conference of all political parties in India to present their demands before the government.

First session:

The first session of the Round Table Conference was held from 12th November 1930 to 19th January 1931. The Congress boycotted the first session. Prominent leaders such as Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Sir Agha Khan etc., represented the Muslim League in the first session. Eight sub-committees were established to address various issues. The Prime Minister announced the introduction of a federal system at the centre and responsible government in the provinces in India. The government did not make any decision regarding the Muslim demands.

Second session:

The second session of the Round Table Conference was held from 7th September 1931 to 1st December 1931. Gandhi represented the Congress, while the Muslim League was represented by Allama Iqbal, Maulana Shoukat Ali and Sir Ali Imam. Gandhi tried his best to prove India as one nation. Due to Gandhi's rigid attitude, a resolution on the minorities issue could not be reached. The session was ended without reaching any conclusion.

Third session:

The third session was held from 17th November 1932 to 24th December 1932. The Congress did not attend the third session, while the Muslim League was represented by Sir Agha Khan. The third session ended without achieving anything.

Communal Award of 1932:

The Communal Award was announced by the British Prime Minister, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, in August 1932. It was introduced to determine the system of representation for different communities in India.

• Separate Electorates:

  Under the Communal Award, separate electorates were extended to Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans, and depressed classes (Scheduled Castes).

• Representation of Muslims:

  The award reserved one-third (1/3) of the seats for Muslims in the Central Legislative Assembly, giving Muslims significant representation at the centre.

• Principle of Weightage:

  According to the principle of weightage, minorities were allocated more seats in provincial legislatures than their population in the respective provinces.

• Effect on Muslim Majority Provinces:

  The decision was considered against Muslim interests because the Muslim majority was effectively reduced in the provinces of Punjab and Bengal.

• Rejection of the Award:

  Political parties in India generally did not accept the Communal Award. The Muslim League also rejected it because of the reduction in Muslim seats in the legislative assemblies of Punjab and Bengal.

Government of India Act (1935):

The British Government began the process of crafting the future constitution of India, taking into account the Nehru Report, Quaid's fourteen and the outcomes of the three round-table conferences (1930 – 1932). The following were the main characteristics of the 1935 Constitution:

Bicameral Legislature:

There was a bicameral legislature. The Council of States served as the upper house (chamber), comprising a total of 260 members, with 156 representing the provinces and 104 representing the states. The Federal Assembly, serving as the lower house (chamber), consisted of 375 members, with 250 representing the provinces and 125 representing the states.

Federal System:

Federal system was introduced, consisting of provinces and states.

Division of Powers:

The powers between the centre and the provinces were distributed among three lists: the federal list, the provincial list and the concurrent list.

Provinces:

India had 11 provinces under the 1935 Act, each with the authority to make laws on subjects enlisted in the provincial and the concurrent lists.

Provincial Autonomy:

Provincial autonomy was increased.

Council of Minister:

Each province had a council of ministers, and the governor was obliged to act upon the council's advice. However, the provincial governor was subordinate the Governor General of India.

Abolition of the Indian council:

The Indian council was abolished.

Federal Court:

The Federal Court, consisting of the Chief Justice and six other judges, served as the highest court. The Act provided details on the powers of the Federal Court.

The 1935 Act failed to satisfy different sections of Indian society due to its inability to meet their expectations. The provincial governors and the Viceroy of India held significant powers.

The federal system introduced under the Act had some flaws. The central portion of the 1935 Act was not implemented, and only the provincial part was put into effect.

Rule of Congress ministries:

The rule of Congress ministries was a critical period for Muslims, as their lives, properties and religion came under attack. Congress introduced anti-Muslim educational schemes to promote a sense of one nation in India. Muslims peacefully criticized these policies and were happy after the resignations from Congress ministries.

Political Developments from 1940 to 1947:

The period from 1940 to 1947 was the final and most important phase of the Pakistan Movement. During these years, the Muslim League under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah transformed the demand for Muslim political safeguards into a successful struggle for a separate homeland.

• Lahore Resolution (1940):

  The Lahore Resolution was passed by the All-India Muslim League on 23rd March 1940 at Lahore. It demanded that Muslim-majority areas in the north-western and eastern zones of India should be grouped into independent states. The resolution became the foundation of the demand for Pakistan.

