SECTION 2EMERGENCE OF PAKISTAN

THE INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS--1885

(The beginning of political awareness in the Indians)

Reasons for the creation of the INC

For the smooth administration of India, the British needed to know the intentions
of the local population as to what they think about the British rule. For this
purpose a bridge was needed between the rulers and the ruled. Therefore, a
political party of Indians was essential. A former member of the ICS, Allan
Octavian Hume was assigned the task to persuade Indians to have their own
political party. Lord Dufferin supported him and said that the new organization
would act ‘as a safety valve for the escape of great and growing forces’ within
India. Mr. Hume wrote letters to the graduates of the Calcutta University and
motivated the educated youth to form a national political organization. During
this time, many small associations of Indians had developed called “sabhas” which
eventually joined together to form the INC in 1885.

Main Objectives of the INC

• To promote the welfare of all Indians living in India.

• To remain loyal to the British Queen.

• To educate the people in India and in Britain about the resolutions of the
INC

• To persuade the British government to end the unfair practices and to

increase the share of Indians in the ICS and the legislative councils
Successes of the INC
Congress had little success. The British introduced the Indian Councils Act of
1892, which increased the number of Indians in the councils. But these councils
had no powers and were ignored by the British. Due to this attitude of the British,
the Radical Nationalism began to grow in the INC. These radical elements wanted
independence from the British.

The Radical Nationalism

Some people like Bal Gangadhar Tilak of Poona, Dayanand Saraswati and many
others wanted to get rid of the British as soon as possible. Since 1870’s many
secret societies had sprang up with the aim to get independence from the British.
They had assassinated few British officers also. These radical elements were
against the Muslims and wanted them to re-convert into Hinduism, or else, they
believed, Muslims should leave India or be killed because India was a land of the
Hindus.

The British Response to the Radical Nationalism

This wave of extremism and terrorism worried the British and they decided to
back up Muslims to counter the Hindus. As a result the British decided to
strengthen the Muslims in East Bengal by partitioning the province in 1905.

Suggested answers to (a) part questions on the INC

1. What was the Indian National Congress? [4]

The Indian National Congress was the first official political organization of the
Indians. It was founded in 1885 on the initiative of a retired Civil Servant, Allan
Octavian Hume. The main purpose was to promote and safeguard the rights of
the Indians. It was to serve as a communication bridge between the British and
the Indians to ensure smooth rule in India. It was the product of the mutual
desire of the British and the Indians.
2. What were the reasons for the formation of the INC? [4]

Since 1857, apparently, the British were ruling India with no problems, but in
fact, there were certain forces at work in the country which could have
brought disastrous effects for the Govt. The British wanted to know the
political temperature of the public and their response to the Govt. policies.
Lord Dufferin said that the INC would work as a safety valve for the escape of
great and growing forces.

3. What were the objectives of the INC? [4]

The main objective of the INC was to promote the welfare of the all Indians
and to safeguard their rights. To remain loyal to the British Crown and to
educate the people in India and Britain about the INC. another objective was
to persuade the British Govt. to increase the participation of the Indians in the
legislative Councils.

4. What did the Indian historian means by saying, “the Congress was the
natural product of forces already at work in the country, and it would
have emerged soon enough Hume or no Hume”. [4]

The Indian historian meant to say that the political conditions of India and
growing political acumen of the people were demanding the formation of
such a political organization since long, “Hume or no Hume” means, had there
been Mr. Allan Octavian Hume to persuade Indians to form their political
organization or not, the emergence of such a party was inevitable. For
example, the rise of Secret Sabahs and extremist Hindu groups and the
growing anger against the British were asking for the establishment of a
political party.

5. What did the moderate Congress members believe about the British? [4]

The INC split into two groups, the moderates and the radicals. The radicals
were extremists and the moderates were flexible. The moderate members of
the INC believed that the British were a blessing for India. They had brought
so many benefits to the people like modern justice, political stability and
 good education. Therefore, Indian protests should be in a polite and peaceful
manner and not the way they were carried out in India.

6. What was the Radical Nationalism? [4]

During the 1870’s, some Indians, not happy with the British rule, began to
record their anti-British feelings in the way of organizing angry crowds and
writing provocative articles in the newspapers and even killing the British
officials. They were also against the Muslims. They wanted that Muslims
should either re-convert into Hinduism or leave India or get killed. This is
known as the “Radical Nationalism”

PARTITION OF BENGAL (1905)

OBJECTIVES:
• To understand the background of this decision
• To understand the reasons, responses and consequences
for the future of Hindus and Muslims

Background of the partition of Bengal

Bengal was the largest and the most important province for the British to control.
They wanted to have efficient administration of this area but it was difficult due
to poor infrastructure and larger area. The population of Bengal was 85 million
with 54 million in West and 31 million in East Bengal.It was ten times more than
the population of the whole of England. In West Bengal Hindus were in majority
with 42 million and Muslims were a minority with 12 million. In the East part
Muslims were in majority with 18 million and Hindus were a minority with 12
million population.Lord Curzon had proposed the partition in 1903, but the
request was not considered then. It was only in 1905, that the British government
decided to divide the province in two smaller units; the East Bengal and the west
Bengal. The East Bengal had Muslim majority and the West had Hindu majority.
This partition favored the Muslims and Hindus were reduced to minority in
Eastern part. They protested against the decision and ultimately the decision was
reversed in 1911 which hurt the Muslims.

Reasons for the partition

• First and the foremost reason of the partition was difficult administration
of the province.

• Another reason may be the attitude of the INC which demanded more
liberty in the administration of India.

• The last one could be even more political reason to strengthen the
Muslims against Hindus.

Responses to the partition

Muslims:

Muslims were happy because they got rid of Hindu oppression. They felt
honored and confident because the British had given them true recognition as a
respectable community. They were satisfied with the partition because it would
bring them freedom, confidence and prosperity in political, economic and socio-
religious fields. They became majority from minority and would be considered as
a political entity in India.

Hindus:

Hindus were unhappy and angry with the partition. They called it the notorious
divide and rule policy of the British. They considered it as a tactic of the British to
be safe from the Hindu threat because they were asking now, for freedom from
the British. It aroused their anger further and they launched the ‘Swadeshi
Movement’ under which they boycotted all the British goods to put economic
pressure on them.A wave of terror and lawlessness ran through the sub-
continent and an assassination attempt was also made on Lord Minto.

Consequences
The consequences for Muslims were better. They flourished and prospered. They
were encouraged to have their own political party in the following year. They
began the struggle for their independence and Pakistan was achieved.

For Hindus, it was a very expensive show. The British took very harsh measures
and Indian prisons were filled with Indian revolutionaries, but later the British
realized that constitutional way would be better and started a series of reforms
in India. The Hindu protest bore fruits and the partition was annulled in 1911.

Suggested answers to (a) part questions

1. Describe the partition of Bengal in 1905. [4]

Partition of Bengal was announced by the British government in 1905. It was a

very important decision which divided the province of Bengal into two smaller
units; the East Bengal and the West Bengal. Hindus were reduced to minorityin
the East whereas they remained in majority in the West Bengal. The main
purpose for the partition was to have administrative efficiency and better control
of the area. Lord Curzon first sent the proposal in 1903 which finally was
approved and implemented in 1905.

2. Describe the importance for the Muslims of the partition of Bengal. [4]

The partition of Bengal in 1905 was even more than important for Muslims
because this was the beginning of ‘better relations’ with the British who had
accepted Muslims as equal to the Hindus. The Muslims were able to develop
politically and economically in the province and were also free from the tyranny
and exploitation of the Hindus. They were now able to maintain close relations
with the British high command and could protect their political and social rights.
It was the beginning of political struggle of the Muslims which led to the creation
of Pakistan.
 3. Describe the ‘swadeshi movement’ OR describe the response of the
Hindus to the partition of Bengal. [4]

Partition of Bengal was a swear blow to the Hindu majority and hurt their ego
badly. They responded furiously and launched ‘ Swadeshi Movement’ as a
protest against the decision of the government. They made assassination
attempts on the viceroy Lord Minto and boycotted the British goods completely.
The British cloth was thrown into the bonfires and people wore the locally
produced Khaddar cloth. It caused the British, heavy economic and political
damage in India. At last, the British were forced to change their decision. In 1911,
the British king George V came to India and annulled the partition at Dehli
Darbar.

4. How did the British respond to the Hindu protest on the partition of
Bengal? [4]

The British could not find any better approach to resolve this issue immediately
but to take harsh measures. They imposed restrictions on the public meetings and
banned the newspapers publishing revolutionary articles. The Press Act was
passed in 1908 to tighten the control over the press and many were prosecuted
for publishing revolutionarymaterial. All radical leaders were arrested and jailed.
Later they found that this method was not suitable to handle the issue and
launched a series of reformsto increase the role of Indians in the legislative
assemblies.