• Cripps Mission (1942):

  The British government sent the Cripps Mission to India in 1942 to gain Indian cooperation during the Second World War. It offered India dominion status after the war and allowed provinces the option of not joining the proposed union. The Muslim League rejected the proposal because it did not clearly accept the demand for Pakistan.

• Gandhi-Jinnah Talks (1944):

  In 1944, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Mahatma Gandhi held talks to resolve the political differences between the Muslim League and Congress. Jinnah insisted that Muslims were a separate nation and that the future constitutional arrangement must recognize their right to self-determination. The talks ended without agreement.

• Simla Conference (1945):

  The Simla Conference was held in June–July 1945 under Lord Wavell. Its purpose was to form a new Executive Council with greater Indian representation. The conference failed mainly because Congress and the Muslim League disagreed

Cripps Mission (1942):

In March 1942, a delegation from the British government arrived in India under the leadership of Sir Stafford Cripps. The objective of the delegation was to view the political situation in India and present its recommendations to the government. The delegation submitted its report to the government in April 1942.

The recommendations were as follows:

1. After the end of World War II, a Constituent Assembly will be formed, consisting of members from the provinces and the states.
2. India will be granted dominion status after the end of the war.
3. The Constitution shall be framed by the Constituent Assembly.
4. The proposals of the Cripps Mission would be accepted or rejected as a whole.

Quit India Movement (1942):

Background of the Movement:

During the Second World War, Britain was involved in the war. The Indian National Congress believed that Britain would not succeed and saw this as an opportunity to put pressure on the British government.

Demand for British Withdrawal:

The Congress wanted the British to leave India. Therefore, it launched the Quit India Movement in August 1942 to demand an end to British rule.

Opposition to the Creation of Pakistan:

The Congress also tried to create obstacles in the way of the formation of a separate Muslim state. It wanted India to remain united rather than allow the Muslims to establish a separate homeland.

Violent Activities:

During the movement, violent activities took place as some Hindus attempted to achieve their political objectives and create pressure on the British government.

Government Action:

The British government took strict measures to control the situation and suppress the movement.

Failure of the Movement:

The government successfully controlled the situation, and the Quit India Movement ultimately failed to achieve its objectives.

Divide and Quit India:

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah referred to the “Quit India Movement” as anti-Muslim. He believed that the movement was a conspiracy against Indian Muslims. Quaid-i-Azam responded to the “Quit India Movement” with the slogan, “Divide and Quit India.” This was the best response given by Quaid-i-Azam. He devoted all his energies to secure a separate Muslim state for Indian Muslims.

Outcomes of Gandhi-Jinnah Talks (1944):

Beginning of the Talks:

Gandhi wrote to Quaid-i-Azam on 17th July 1944. The talks were held in Bombay from 9 to 27th September 1944.

Gandhi’s Viewpoint:

Gandhi believed that Hindus and Muslims were one nation and opposed the division of India.

Quaid-i-Azam’s Viewpoint:

Quaid-i-Azam stated that Muslims were a separate nation and demanded a separate homeland.

Failure of the Talks:

The talks failed because Gandhi did not accept the Two-Nation Theory, while Quaid-i-Azam remained firm on the demand for a separate Muslim state.

The talks ended without agreement and further highlighted the political differences between the Muslim League and Congress.

i. Simla Conference:

• Background:

  In June 1945, following the end of World War II, the Viceroy of India, Lord Wavell, summoned a conference at Simla to discuss his plan with the political leaders of India.

• Participation of Political Parties:

  The Muslim League delegation was led by Quaid-i-Azam, while the Congress delegation was led by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

• Muslim Representation:

  The Congress nominated Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to claim that it also represented Muslims. Quaid-i-Azam insisted that all five Muslim members of the Executive Council should be nominated by the Muslim League.

• Khazir Hayat Khan's Demand:

  Khazir Hayat Khan, the Chief Minister of Punjab, demanded that one Muslim seat in the council should be given to his Unionist Party. The Congress also supported this demand.

• Quaid-i-Azam's Stand:

  Quaid-i-Azam rejected the proposal and maintained that the Muslim League was the sole representative party of the Muslims. He demanded elections to determine which party truly represented the Muslims.

• Failure of the Simla Conference:

  Due to disagreement over Muslim representation, the Simla Conference ended in failure.

ii. Elections of 1945–46:

• Central Legislative Assembly Elections:

  The elections for the Central Legislative Assembly were held in December 1945. Quaid-i-Azam visited different parts of India and emphasized the importance of the elections for Muslims.

• Muslim League Manifesto:

  The Muslim League prepared its election manifesto on the basis of the Two-Nation Theory and appealed to Muslims to support the demand for Pakistan.

• Victory in Muslim Seats:

  The Muslim League won all the seats reserved for Muslims in the Central Legislative Assembly.

• Provincial Elections:

  In the beginning of 1946, elections for the provincial assemblies were held. The Muslim League also won the majority of the seats reserved for Muslims.

• Importance of the Elections:

  The election results proved that the All-India Muslim League was the true representative party of Indian Muslims, while the Congress primarily represented Hindus. The League's victory strengthened the demand for Pakistan.

iii. Delhi Convention:

• Holding of the Convention:

  On April 1946, a convention of the Muslim League's winning candidates from the Central Legislative Assembly and provincial assemblies was held in Delhi.

• Political Situation:

  The participants discussed the political situation in India and the future of the Muslims of the Subcontinent.

• Quaid-i-Azam's Views:

  Quaid-i-Azam emphasized that Muslims would suffer greatly in a united India under Congress rule. He declared that the creation of Pakistan was the destination of the Muslim community.

• Resolution for Pakistan:

  The participants of the Delhi Convention passed a resolution demanding the establishment of a separate Muslim state.

Interim Government of India (1946):

When was it formed?

The Interim Government of India was formed on 2nd September 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan. Jawaharlal Nehru headed it as Vice-President of the Executive Council.

Why was it formed?

It was formed to run the administration temporarily, involve Indian leaders in governing the country, and prepare the way for the establishment of a permanent constitutional government after British rule.

Role of the Muslim League:

The Muslim League initially boycotted the government but later joined it on 26th October 1946 to protect Muslim political interests.

Main clauses of Independence Act 1947:

The British Prime Minister, Lord Attlee, presented the Independence of India Bill before Parliament, and it was passed. It was implemented on July 18, 1947, and was named the Independence Act 1947. The important clauses of the Act were as follows:

1. The British rule over India would end on August 15, 1947, and two countries, Pakistan and India, would be established.
2. The legislative assemblies of both countries would have the power to legislate. The Government of India Act of 1935 would be implemented as the interim constitution in both India and Pakistan.
3. The princely states were given the choice to join either country.
4. The powers of the British Crown would cease to exist, and the Governor Generals of both countries would have the power to approve the bills passed by the legislatures.

Under the Independence Act of 1947, Pakistan came into being on August 14, 1947, with Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the first Governor General and Liaquat Ali Khan as the first Prime Minister.

Role of Muslim Political Leaders:

1. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah:

   • Early Political Career:

     Quaid-i-Azam was born in Karachi on December 25, 1876. He dedicated his energies to protecting the rights of Indian Muslims and gaining independence from Hindu and British domination.

   • Promotion of Hindu-Muslim Unity:

     In the beginning, Quaid-i-Azam advocated Hindu-Muslim unity and played an important role in the creation of the Lucknow Pact of 1916.

   • Two-Nation Theory:

     Due to the hostility of Congress and Hindus towards Muslims, Quaid-i-Azam rejected the idea of a single Indian nation. He demonstrated that Muslims were a separate nation and needed a separate homeland.

   • Demand for a Separate State:

     In March 1940, while addressing a gathering at Lahore, Quaid-i-Azam stated that the ultimate destiny of Indian Muslims was to have a separate state.

   • Leadership of the Muslim League:

     He organized the All-India Muslim League and united Muslims under its banner. The League won all 30 Muslim reserved seats in the Central Legislative Assembly in the 1945 elections.

   • Services After the Creation of Pakistan:

     Quaid-i-Azam became the first Governor-General of Pakistan and devoted his efforts to solving the initial problems of Pakistan.

   • Death:

     Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah passed away on September 11, 1948, but he continues to live in the hearts of Pakistanis.

2. Allama Muhammad Iqbal:

   • Early Life and Education:

     Allama Muhammad Iqbal was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877. He received his early education in Sialkot and later earned a master's degree in philosophy from Government College Lahore.