5. How were Hindus responsible for the partition of Bengal in 1905?[4]

Hindus were very much responsible for the partition. They forced the British to
take action. After the creation of the Indian National Congress, Hindu radical
groups began to take shape and demanded that the British should leave India
because it was the land of Hindus. They made speeches and wrote provocative
articles in the newspapers. It worried the British and Lord Curzon, the then
viceroy of India thought that partition of Bengal would be a way to control the
Hindus. Therefore, the Hindus were mainly responsible for the partition of Bengal
in 1905.
Some (b) part questions on the POB

Suggested answers:

1. 1. Why was Bengal partitioned in 1905? [7] (J2004/P1/2b)

Marking Scheme: Explains reasons
Of the 54 million people in Bengal 42 million were Hindus. It seemed
sensible to divide up the province on religious grounds and also because it
was becoming very large and producing significant administrative
problems. By doing this it was felt that the province would be easier to
administer especially at the time of a new British government in powe
Full answer:

Hints:

• The largest province with 96 million population, difficult to control

• The Congress was giving tough time and asking for freedom, so wanted
to counter their influence

• They wanted to encourage the Muslims against the Hindus

Suggested answer

Bengal was partitioned in 1905 into two smaller provinces; the East Bengal and
the West Bengal. It was the largest and the most important province of India
with 96 millionpopulation which was ten times more than the population of
the Great Britain. Three main districts of Dhaka, Chittagong and Myemsingh
were merged with Assam to create East Bengal. The East part had Muslim
majority and the West had Hindu majority. Due to larger population and poor
infrastructure, it was very difficult for the viceroy to control the area. Lord
Curzon proposed the partition first in 1903, but it was approved and
implemented by the Labour government in 1905. Besides this reason, the
British were having tough time from the INC, some radical groups of the INC
were asking for independence from the British. Leaders like Dayanand
Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj and Tilak of Poona were leading the
radical elements. It worried the British most when a British officer and his
companions were killed by such revolutionaries in 1897. So to counter the
influence of the Hindus; they decided to partition the province on communal
lines.

They might have realized that Muslims, being the most important people of
India with a thousand years’ ruling history, had been denied even the limited
human libertiessince 1857 and it was the time to reconcile them. Sir Syed
Ahmed Khan had also advocated the Muslim case and claimed that Muslims
were loyal to the British. For these reasons the British would have partitioned
Bengal.

2. Why was the partition of Bengal important for Muslims? [7]

Hints:

• It was a pleasant surprise which brought an overnight change in the

status of Muslims from the oppressed one to the privileged one

• They had a better share in the business and trade, education and jobs.

• It opened the avenues of political struggle for an independent

homeland in future.

Suggested answer

The partition of Bengal was a pleasant surprise for the Muslims because they
could not expect an overnight change in their status. After almost 50 years of
tyranny, oppression and discrimination, the partition was like a hope of life
for the paralyzed body of the Muslim community. They became majority in
East Bengal and it would bring them closer to the British and their confidence
and political acumen will increase. They had become a privileged community
from the alienated one. It would also open for them, the avenues of
economic, political and educational development. Being majority in the
province, they would have more shares in business and trade. It would allow
them now, to have better education and lucrative jobs in the province.
 Apart from the social, cultural and economic benefits to the Muslims, it paved
the way for their political organization as well. Using the opportunity of having
close relations with the British, they were recognized as a separate nation and
were able to form their own political party the following year. We can say that
partition of Bengal was a blessing for Muslims and the first step toward
Pakistan.

3. Why do you think the British at first took tough measures to deal with the
Hindu protest against the partition of Bengal, but later showed mild
attitude? [7]

Hints:

• They took harsh measures because they thought they would control the
situation

• Later they realized it did not work properly and things were aggravating

• They realized that they could not restore long lasting peace by using force
or the constitutional way was more suitable

Suggested answer

The British took harsh measures to control the situation against the partition
because it was the only way that a government could respond to the law and
order situation. Despite these measures things went wrong. Radical leaders like
Tilak were making things worst. Sawadeshi Movement was started and the
British goods were banned. Revolutionaries had made an assassination attempt
on the future viceroy Lord Minto. On the other hand, the newspapers were also
spreading anti-British feelings. Editors of the newspapers were writing
provocative articles which formed an anti British air in the public. In such
conditions, the British realized that it was not a suitable way to deal with the
situation, harsh measures were only aggravating things.

When things did not turn out to be positive, the British decided to use the
constitutional way to calm down the furious Hindu nationalists. Lord Minto
talked to the Secretary of State for India and came up with a constitutional
formula, known as the ‘Morley Minto Reforms’ of 1909. These reforms were
intended to please the Hindus but Muslim interests were also considered. The
number of the members to the Imperial Council, the Central Executive Council
and the Provincial Councils was increased and separate electorates were given to
the Muslims. Though Hindus were not happy on these reforms, the immediate
threat to the British government was stopped till they cancelled the partition in
1911.

SIMLA DEPUTATION(1906)

Simla Deputation was a delegation of 37 prominent Muslim leaders who met with
the new viceroy of India Lord Minto at Simla on October 8, 1906. It was a golden
opportunity for the British to improve relations with the Muslims to win their
support for the British rule in India and for Muslims to safeguard their rights as a
separate nationin India. Muslims were afraid of the reversal of the partition
because Hindus had launched a well organized protest(Swadeshi Movement)
which Muslims could not resist for maintaining the partition. Therefore, what
Muslims needed from the British at Simla was their recognition as a separate
nation with weightage and the Separate Electorates in case of elections in India
because the new Labour Government in Britain had announced that they would
launch a series of reforms in India through elections. Owing to the circumstances,
the British viceroy had to award them all they demanded. Simla Deputation was
aland mark in the history of Indian Muslims and the first step down the long road
to the creation of Pakistan.

Some (a) part questions on Simla Deputation

Suggested answers

1. What was the Simla Deputation?

It was a delegation of 37 leading Muslims under the leadership of Sir Sultan

Muhammad Agha Khan III that met with Lord Minto at Simla( a hill station
in India) on 8th October, 1906. The major demands of the delegation were
 to have separate electorates for Muslims and the weightage(more number
of seats than their population) in the provinces where they were in
minority. Muslims also requested that the partition of Bengal must be
maintained. All demands were accepted except the last one which was
annulled in 1911.

2. Describe the importance of the Simla Deputation.

Simla Deputation was the most important event in the history of Muslims
in India. It was the first time that the British had accepted them as a
separate nation and a respectable minority in India. They got separate
electorates and the right of having more number of seats than their
population actually deserved. It increased their confidence and improved
their relations with the British. Due to this,AIML was formed and the
political struggle was started for Pakistan.

3. “What do you think the Muslims meant when they said the Muslims
position in India should be estimated not merely on their numerical strength but
in respect to the political importance of their community and the service it has
rendered to the Empire”?

The Muslims meant that they should be given weight and importance
equal to the level of Hindus because they formed a high percentage in the
British Army and had rendered remarkable services for the British Crown.
They were major land owners in India producing food for millions of
people. On top of everything they had been the rulers of the sub-continent
for a thousand years. Therefore, they should be given respect and
importance in the land they had ruled.
Some (b) part questions on SD

1. Why was Simla Deputation important for Muslims?

Hint as:

• The British accepted the Muslims as a separate nation and

respectable community of India.

• Muslims got the separate electorates and the right of weightage

• It paved the way for the political struggle for independence

Suggested answer

The Simla Deputation was a mile stone in the history of Indian Muslims and
the first step to the creation of Pakistan. it was the first time that the
British had accepted the Muslims as a separate nation which meant that
Muslims, had now, the right to claim for a separate piece of land in India.
They were allowed the separate electorates which enabled them to elect
their own representatives and fight for their rights in the assemblies and
not on the streets. They were also allowed the right of weightage in those
provinces where they were in minority. The Weightage allowed the
Muslims to have more number of seats than their population if they were
in minority in a province.

It increased the confidence of the Muslims and enabled them to have their
own political party AIML. The relationship between the two had improved
greatly which would bring political, economic and social liberties to the
Muslim community in future. The biggest advantage of the Simla
Deputation was the separate electorates which put the Two Nation Theory
into practice and Pakistan became reality.

2. Why was Simla Deputation the first step to the creation of Pakistan?

Hints:
 • Simla Deputation was the confirmation and attestation of the Two
Nation Theory of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

• After having the status of a separate nation, Muslims had the right
to claim for a separate piece of land

Suggested answer

Simla Deputation was no doubt the first step towards the creation of a
Muslim State in South Asia in 1947. Since 1857, the Muslims had been
subject to the ill treatment of the British and the Hindus and none of the
two had accepted Muslims as a respectable people or a separate nation
with their own religion and culture. It was at the Simla Deputation in 1906
only that they got their lost status back with honour. The British were the
Masters of india who recognized them as a respectable separate nation
equal to the Hindus. It was the attestation of the Two Nation Theory of Sir
Syed Ahmed Khan which was claimed back in 1867 but not accepted till
now.

It was made possible only by the Deputation that the Muslims were able to
claim for a separate piece of land in India because it is the international rule that
if a group of people is recognized as a nation with their distinguished code of
life, they should be given a right to live on a separate land if they wish to.
Therefore, it was a great achievement and owes to the Simla Deputation. Had
the British not recognized Muslims as a nation, perhaps there would have been
no Pakistan.

THE CREATION OF ALL INDIA MUSLIM LEAGUE 1906

The 20th session of the Muhammadan Educational Conference was held at
Dhaka in 1906 where the Muslim leaders decided to form their own political
party. So a meeting was held at the residence of Nawab Salimullah Khan under
the chairmanship of Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk where All India Muslim League was
founded on 30th September, 1906. Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk became the president
of the confederacy.The 1st session in 1907 at Karachi was chaired by Sir Adamjee
 Pirbhai, and Sir Sultan Muhammad Agha Khan was elected its first official
president at the 2nd session of AIML held at Aligarh in 1708.

Till 1934, at the end of the Three Round Table Conferences, AIML was not a well
organized party when Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was elected its
‘lifetime’ president who organized it well and achieved a separate homeland for
the Indian Muslims in 1947.

NOTE: till 1934, Sir Agha Khan, Nawab Salimullah, Maulana Mohammad Ali
Jauhar, Maulana Hasrat Mohani, Hakeem Ajmal Khan and Sir Dr. Allama
Muhammad Iqbal had been serving as the presidents of the AIML along many
others.