   • Higher Education:

     He went to England for higher studies and later moved to Germany, where he completed his Ph.D. degree from the University of Munich. He returned to India in 1908.

   • Services for Indian Muslims:

     Allama Iqbal condemned Western civilization and was known as the “Poet of the East.” He actively worked to protect the rights of Indian Muslims and supported the unity of Muslims throughout the world.

   • Allahabad Address:

     Allama Iqbal delivered his famous presidential address at the annual session of the All-India Muslim League in Allahabad in 1930.

   • Concept of Islam and Muslim Nationhood:

     He stated that Islam is a complete code of life and that politics and religion cannot be separated. He rejected the concept of a single Indian nation because Hindus and Muslims had sharp differences in every aspect of life.

   • Idea of a Muslim State:

     Allama Iqbal suggested the establishment of a Muslim state consisting of Muslim-majority areas.

   • Inspiration Through Poetry:

     He inspired Muslims through his poetry and is known as “Hakeem-ul-Ummat.”

   • Death:

     Allama Iqbal died on April 21, 1938, and was buried near the Badshahi Masjid in Lahore.

3. Choudhary Rahmat Ali:

   • Early Life and Education:

     Choudhary Rahmat Ali was an active figure during the freedom struggle and an architect of the idea of Pakistan. He graduated from Islamia College Lahore and later taught at Aitchison College Lahore.

   • Higher Education:

     He went to England for higher studies and completed his master's degree at Cambridge University. He later obtained a Bar-at-Law degree from Dublin University.

   • Advocacy of a Separate Muslim Homeland:

     Choudhary Rahmat Ali strongly promoted the idea that Muslims were a separate nation and must be granted a separate homeland.

   • “Now or Never” Pamphlet:

     In 1933, he issued a pamphlet titled “Now or Never.” He emphasized that Muslims were distinct from Hindus and argued that the division of India into two states was a feasible and permanent solution.

   • Name “Pakistan”:

     Choudhary Rahmat Ali suggested the name “Pakistan” for the Muslim state.

   • Pakistan National Movement:

     In 1933, he founded the Pakistan National Movement and continued his struggle for independence from British rule.

4. Miss Fatima Jinnah:

   • Role in the Pakistan Movement:

     Fatima Jinnah was the sister of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. She played a very active role during the Pakistan Movement and after the creation of Pakistan.

   • Organization of Muslim Women:

     She worked to organize the women’s wing of the All-India Muslim League and presided over its meetings.

   • Political Awareness Among Muslim Women:

     Fatima Jinnah accompanied Quaid-i-Azam and visited different areas of united India. She created political awareness among Muslim women and motivated them to take an active part in the freedom struggle.

   • League’s Message to Muslim Homes:

     Fatima Jinnah and her team conveyed the message of the All-India Muslim League to every home.

   • Services during Partition:

     At the time of Partition, a large number of refugees came to Pakistan. Fatima Jinnah visited refugee camps and encouraged women to face their problems with high spirits.

   • Political Activities After Independence:

     After the death of Quaid-i-Azam, she continued her political activities and contested the presidential election in 1965 against Ayub Khan.

   • Title and Death:

     She was given the title “Madher-i-Millat” (Mother of the Nation). Fatima Jinnah died on July 11, 1967.

5. S. P. Singha

   • Early Life and Career:

     Dewan Bahadur Satya Prakash Singha, widely known as S. P. Singha, was a political activist born in 1893 in Sialkot. He worked at the University of Punjab and introduced the matric and intermediate examination system.

   • Recognition for Services:

     Due to his contributions, the British government honored him with the distinction of “Dewan Bahadur.”

   • Support for the Muslim League:

     The majority of Indian Christians supported the Indian National Congress through the All India Conference of Indian Christians. However, S. P. Singha held an opposite view and attended the annual session of the All-India Muslim League in March 1940 in Lahore.

   • Support for Quaid-i-Azam:

     He declared, “Jinnah is our leader,” and assured that Christians would support him in the creation of Pakistan.

   • Political Role:

     S. P. Singha also served as the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly in united India.

   • Services to Pakistan:

     When Pakistan came into being, S. P. Singha chose to live in Pakistan and passed away in 1948.