REASONS FOR ITS CREATION

Since Indian National Congress had become a Hindu party and became
outrageous on the Partition of Bengal in 1905. It opposed the separate
electorates for the Muslims in 1906. It was, therefore, inevitable for Muslims to
form their own political party to safeguard their rights. The attitude of the
Congress had alarmed the Muslims that Hindus wanted to dominate Muslims
forever.

Secondly, after the Partition of Bengal and the success of the Simla Deputation,
they got confidence that the British wanted to help Muslims against the Hindus
who were giving them tough time.

Another reason became the victory of the Labour Party in England and the
announcement of the Labour PM that they would introduce the reforms in India
through elections. In order to participate in the elections, it was essential for
the Muslims to have their political party.

OBJECTIVES OF THE AIML

• To safeguard the political rights of the Muslims in India.

• To present Muslim needs to the British Govt.

• To promote the feelings of loyalty to the British Govt.

• To remove any misunderstandings amongst the Muslims regarding the

intentions of the Govt. policies.

• To maintain good relations with other communities of India.

Some (a ) part questions on AIML

Suggested answers
1. What was the All India Muslim League?

The All India Muslim League was the political party of the Indian Muslims and
was founded on 30th September, 1906 at Dhaka. Its first president was Nawab
Viqar-ul-Mulk at whose house it was founded. The purpose of the organization
was to promote and safeguard the political rights of the Muslims and to make
better relations with the British and other communities of India

2. . What was the importance to Muslims of the AIML?

The AIML was very important for Muslims because they were now able to
express their demands and problems to the British officially and respectfully.
They could fight for their rights in the assemblies and in a constitutional manner
rather than fighting in the streets. Their relations with the British became better
and they could compete with the Hindus in all walks of life.

3. How was the AIML founded?

The 20th session of the Muhammadan Educational Conference was held at

Dhaka in 1906. After the session was over, the Muslim leaders realized to form a
political party of the Muslims in order to protect their rights. Another session
took place at the house of Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk where All India Muslim League
was formed on 30th September, 1906. Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk became its first
president.

4. What were the main objectives of the AIML?

 The first objective was to protect the political rights of the Muslims in India and
to present Muslim needs to the British Govt. to promote the feelings of loyalty
to the British Govt, to clear the misunderstanding among the Muslims regarding
the policies of the Govt and to maintain good relations with other communities
of India.

5. What were the reasons for its formation in 1906?

The anti-Muslim policy of the INC, their opposition to the partition of Bengal and
the Simla Deputation and the Muslim success at the Simla Deputation were main
reasons. The announcement of the British PM that they will introduce the reforms
through elections created another need to form a political party of the Indian
Mulsims, so AIML was formed.

6. What was the importance of AIML to the Muslim community of India?

It was the first Muslim political association in India. It awoke the political
conscience of the Indian Muslims and enabled them to safeguard their rights. Due
to this, Muslim struggle for independence started and finally Pakistan came into
being as the largest Muslim state of the world.
Some (b) part questions on AIML

1. Why was the Muslim League established in 1906?

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1]

They wanted their own political party.

LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2–4]

The Muslims were not united. The Hindus had their own party.

LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5–7]

Muslim rights would not be advanced if they continued to rely on the Indian
National Congress. It was seen as an organisation which would only advance
Hindu views. TheCongress was demanding that India should be treated as a
cultural whole and Hindi shouldbe declared the official language. By not
organising a Muslim group they would continue tobe disorganised and disunited.
Even more worrying was the growth of extreme Hindunationalist groups who
demanded that Muslims be forcibly converted to Hinduism. Thereforea number
of prominent Muslim leaders founded the Muslim League.

Q2. Why did the Muslim League change one of its aims of Loyalty to the
British to ‘Self Government’ in 1913?

Hints:

i- Reversal of the Partition of Bengal was against their wish

ii- British support of the Balkan Christian states against Turkey
iii- Realization of the might of Hindus because they were in majority and
would never let Muslims benefit from the British alone.
iv- Hindus and Muslims were sister community and native of India; would
not leave India ever so to get along with them would be better.

Some (c) part questions on AIML

1. The Muslim League was established in 1906 because the Hindus had their
own political party.’ Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer.

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement (1–2)

Muslims wanted their own party.

LEVEL 2: Description/identification of reasons (3–6)

The Hindus had the Congress party which represented Hindu views only.

LEVEL 3: Explains at least one factor (7–10)

LEVEL 4: Explains at least two factors including the Hindu party (9–13)

The Congress was demanding that India should be treated as a cultural and
political wholeand Hindi should be declared the official language. It was seen as
an organisation whichwould only advance Hindu views. Muslim rights would not
be advanced if they continued torely on the Indian National Congress. By not
organising a Muslim group they would continueto be disorganised and disunited.
They didn’t feel that had the same influence as Congresswith the British. Also the
Hindus were beginning to protest against the partition of Bengaland the Muslims
saw this as a sign of the influence the Hindus had and they were worriedabout
their own interests. Even more worrying was the growth of extreme Hindu
Nationalistgroups who demanded that Muslims be forcibly converted to
Hinduism. Therefore a numberof prominent Muslim leaders founded the Muslim
League.

LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation. (14)

2. Was the need for their own political party the most important reason for
the creation of All India Muslim League? Explain your answer. [14]
Marking Scheme:
Level 1: Simplistic statement [1-2]
They needed their own political party
Level 2: identification/Description of reasons [3-6]
Hindus had formed the INC which looked after Hindus interests only
Level 3: Explain the need for own party or other reasons [7-10]
Level 4: Explain the need for own party and other reasons [9-13]
Muslims were increasingly aware that their political rights would not be
safeguarded if they continue to rely on the INC. by not organizing a Muslim group,
they would continue to be disorganized. It was also set up because of better
understanding between the Muslims and the British that was reflected in the
Simla Deputation in 1906. The new liberal government in London was going to
introduce reforms through elections, so it was necessary for Muslims to have
their own political party. Congress demanded that India should be treated as on
cultural and political whole with Hindi as the official language. The Hindu
extremist groups began to convert Muslims into Hindus and Swadeshi Movement
was also launched to protest against the partition of Bengal. So a group of Muslim
delegates founded the AIML in 1906.
Level 5: As Level 4- also produced judgement/evaluation. [14]
 THE MORLEY-MINTO REFORMS – 1909

What were the 1909 reforms?

The Reforms or the Indian Councils Act of 1909 were a mutual decision of the
viceroy, Lord Minto and the Secretary of State, John Morley to please the Hindus
in particular and the Muslims in general in order to win their support. They were
convinced to increase the share of Indians in the government. Under this Act,

 Thenumber of the members to Imperial Council (central legislative

council)was increased from 16 to 60 by adding more ‘non-official’
members (nominated by the GG but not govt. officials; Indians).
 The Executive Council was increased by adding 60 new members and
the Provincial Councils were increased to 50 members in larger
provinces and 30 in smaller ones.
 Muslim members to the councils were to be elected by separate
electorates only.
 Two Indians were allowed to be members of the council of the
Secretary of State for India and one Indian was allowed to be on the
Executive council of the Viceroy. (unfortunately that one member was a
Hindu, S.P.Sinha, and Muslims demanded one Muslim member also)
 One thing to be noted that these reforms did not bring any benefit to
Indians because they could only attend the sessions and listen to the
debates, but could not influence the British to change the laws.
 At the centre, there would be majority of ‘official members’ and at the
 provinces, the ‘non-official’ ones.
 Separate Electorates for the Muslims were accepted along with Sikhs.

What was the importance of the Morley-Minto Reforms?

The reforms benefited both the British and the Indians. The British did not want
to set up a parliament in India; neither had they wanted to introduce a
democracy. They just wanted the Indians to express their views and that’s it.
Their policy was to maintain stability by giving the Indians few concessions. The
reforms were important for the British because;

 they had successfully engaged the Hindus and Muslims in the struggle
against each other for gaining as many rights from the British as they
could and were able to rule them easily now.

It was important for Indians

 It was like something better than nothing for indians. They were
increased in numbers in the Councils though not in power. Their
presence was becoming noticeable for the British and they were
nearing their goal of self rule. They had the opportunity to sit in the
assemblies, discuss and criticize bills; pass resolutions and have
frequent inter action with the British. Though they did not have much
say in the assemblies, yet they were gaining valuable experience to deal
with the most powerful people of the world which would benefit them
in future. Muslims got the right of Separate Electorates in black and
white.

In short, it was the beginning of real politics in India which would prove its worth
in future.

Some (a) part questions on Morley-Minto Reforms

Suggested answers

1. What were the Morley-Minto Reforms?

The Morley-Minto Reforms were the mutually decided concessions for

Indians by the Viceroy and the Secretary of State for India, John Morley.
According to this Act, Indian representation was increased in the
Legislative Councils and Muslims were given the right of Separate
Electorates in black and white which were agreed verbally at the Simla
Deputation in 1906.

2. Describe the importance of the reforms for the British.

 The reforms gave the British a chance to rule India more peacefully than
before due to the reason that a political divide had been drawn between
the Hindus and Muslims and they would be giving tough time to each other
rather than the British. The British were now, able to manipulate the
Hindus and Muslims more easily for the sake of gaining time.

3. Describe the importance of the reforms for the Indians.

For the Indians it was like a “something is better than nothing” situation.
The only importance for them was that they were now able to sit in the
Councils to listen to the debates, criticize the decisions, pass motions but
not to exert any influence on the law making. Their number was increased
and they could only “hope for the best”. The Muslims got the right of
Separate Electorates and weightage in black and white. It was a good
political experience for them.

4. Describe the effect of the reforms on Indians.

1909 Reforms were not welcomed by the Indians because they could only
sit and watch the business of the law making councils and could not
change the laws as if they were trainee politicians, learning the lessons at
school without any authority in the management. The Congress accepted
the reforms only in the hope of getting more in future, yet they were
aggressive on the partition of Bengal and in favour of Sawadeshi
Movement. The Muslims were no doubt, pleased on the change of their
status, yet were afraid of the cancellation of the partition.

Some (b) part questions on MM Reforms

1. Why did the Congress Party oppose the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1906?

LEVEL 1 Simplistic statement 1

They were against them

LEVEL 2 Identifies reasons 2-4

 Because of separate electorates and lack of self rule

LEVEL 3 Explains reasons 5-7

The British intended that the Indians could voice their opinions in the
Councils but the Hindus wanted more responsibility which the
government were not prepared to give. This annoyed the Hindus who
were looking towards self-rule. The British accepted the right of Muslims
to have separate electorates which also annoyed the Hindus who saw it
as a concession too far. Again self-rule was the goal for the whole country
with the Hindus as the dominant force. The Hindus also resented the
relative high position of Muslims in the Councils despite their much
smaller numbers.

Some (C) part questions

1. How successful were the political developments in seeking a solution to

the problems in the sub-continent between 1909 and 1919? Explain your
answer. [14]

Level 1: simplistic statement [1-2]

Problems existed between Muslims and Hindus

Level 2: Description of political developments [3-6]

Lucknow Pact was an agreement between Muslims and Hindus and Morley-
Minto Reforms became a law in 1909 as the Indian Councils Act.

Level 3: Explains successes or Failures [7-10]

Level 4: Explains both [9-13]

Successes

Lucknow Pact of 1916, was an agreement between Muslims and Hindus, which
placed a number of demands to the British government in an attempt to show a
united front and common aims. The Hindus had accepted the right of separate
electorates for the Muslims for the first time, it was, therefore, a beacon of hope
for future.

The Morley-Minto Reforms became law in 1909 as the Indian Councils Act. It was
important because it gave the Indian legislators the right to sit in the Assemblies,
discuss and ciriticize bills and participate in the debates. They accepted Muslims
as a separate nation in India by recognizing their right to separate electorates.

The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 held out concessions to Indians

provided they accepted the right of the British to remain in control.

Failures

The Morley-Minto Reforms were well intentioned but failed to satisfy Indians.
They enabled Indians only to express their voice or criticize but no power to
influence any law. The Indians wanted to have say in the constitutional decision
making.

The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 also disappointed Indians who had

hoped for greater responsibility in the government. Since they had helped the
British in the 1st WW, they were expecting better treatment from the British. The
government had sweeping powers in the centre with some transferred subjects
for Indians.

The Rowlatt Act of 1919 which followed the reforms, increased tention between
the Indians and the government when law was passed to arrest without warrant
and detain without bail etc.

Level 5: As Level 4-also produces judgment or evaluation. [14]

THE REVERSAL OF THE PARTITION OF BENGAL--1911

Reasons for the reversal of the partition

The only reason for which the British reversed the partition of Bengal was the
bitter opposition of the Bengali Hindus and heavy loss to their economy due to
Swadeshi Movement. A long boycott of British goods by majority of Indians had
crushed the economy. Since trade was the main interest of the British, they would
try to save it at any cost whatsoever. It was obvious that they would reverse the
partition and sacrifice the Muslim minority in order to win the support of
majority.Apparently they tried to suggest that it was part of their policy to govern
India. They moved their Capital from Calcutta to Delhi only to show that the
Hindus opposition was not completely successful.

The response of Muslims

The Muslims were disappointed and realized that neither Hindus nor the British
were trustworthy. Despite their bitter opposition to the reversal the British were
not moved at all and let Muslim interests suffer. The British were only concerned
with their business and trade in India and the Hindus were all out to crush the
Muslims. Now they realized the importance of their political organization.

The response of Hindus

The Hindus felt satisfied and proud of their strategy of the boycott which had
resulted at their victory. They never felt obliged or thankful to the British, rather
they stood firm on their demand of the self rule. It was, however, a successful
experiment for the Hindus to practice the power politics against the British.

Effects of the Reversal on the Indian politics

The reversal of the partition brought notable changes in the mind set of the
Hindus and Muslims.
  The Muslims were disillusioned with the British and the Hindus, but
they realized the need of self reliance and self sufficiency. They realized
the power ofHindus and realized that they would have to seek their
cooperation for gaining any benefit from the British in future. At the
same time, they were prepared to fight for their rights alone.
 The Hindus became the most powerful political party of India. They
never gave up the opposition to the partition of Bengal and continued
the boycott of the British goods. It means that the INC was not ready to
compromise on the demand of the reversal of the partition at any cost.

The reversal of the partition opened the doors for the AIML to more independent
politics. In future, it led to the Lucknow Pact in 1916.

Some (a) part questions on the reversal of the partition

Suggested answers to (a) part questions on reversal of

partition
1. What were the reasons for the reversal of the partition of Bengal?

Bengal was re-united in 1911 due to extreme Hindu pressure and their
boycott of the British goods under the Swedish Movement. Few British
officials were assassinated and an attempt was also made on the future
viceroy of India, Lord Minto. At last, King George V, announced the
cancellation of the partition of Bengal at the Dehli Darbar on 12th
December, 1911 saying that it was the British policy to rule India.

2. Describe the importance of the reversal of the partition of Bengal for

Muslims.

Reversal was very important for Muslims because it had opened their eyes
and showed them the real face of the British. They also realized that they
had to face the future consequences alone and for that matter they
decided to be self reliant and well organized. Muslims were disillusioned
 with the British because they did not keep their words and had sacrificed
the Muslim interests for gaining support from Hindus.

3.What was the response of Hindus to the reversal of the partition?

Hindus felt satisfied and happy on this decision. They were proud of their
strategy of the boycott which had won them power and fame in India. They
never felt obliged or thankful to the British and were firm in their demand
of self rule because they had realized their power.

4. What was the response of the Muslims to the reversal of the partition?

Muslims felt deprived, forsaken and alone in India. They opposed the
decision bitterly, but their voice was ignored. They condemned the British
‘Policy’ and realized that the British were not dependable in future. They
compromised with the situation and decided to organize them better than
before.

5. What was the effect on Muslims of the reversal of the partition of Bengal?

The Muslims came to know the reality that the economic interests of the
British were the most important of all and they could sacrifice anything for
them. They also realized that Hindus were the most powerful community in
India and their cooperation was necessary to gain any benefit from the
British. They adopted the compromising attitude in politics and tried to
maintain good relations with the Hindus (Lucknow Pact) were signed in
1916.
 Some (b) part questions on Reversal of Partition

1. Why did the British reverse the partition of Bengal in 1911?

Suggested Answer:

Hints:

• The British could not bear the consequences of the Swadeshi

Movement

• Aggravating law and order situation and assassination attempts on the

British viceroy.

• Fear of continuation of the boycott or loosing such a prospective buyer

of the British goods

The British were forced by the circumstances to reverse the partition in 1911.
Firstly they could not bear the consequences of the Swadeshi Movement. It
proved detrimental to the British interests because the British goods were
boycotted in India which was a great loss to the British economy and they could
not afford the loss. Secondly, the worsening law and order situation was causing
worries for the government. Assassination attempts were made on the viceroy
and his Indian associates, a British officer was killed along with his colleagues.
Many were arrested on the charges of creating violence and writing the
provocative articles in the newspapers, but these measures could not stop the
activities of the revolutionaries.

After the failure of the use of harsh measures, the British decided to adopt a mild
attitude. They passed an Indian Act in 1909,to please the Hindus, but in vain.
They were not happy on the reform and the radical groups continued their
activities as usual. It was a long time that the Indians had boycotted the British
goods. It was a heavy loss to the British and they were afraid of losing such a big
buyer of their goods if they did not comply with their demand of the reversal of
the partition of Bengal. At last, Sir John Jenkins, a member of the Viceroy’s
Council suggested in 1910 that Bengal should be reunited. Lord Hardings, the
viceroy agreed to the idea and cancelled the partition in 1911

Some (c ) part questions on reversal

1. ‘Partition or reversal?’ Were the reasons why Bengal was partitioned in
1905 more important than those regarding its reversal in 1911? Explain your
answer. [14]
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1–2]
Bengal wanted freedom.
LEVEL 2: Description of partition and/or reversals [3–6]

It was too large and Hindus were in the majority and they didn’t want it.
LEVEL 3: Explains reasons for partition OR reversal [7–10]
LEVEL 4: Explains BOTH [9–13

Partition Of the 54 million people in Bengal, 42 million were Hindus. It seemed

sensible to divide up the province on religious grounds and also because it was
becoming very large and producing significant administrative problems. By doing
this it was felt that the province would be easier to administer especially at the
time of a new British government in power. The Muslims believed that partition
would bring an end to Hindu oppression and that they would enjoy true
recognition in a province in which they were in a majority. The Hindus believed
that the partition would come about as part of the British ‘divide and rule’ policy
which would weaken Hindu unity and its influence in the new East Bengal.
Reversal The Hindus’ objection to Partition was so great that it caused the British
to reconsider it. The Hindus opposed it by holding meetings and mass rallies
which put pressure on the British government. They thought it was a deliberate
attempt to ‘divide and rule’ on the part of the British. The Hindus were so angry
that they attempted to assassinate Lord Minto and started their boycott of British
goods under the ‘Swadeshi Movement’. There was also an outbreak of terrorist
activities.
LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation. [14]
OR
2. The reasons for partitioning Bengal in 1905 were more important than
those that caused its reversal in 1911.’ Do you agree? Explain your answer. [14]
(J2009/P1/3c)
Marking Scheme: Explains BOTH. Also produces a judgement or evaluation.

Partition
Supporters of Partition among the British thought it would be sensible to divide
up the province for administrative convenience. Bengal was very large and
producing significant administrative problems. By doing this, the British felt that
the province would be easier to administer, especially at the time of a new British
government in power. Many Muslims supported Partition because they believed
that it would give them dominance in the new province. Of the 54 million people
in pre-Partition Bengal, 42 million were Hindus, but a new separate East Bengal
would have a Muslim majority.
Reversal
Congress argued that Partition was part of the British ‘divide and rule’ policy
which wouldweaken India and Indian unity. Major protest (meetings and mass
rallies) organised by Congress,supported by many Hindus, was so great that it
caused the British to reconsider it. ManyHindus started a mass boycott of British
goods under the ‘Swadeshi Movement’. A few extremeHindus adopted terrorist
behaviour and, among other attacks, attempted to assassinate LordMinto.

3. Was Swadeshi Movement the only reason for the annulment of the
partition of Bengal? Explain your answer. [14]

OR

“The British reversed the partition of Bengal due to the boycott of their
goods” explain your answer if you agree or disagree.

Hints:

(i) Explain in detail the activities of the Swadeshi movement and its
consequences for the British government

ii) Explain at least one more factor which led to the reversal of the
partition e.g. law and order situation, assassination attempts on the
 viceroy and expectations for more losses and fear of continuation
of the boycott of the British goods.

(iii) It was necessary to seek cooperation of the largest community of

India in order to run India smoothly.

(iv) Conclusion / judgment on your own argument.

Suggested answer:

The partition of Bengal was reversed in 1911, mainly due to the Swadeshi
Movement. The Hindus launched a mass movement against the British decision of
partitioning Bengal province on communal lines. It was in fact a boycott of the
British goods being sold in India to put economic pressure on the British to
reverse the decision. They would throw all British cloth in the bonfires and warn
the shopkeepers not to sell the British goods. They used to beat all those who
found selling the British goods and put their properties on fire. So much so the
mob made an attempt on the life of new Viceroy Lord Minto which was
something serious for the British. This boycott continued for six long years which,
no doubt, affected the British badly and they decided to reverse their decision in
1911.

The law and order situation, during this time, remained out of control despite the
fact that many Hindus were jailed and punished also. The British took harsh
measures against the trouble makers, they passed the Press Act and punished
those who wrote provocative articles in the newspapers like Tilak, who was given
6 years rigorous punishment yet, situation remained out of control and the
viceroy and his Indian associates were attacked but escaped death. There were
mass rallies and protests everywhere to put pressure on the British govt. It was
obvious that if genuine efforts were not made to please the Hindus, this protest
would do more harm to the British rule in India as well as their economy in
England. The factories and industries in England would suffer; unemployment
may occur due to fewer demands and less production. Their image may also be
damaged abroad. These were the main apprehensions which forced the British
government to reverse the decision and cancelled the partition in 1911.
However, another cause of this decision was the Hindu majority in India. Where it
was important for the British to establish their writ, it was also notable that
without the cooperation of the largest community of India, it could have been
difficult for the British to rule India smoothly. So the British had no choice but to
reverse the partition of Bengal. They could neither develop the infrastructure of
the largest province which they considered necessary for efficient governance.

In my opinion, the start of a mass protest and the boycott of British goods was the
most important reason for the reversal of the partition because firstly the
Swadeshi Movement did heavy damage to their trade with India, which was the
most important purpose of the British in India, and secondly it was the main
hurdle in the way of development of the required infrastructure of Bengal. So, the
British had no other choice but to submit to the demand of Hindu majority to
reverse the partition.

4. The reversal of the partition of Bengal proved more beneficial for the
Muslims than the partition of Bengal “Give reasons for your answer.
[14]

Hints:

i) Plus points of the partition

ii) Plus points of the reversal of the partition,

iii) Conclusion / judgment on your own argument i.e. true faces of both
the Hindus and the British, possibilities of the Hindu-Muslim unity
and self evaluation.
LUCKNOW PACT 1916

It was the first show of Hindu-Muslim unity and the most important
political event since the formation of AIML. It is amazing to note that both
INC and the AIML embraced each other with honor and willingnesswhereas
there was a wide gulfbetween them after the reversal of the partition of
Bengal.

The British govt. realized that Indians were expecting greater concessions
after the First World War against their cooperation, so they announced
that;

 Half of the members of the Executive Council will be elected

 The Legislative Councils of the Provinces will have majority of elected
members.

Proceedings:

 Both parties agreed with the proposals in their meetings

 In 1916, again the Congress and the Muslim League held their annual
sessions at Lucknow. Congress was led by Ambika Charan Mahagan and
the Muslim League by Mr.Jinnah. Both accepted and welcomed the
British decision and declared the Lucknow Pact.

The concessions given to Muslims

1. Congress agreed to accept the right of Separate Electorates for

Muslims which they had never accepted since 1906. It meant that they had
accepted the Muslim League as the sole representative of the Indian
Muslims and the Muslim community as a separate nation.

2. They agreed to give Muslims 1/3rd seats in the Central Legislature

also though their population was only 1/4th in India.

3. It was also agreed that no law affecting any community will be

passed unless 75% of the members of particular community supported it.
Common demands to the British

 The govt. will increase the seats on the councils.

 The British govt. will be bound to accept the motions passed by the
majority of votes of the councils.
 The minorities in the provinces will be protected and
 All provinces will have autonomy.

The main reasons why AIML agreed to this compromise

were;

 Disappointment from the reversal of partition: Muslims did not

expect that the British would reverse the partition of Bengal but they
hardly knew that Swadeshi Movement would force them to change their
decision. However, this decision had filled the Muslim community with
anger and disappointment and they adopted the goal of seeking self-
rule also.
 Another concern of the Muslims was the British support to the Balkan
States against Turkey. Since the British were fighting with Turkish
Muslims, it showed that they were following an anti-Muslim policy in
India and outside, so they decided to join with Congress.
 Persuation of Mr.Jinnah: Antoher factor which brought both parties
closer was the influence of Mr.Jinnahover the leadership of the AIML.
Mr. Jinnah was a strong supporter of Hindu-Muslim unity and wanted
them to work together for self-rule. Mr. Jinnah joined the AIML as an
observer member in 1913 to motivate them to realize the benefit of
joint struggle for greater self-rule as was the goal of INC. AIML too
adopted the goal of self-rule on their agenda because they alone could
not save their rights.
Jinnah also tried to convince the Muslim leaders that by working with
the INC, AIML would become famous and experienced party because
INC was the largest and most popular political party of India.
  Successful power show of Swadeshi
Movement: Hindus were in majority and their
resistance to the partition of Bengal was fierce and
forceful. Muslims were led to believe that they could
not get any favour from the British without
cooperation from the Hindus. Being in minority, neither they could
demonstrate street power like Hindus, nor would the British consider
them as important as Hindus. So it was the only way to safeguard their
rights when Congress was willing to cooperate with them.
 Desire of the Muslims to co-exist peacefully:India was the native
land of Hindus and Muslims whereas the British were the aliens.None of
them was going to leave their motherland; they had been living together
since centuries as sister communities and could not afford to have bitter
relations with each other. Therefore, it was necessary to find a
respectable way to co-exist. It was no doubt, a golden opportunity for
Mualims to be on the same line with Hindus.

Importance of the Lucknow Pact

 It was the first combined political move of the Muslims and Hindus. It
made Muslims more honorable in the eyes of Congress than ever.
 It was the most important outcome of the L.P that the Hindus had
accepted Muslims as a separate nation and AIML the sole representative
of the Indian Muslims.
 Muslims got both the right of separate electorates and the weightage
which shows how important was the cooperation of AIML for the Indian

National Congress.
 Muslim leadership realized the need to work with other communities of
India for greater harmony and democratic spirit.
 L. Pact was the proof that Hindus had accepted the fact that India could
be partitioned in future on communal lines.
 Jinnah became the champion of Hindu-Muslim unity and was to be the
sole leader of the Indian Muslims in future.
  It was the first concrete step to the establishment of Pakistan.
 However, this pact was short lived due to communal violence by some
radical elements like Tilak.

Some (a) part questions on Lucknow Pact

1. What was the Lucknow Pact?

Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a
developed statement. Candidates might refer to:

(Dec) 1916, Congress agreed to concessions with ML – right to separate

electorates, one third of seats in Councils. Both wanted more seats in Councils,
protection of Minorities, C provinces to have autonomy, proposals to be binding
on British. First time joint agreement, accepted some form of partition needed,
Home Rule seemed a possibility and ML realizedthey needed to work with C.
2. What was the importance of LP for Muslims/Hindus?
It was more than important for Muslims because the C accepted Muslims as a
separate nation by accepting the rights of separate electorates and weightage for
Muslims which they kept denying since 1906. It brought ML equal to C and ML
agreed to self-rule in India. For Hindus, it was important because they got the
support of all Muslims of India for seeking self-rule. It would be easy for them to
press the British for giving HR to Indians.

Some (b) part questions on the LP

1. Explain why the Lucknow Pact of 1916 came about. [7]

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1]

It was an agreement between Muslims and Hindus

LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2–4]

Muslims and Hindus wanted to work together

LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5–7]

The Muslims and Hindus wanted to work together on constitutional reform. The
MuslimLeague and the Congress agreed to co-operate to persuade the British
government toaccept their demands. The Lucknow Pact was an agreement on a
scheme of constitutionalreforms reached between Congress and the Muslim
League. Both realised that co-operationwas the only way to get the British
government to agree to self-rule. For the first time Hindusacknowledged that
Muslims had the right to a separate electorate and was therefore seen as
a beacon of hope for the future. They believed that by holding the sessions of
both theCongress and the Muslim League in one place, feelings of goodwill and
friendship would begenerated between the two communities.
Some (c) part questions on LP

1. "The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was the only beacon of hope for Hindu-
Muslim unity between 1914 and 1930." Do you agree? Give reasons for your
answer. [4]

LEVEL 1 Simplistic statement 1-2

LEVEL 2 Description of Lucknow Pact or others 3-6

The Lucknow Pact was an agreement on a plan of constitutional reforms

reached between Congress and the ML. The MC Reforms established
legislative councils in the provinces with a system of dyarchy. The Nehru
Report looked to dominion status and no need for separate electorates.

LEVEL 3 Explains one factor 7-10

LEVEL 4 Explains at least two factors. LP to be included for maximum marks 8-13

The LP was an agreement on a scheme of constitutional reforms reached between

Congress and the ML. Both realised that co-operation was theonly way to get the
British government to agree to self-rule. For the firsttime Hindus acknowledged
that Muslims had the right to a separateelectorate and was therefore seen as a
beacon of hope for the future. TheMC Reforms continued this hope by
establishing legislative councils inthe provinces with a system of dyarchy. It was
the first time thatgovernment had mentioned the possibility of self-rule in all
internalmatters. The Reforms disappointed Congress and ML as both had hoped
for more concessions. Relations between the two remained cordial since
self-rule was still their aim and could only be achieved through cooperation.
However the Nehru Report ended this hope. It was produced inresponse
to demands for future constitutional reforms and the committee,which
drew it up, had minimal Muslim representation. It reported on thefuture
of the sub-Continent by looking to dominion status with no need forseparate
electorates. This totally alienated the Muslims and marked theendof any future
co-operation between them and the Congress. HoweverJinnahmade one final
attempt to preserve the relationship in his 14Points of 1929 in which he proposed
three amendments to the report.These proposals were met with refusal and
marked what he called – thepartingof the ways.

LEVEL 5 As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation 14

2. Was the reversal of the partition of Bengal the only factor leading to the
Lucknow Pact in 1916? Explain your reasons if you agree or disagree. [14]

Hints:

 Explain how reversal of the partition disappointed Muslims to change

their mind to join the Congress, e.g. ignoring Muslim interests for Hindu
majority of India so Muslims could not trust the British
 Explain how aggressive and unilateral international policies of the British
ignored the interests of Muslims worldwide e.g. British support to the
Balkan states against Turkey
 Muslims believed that INC was a powerful party and could influence the
British to prevent them from helping Muslims in future too.
 Explain how Mr. Jinnah told the Muslim League leaders that it was
better for them to join hands with the INC and persuaded them to agree
to join with INC to struggle for self-rule, e.g. INC accepted separate
electorates for Muslims first and the last time in history.
 Conclusion/ Evaluation favouring the most important factor as you have
explained.

Prepare answer explaining and developing the points:

 MONTAGUE CHELMSFORD REFORMS OF 1919

background

After the Indians (Hindus and Muslims) had extended their full support to the
British in the First World War, they expected that the British would give them
self-rule or at least greater share in the government as a reward for supporting
them in the war. In Lucknow Pact, Congress and the Muslim League had set the
joint demands to the British. Later in 1917, Tilak and Annie Besant( a British lady
working for Indians/Congress) launched campaignsfor Self-rule through Home
Rule Leagues. This merger of INC and AIML and the pressure from Home Rule
Leagues, forced the British govt. to give Indians a piece to cake in lieu of their
services. In 1917,The Under Secretary of State for India, E.S.
Montague and the viceroy Lord Chelmfordtook a tour of
India and after meetings with Indian leaders and introduced
the Montagu Chelmsford Reforms in July. 1919. These
reforms aimed at establishing the self-governing institutions
with the increasing association of Indians in all departments
of the state so that a self-government could be established as
an integral part of the British Empire later.

Why did the British introduce 1919 reforms

The British had decided to introduce reforms in India after

every 10 years after Morley-Minto reforms in 1909. It was to
make their governance easy and on the style of Britain.

Another reason was to please Indians because they had

supported the British in the first WW and could support them
againif need arose.

Another reason was that Indians were demanding larger share in the government
so this was the time to respond quickly before things could aggravate further.
Main provisions of the Reforms:

 The reforms proposed Bi-Cameral legislature in India for the first time
with Legislative Assembly as the Lower house and the Council of State
as the Upper house.
 The Legislative Assembly (the lower house) would have145 members,
104 elected and 41 nominated with 26 officials and 15 non- officials. Out
of 104, 52 general members, 30 Muslims, 9 Europeans, 7 landlords, 4
representatives of Indian community and 2 Sikhs. The Assembly was
elected for 3 years.
 The Council of State (the upper house) had 60 members out of which 33
were elected and 27 were nominated. Its tenure was 5 years.
 Diarchy was introduced in provinces which allowed the Governor
General to interfere in the provincial matters when wanted.
 State departments were divided into two main groups; the reserved
subjects and the Transferred subjects.
 The reserved subjects included Justice, Police, Power, Revenue and
Press while the Transferred subjects included local govt. health,
education, forests and public works etc.
 The reserved subjects were more important and were controlled by the
provincial Governors and their Executive councils while the Transferred
ones were of less significance and controlled by the Indian Ministers
responsible to the Provincial Legislative councils. These ministers were
nominated by the viceroy himself.
 The Separate Electorates were given to Muslims and the Sikhs
 The Council of Princes was also set up with 108 members from the
important princely states to discuss matters related to them.
 There were property qualifications to become a voter. For example a
voter must have income, revenue or land rent (legal income) of at least
Rs.3000/= annually and must have experience of legislative councils,
hold specific title, membership of the University, Senate or should hold
office in a local body etc. therefore, there were only 1700 voters for 33
members. Under these restrictions only 2% of Indians could vote.
  Women were not allowed to vote yet.
 It provided the establishment of the Public Service Commission in India.
 Viceroy had almost all powers to appoint or dismiss ministers and pass
any laws without the approval of the legislative bodies.
 Indians’ representation was increased on the Indian Council with 3
Indians out of 12 in total.
 Viceroy’s Executive Council which had only 6 members had now 3
Indians.

The reaction of Indians against the Montford Reforms

The congress was unhappy because they were expecting more powers from the
British. It said that reforms were inadequate, unsatisfactory and disappointing
and condemned them. However, some moderates accepted the reforms happily
who were expelled from the party later.

Quaid e Azam was quick to respond. He was not happy also but did not condemn

the reforms in the hope that the powers of the viceroy were temporary.

The Rowlatt Act ( March 1919)

This was a very cruel act of the British to counter and punish the Revolutionaries

who were asking for freedom from the British. In 1917, a committee was formed

under Justice Rowlatt to suggest ways to control such activities. It reported in

April, 1918. It recommended that there was a definite growth of such
element in India and suggested that;

 The government could arrest anyone without an arrest warrant.

 The government could keep anyone in detention without bail.
 The government could ask anyone to leave a place or live at some other
place

The recommendations caused great unrest in India but the viceroy ignored the
sentiments of Indians and passed the Rowltt Act in Feb 1919.
Mr. Jinnah wrote a letter to the viceroy and resigned from the membership of the
Imperial Legislative Council on protest to this inhumane law. Congress also went
on a strike against this black law. They were afraid of a communist style
revolution in India.

Jallianwala Bagh/ Amritsar Massacre(13 April, 1919)

Since the Rowlatt Act was passed the law and order situation aggravated in the
whole of India. On Ajpril 10, riots started in Amritsar, two banks were looted and
five Europeans were killed. It was 13th April, a harvest festival of Punjab when
people gathered in a local garden at Jallianwala. Almost 20,000 people were
estimated to be there. General Dyer, determined to crush the opposition,ordered
his troops to open fire on innocent and unarmed Indians, killing 400 to 1000
people with some 1200-2000 wounded. It was a sad event, an investigation
committee was established as “the Hunter Commission” which did not punish
Dyer but removed him from service.

Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920

The Montford Reforms did not please the Indians in general and the Congress in
particular. The Rowlatt Act and the inhumane treatment of the Indians at
Jallianwala Bagh were enough to shatter the belief of Indians. They had expected
that the British would give them more autonomy against their valuable services to
the British cause in the 1st WW.

The Indians raised almost 1.2 million soldiers and 6.2 million pounds for the war,
many sacrificed their lives also but the British treatment of the Indians was
disappointing.

Mr.Gandhi started the Non-Cooperation movement and boycotted the British

goods.
Some (a) part questionsfrom 1919-1920

Suggested Answers:

Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a
developed statement. Candidates might refer to:

1. Describe the Montford Reforms of 1919.

Montague Chelmsford Reforms were introduced to Indians in July 1919. It was a

set of rules that aimed establishing the self-governing institutions with increasing
participation of Indians, making them responsible for such state departments like
health, education; public works etc. reforms were passed for ten years only; 1919-
1929. These reforms failed to satisfy Indians, yet they accepted them.

2. What was the importance of Mont-Ford Reforms?

Reforms gave Indians a chance to be in the government and hold ministries in

some provinces. It was the sign that the British government was serious to
introduce self-rule in future. These reforms increased Indians say in how their
country was being run. However, Indians society were divided too.

3. Describe the Rowlatt Act. [4]

1919, people could be tried in private by 3 High Court Judges, no right of appeal,
people could be ordered to live in a particular place, stopped from holding
meetings or arrested without warrant and kept in prison without trial, fear of a
communist style revolution, Indian protests.
4. Describe the Amritsar Massacre. [4] (Specimen 2010/P1/2a)

Marking Scheme: Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be
awarded fora developed statement. Candidates may refer to:

General Dyer, banning of public meetings in the city, 20000 crowd gathered, Jallianwala
Bagh park, narrow entrances etc., no warning, troops fired on crowd, the well, high
casualties, further measures followed the meeting, response of Dyer.
5. Who was General Dyre? [4]
Brigadier General Dye was a British officer responsible for the security of the
areas where Jallianwala Bagh is located in Amritsar District of the Indian Punjab.
On 13, April, 1919 he ordered his troops to fire on the people who had gathered
there to celebrate “Besakhi”, a traditional harvest celebration of the people. He
was removed from service but lived like a hero in England because he was
presented a heavy amount by the people of England for his act of ‘Bravery’.

6. Describe the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920. [4]

It was the joint protest by the Hindus and Muslims to seek self-rule from the
British and to seek favour of the British for the Muslim Khalifa of Turkey and the
Turkish Empire after the 1st WW. Gandhi launched the campaign in 1920 and
called ot off in 1922 at the Chaura-Chauri incident when this protest went violent
burning 22 policemen alive. Neither self-rule nor safety of the Turkish Khalifa was
achieved.

Some (c) part questions between 1909-1919)

1. How successful were political developments in seeking a solution to the

problems inthe sub-continent between 1909 and 1919? Explain your answer.

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1–2]

Problems existed between Muslims and Hindus

LEVEL 2: Description of political developments [3–6]

The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was an agreement between the Muslims and Hindus
The MorleyMintoReforms became law in 1909 as the Indian Councils Act.

LEVEL 3: Explains success or failure [7–10]

LEVEL 4: Explains both [9–13]

Success
The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was an agreement between the Muslims and Hindus,
whichplaced a number of political demands to the British government in an
attempt to show aunited front and produce common aims. For the first time
Hindus acknowledged that Muslimshad the right to a separate electorate and was
therefore seen as a beacon of hope for thefuture. The Morley-Minto Reforms
became law in 1909 as the Indian Councils Act. The importance
of the Councils, which were enlarged, was to ensure that Indian legislators were
given achance to express their opinions. The British also accepted the right of
Muslims to have aseparate electorate.The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms held out
concessions to political parties provided thatthey accepted the right of the British
to remain in control.

Failure

The Morley-Minto Reforms were well intentioned but the councils that were
enlarged couldonly give advice, with power remaining in the hands of the British.
The Indians objected tothis as they wanted more say in their affairs. The
Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms disappointed the Muslims and Hindus as they had
hoped for greater concessions. Central government reserved sweeping powers for
itself withonly minor concessions for the locals. As the Indians had supported the
British during WW1they felt that the British government should reward this by
giving them more responsibility inrunning their own affairs. The Rowlatt Act of
1919 followed the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms and increased the
resentment of the political parties by including the right of arrest without a
warrant anddetention without bail. This was to cause great unrest.

LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgment or evaluation [14]

2. ‘The Morley-Minto reforms were more important than any other political
developments between1909 and 1919’. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons
for your answer. [14] (N2007/P1/3c) [14]

Marking Scheme:
The Morley-Minto Reforms became law in 1909 as the Indian Councils Act. The
importance of the Councils which were enlarged was to ensure that Indian legislators
were given a chance to express their opinions. The British also accepted the right of
Muslimsto have a separate electorate. However there were other attempts to solve the
problems in thesub-continent during these years. The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was an
agreement between theMuslims and Hindus which placed a number of political
demands to the British government in an attempt to show a united front and produce
common aims. Little was done by the British government about the sub-continent during
the First World War but shortly afterwards in 1919 came the Montague-Chelmsford
Reforms. These Reforms disappointed the Muslims and Hindus as they had hoped for
greater concessions. Central government reserved sweeping powers for itself with only
minor concessions for the locals. The Reforms did hold out concessions to political
parties provided that they accepted the right of the British to remaining control. The
Rowlatt Act of the same year increased the resentment of the political parties by
including the right of arrest without a warrant and detention without bail.

The Khilafat Movement 1919-1924

Introduction of Khilafat
Khilafat or Caliphate is the name given to the system of government left by the
Holy Prophet (pbuh) and of the office of the Khalifa or Caliph as it was held by the
successors of the Prophet (pbuh) after his demise. This office was held by the last
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) during his lifetime when he was the ruler of Madina.
After the demise of the Prophet, the people who took this office are known as the
khalifas or the Caliphs. The first person to hold office was Abu Bakar, the second
was Omar, the third was Osman and the fourth, Ali. But after this, the office
became disputed among the sons of Ali and Muawiya. However, it continued by
various clans till the first WW. Though many did not fulfill the requirements to be
the rightly guided one, yet they held it till 20thcentury. The last ruling monarch
over the Muslim Empire (Turkey) wasSultan Mehmed VI, who
was the last ruler from the House of Othman. The Empire was
known as the Ottoman Empire. This large empire included many
areas of Europe, Asia and Africa including present day Saudi
Arabia, then known as ‘ Hijaz’.
Background of Khilafat Movement

The last king of Turkey Mehmed VI belonged to theHouse of Othman.Turkey took

the side of Germanyin the 1st WWand lost to the British. Indian Muslims
participated in the war on the condition that in case of victory, the British would

Protect Turkey and the Ottoman Emperor but after the war was over,Treaty of

Savres imposed partioning of Turkey which caused concern in India. The Indian
Muslims; Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Abu-ul-Kalam Azad launched a
protest movement (Khilafat Movement) against the British to save Turkey from
being dismembered and to maintain the authority of the Ottoman Sultan as caliph
of the Islamic world.

INC leaders also joined the movement in order to put pressure on the British to
gain Self Rule in India as Hindu Muslim unity had already been demonstrated at
the Lucknow Pact. Mr. Gandhi became the leader of the campaign and took the
tour of India to muster support for the cause of Khilafat. At last it failed due to a
number of reasons.

Why was Khilafat Movement launched?

The Khalifa and Khilafat were very important for Muslims because this office was
the tradition of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and was considered the symbol of
unity for the entire Muslim community. After the 1st WW, the British and
their allies wanted to dismember Turkish Empire which included Makka,
Madina and Palestine.

The Treaty of Versailes divided Germany into two parts and created a new
country ‘Poland’ and the Treaty of Savres in 1920, declared that the Arab
land would be separated from the Ottoman Empire.

The British Prime Minister Lloyd George said that Turkey should be split up in the
same way as Germany and Austria. It was against the British promise and
annoyed the Indian Muslims who organized an opposition to the British,
called Khilafat Movement.
How did the Khilafat Movement progress?

The First All India Khilafat Conference

In November 1919, a conference of Muslim leaders was held at Dehli. Maulana

Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Shaukat Ali Jauhar, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and
Mahatma Gandhi were present at the conference. Gandhi put aside the
religious differences for the sake of combined political interest; self rule for
which he extended full support to the cause. It was decided;

 to boycott the British goods and to adopt the peaceful resistance (non-
cooperation) with the British
 To send a delegation to Britain to remind them of their promises of
safeguarding Turkey.
 To make sure that the British were aware of the Muslim support to their
Khalifa and Khilafat.

The Second Khilafat Conference

In December 1919, another conference was held at Amritsar when AIML and the
INC were also having their meetings. It was decided that both the political
organizations would oppose the British policy of dismemberment of Turkey.
Gandhi became the leader of the campaign and took responsibility to persuade
the British to maintain sanctity of Turkish Caliph and Caliphate.

The Third Khilafat Conference

On 8 July 1921, the Khilafat leaders met for the third and final time to decide
that;

No Muslims should attend schools, serve in police, army or any other

government department and would offer no cooperation to the British. The
British considered it “sedition” (troublemaking) threatening the law and order
and arrested Ali brothers.

Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar had failed to persuade the British Prime Minster
to respect their promise. His reply was too disrespectful to believe for him that’
Turkey would get justice: ‘Austria has had justice, Germany has had justice –
pretty terrible justice – why should Turkey scape?’.

Why did the Khilafat Movement fail?

1. In 1920, Hijrat Movement started on the basis of a decree issued by

Maulana Abdul Bari of Lucknow and the congress Muslim leader Maulana
Abu ul Kalam Azad that ‘India had become ‘ Dar-ul- Harb’ means house of
war Or a place where non-Mulsims rule Or the land of infidels, therefore,
it was necessary for Muslims to migrate to a Muslim land. It was in line of
the Muslim tradition of ‘Hijrat’.

Following to this call some 18000 staunch Muslims migrated to Afghanistan

whose Amir had come to India sometimes ago and said that he would
welcome the Muslim brothers to his country in times of need. The Afghans
entertained few groups but when they saw more coming, they refused to
accept them. They came back disappointed. Many lost their lives and
valuables on the way and those who reached home found their properties
destroyed and stolen by others.

This movement shocked everyone because the Afghanistan showed no

concern to the safeguard of the Khalifa or Khilafat. It gave a negative
impression of the Khilafat Movement and broke its momentum.

2. Mopla uprising started in August 1921 and worsened the situation in the
sub-continent. Though it was a long series of uprisings against the British
and the Hindu landlords in the Malabar Coast, it turned into a war killing
almost 10,000 people including 4000 Moplas. It was another blow to the
Khilafat Movement.

3. Another reason was the ‘ Chauri-Chaura’ incident in 1922 in Gorakhpur

district when an angry mob came to clash with the policemen. As a result,
some 22 policemen burnt alive. The news reached Mr. Gandhi in jail and he
called off his ‘non-cooperation movement’ out of the fear of more violence
because he believed in ‘satyagarah’ or peaceful resistance and not the
 violent one. This was a severe blow to Khilafat Movement because Hindus
had pulled back their support who were in majority. That was almost the
end of Khilafat Movement. Mr.Jinnah said it was Hindu policy to help
Muslims as long as it ensured ‘self-rule’. Gandhi also said’ in laying down
my life for the Khilafat , I ensure the safety of the cow’. Whatever the
case, this event caused suspicion and unrest between both the
communities and Hindu-Mulsim riots started across India. Many radical
Hindu elements did not like the Hindu-Muslim unity and created rift
between the two communities.

4. In 1924, Musltfa Kamal Pasha, a Turkish Military General did not care
about the sentiments of the Muslim world. He abolished the caliphate,
established a nationalistic government in Turkey and exiled the last caliph,
Sultan Abdul Majid. (Who was installed as caliph after Mehmed VI was
deposed in 1922. He stayed only for two years 1922-1924) There was now
no reason to continue struggle in India for the safety of caliphate which did
not exist.The Caliph of Muslim world and his family chose to live in France
and England as they had their relatives there).

How important was Khilafat Movement for Indians?

It had both positive and negative influence on the Indian politics;

Positive influence:

 Hindu and Muslims united against the British and established the fact
that neither Hindus nor Muslims were in favour of British rule in India.
 It opened the new avenues in Muslim politics and struggle for a Muslim
homeland started in future.
 Muslims learned to organize themselves and gained confidence. They
realized that they have to rely on their own.

Negative influence:

 Due to non-cooperation policy and the Hijrat movement, hundreds and

thousands of people lost their jobs and forsaken their studies. Many lost
 their lives and properties during the long and troublesome journey to
Afghanistan. As a whole, it brought misery and misfortune to Muslims.
 The Hindus and Muslims lost any opportunity to get together in future.
Hostilities between the two sister communities increased beyond
measure. However, it marked the beginning of genuine struggle for a
Muslim homeland; Pakistan.

Communal divide – Hindu –Muslim Unity ends

 After the end of Khilafat Movement, communal violence started at many

places in India. Hindu extremist organizations like Arya Samaj and
Brahmu Samaj became active and began to carry out militant activities
against Muslims across India. Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya
Samaj wanted to reconvert all those Muslims or Christians back to
Hinduism who, he believed, were once Hindus. He thought the time had
come to reconvert them to Hindus. In case they do not agree to
abandon their present faiths, they must leave India and if not, get killed.
This was a horrible theory and was damaging the chances of ‘ peaceful
co-existence’ in India.
 Pandit Mohan Malaviyah and V.D.Savarkar were the extremist Hindu
leaders who were agaist the partition of India and believed that India
was the Hindu state. Pandit Malaviyah was the leader of the Hindu
Mahasabha, a political party of the nationalist elements. V.D.Savarkar
was even more fanatic who was accused for the murder of Mr.Gandhi
also in 1948.
 The Indian National Congress was more concerned with Hindu matters
than protecting rights for all Indians. It was the time for AIML to fight for
the rights of Muslims.
Some (a) part questions on Khilafat Movement

Suggested answers to (a) part questions

1. What is Khilafat?

Khilafat is the institution held by the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and after his demise it
was held by the rightly guided caliphs. Though it lost the spirit of
democratic election of the caliphs after the fourth one and became
monarchy, yet it continued by the name of caliphate till the Ottoman
Empire ended in 1924 at Turkey. It remained the important institution for
the entire Muslim world.

2. What was Khilafat Movement?

Khilafat Movement was an opposition of the Indian Muslims to the British

government against the dismemberment of Turkey after the First World
War. It was launched in 1919 by Maulana Muhammad Ali and Sahaukat Ali
Jauhar and Abul Kalam Azad. Gandhi also was part of it because he wanted
self-rule for India. It ended in 1924 when Mustafa Kamal abolished the
Khilafat in Turkey.

3. What was Hijrat Movement?

Hijrat Movement was part of Khilafat Movement. It was lauched in 1920 on the
Fatwa(decree) of Maulana Abdul Bari of Lucknow and Abul Kalam Azad who
said that India had become Dar-ul-Harb and Muslims should migrate to a
Muslim land. 18000 Muslims left for Afghanistan leaving their land and
properties behind but were not accepted by Afghanis and came back in
miserable condition. It was a reason for the failure of Khilafat Movement.

4. What was Chauri-Chaura incident?

Chauri-Chaura was a village in Gorakhpur district where police fired on a mob

protesting against the British. Angry mob set the police station on fire and
killed 21 policemen. The news reached Mr. Gandhi in the prison and he
called off the non-cooperation because be believed in non violence
 (satyagarah) .it was a shock for many Muslim leaders and a great setback
for the Khilafat Movement.

5. Describe the non-cooperation of 1920.

Non-cooperation movement was launched in March 1920 in order to save Turkey

and to gain self-rule. It was a complete boycott of the British goods,
schools, government offices like police, army and law courts as well as any
sort of elections in India. It was called off in June 1922 due to the Chauri-
Chaura incident and failed either to achieve save Turkey or to gain Sawaraj.

6. What was the All India Khilafat Conference? [4]

Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a
developedstatement. Candidates might refer to:

Held in Delhi in November 1919, led by Ali brothers who hoped to try and
persuade theBritish to keep their promises about maintaining the Turkish Empire.
Maulana Abul KalamAzad and Gandhi represented Congress. Gandhi hoped to
unite Hindus and Muslims in hisnon-violent campaign against the British. Azad
warned the Conference that David LloydGeorge intended to punish Turkey for
fighting against Britain in the war. The Conferencepassed a resolution agreeing to
send a delegation to Britain, making sure they were aware ofthe strength of
Muslim support for the Khalifa.
Some (b) part questions on Khilafat Movement

1. Why was the Khilafat Movement founded? [7]

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement (1)

Because of the First World War OR events or failure of Movement.

LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons (2–4)

The Muslims thought Turkey would be split up.

LEVEL 3: Explains reasons (5–7)

Muslims held the Caliphate of Turkey in high regard and were not prepared to see
Turkeysplit up after the War and thus the Caliph abolished. They expressed their
views to theBritish government during the War who promised that no harm
would be done to theCaliphate. After the War ended reports from Europe
suggested that the British and Frenchwanted to punish the Turks for their support
of the Germans. As a result the KhalifatMovement was founded.

2. Explain why the Khilafat Movement had failed by 1924. [7] (J2006/P1/3b)

Marking Scheme: Explains reasons.

Gandhi decided that the Swaraj Movement was becoming too violent following
the ChauraChari incident and so called off his support. In 1920 the Muslim
migration (hijrat) to Afghanistantook place. The Muslim League opposed this as
they wanted them to stay and fight for theircause. The migration was a failure.
The Afghan government was hostile to the migrants whoon their return found
their homes and jobs occupied which dispirited the Muslims. Finally thenew
Turkish government under Kemal Ataturk abolished the institution of the Caliph in
1924so ending the Movement.

Some (c) part questions on Khilafat Movement

1. The Khilafat Movement failed by 1924 because Gandhi withdrew his

support.’ Do youagree? Give reasons for your answer. [14]

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1–2]

It led to the failure of the Movement.

LEVEL 2: Identifies/describes the reasons for failure [3–6]

Gandhi thought that events were getting too violent.

LEVEL 3: Explains Gandhi and his withdrawal of support OR other reasons

[7–10]

LEVEL 4: Explains Gandhi and his withdrawal of support AND other reasons
[9–13]
Gandhi had seen an opportunity for self rule by joining the Movement and the
involvement of the Hindus was welcomed by many Muslims. However, by joining
with the Hindus theobjectives of the Movement were made less clear since the
Hindus and Ghandi especially,were using it for their own ends and didn’t have the
interests of the Muslims at heart. ChauriChaura was a village in the United
Province where trouble started between the police and amob. Gandhi decided
that the Swaraj Movement was becoming too violent following theChauri Chaura
incident and so called off his support. However, there were other reasons for its
failure. Some of the leaders including MaulanaMuhammad Ali were imprisoned in
1921 which made the organisation less effective.Thousands of Muslims migrated
to Afghanistan in a religious protest against the Britishgovernment. The Afghan
government was hostile to the migrants and refused to allow all the
refugees to settle. Many of those who returned to India died on the journey back
or foundthemselves homeless and jobs occupied which dispirited the Muslims.
Thus Muslim supportfor the Khilafat Movement fell away. Its failure was also
brought about by the decision of theMuslim Mustafa Kamal Ataturk to form a
nationalist government in Turkey but the end hadbeen seen in the refusal of Lloyd
George to accept the demands of the Movement.

LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation [14]

2. Was the migration to Afghanistan (Hijrat) the most important reason why the
KhilafatMovement failed? Explain your answer. [14]

LEVEL 1:Simplistic statement [1–2]

It led to the failure of the Movement

LEVEL 2: Description of / identifies reasons for failure

The hijrat failed as they were turned away. Gandhi thought that events were
getting tooviolent. [3–6]

LEVEL 3: Explains the Hijrat or other reasons [7–10]

LEVEL 4: Explains the Hijrat and other reasons [9–13]

Thousands of Muslims migrated to Afghanistan in a religious protest against the

Britishgovernment. The Afghan government was hostile to the migrants and
refused to allow all therefugees to settle. Many of those who returned to India
died on the journey backor foundthemselves homeless and jobs occupied, which
dispirited the Muslims. As a result Muslimsupport for the Khilafat Movement fell
away. However there were other reasons for its failure.Gandhi had seen an
opportunity for self-rule by joining the Movement and the involvement of
the Hindus was welcomed by many Muslims. However by joining with the Hindus
theobjectives of the Movement were made less clear since the Hindus and Ghandi
especially,were using it for their own ends and didn’t have the interests of the
Muslims at heart. ChauriChaura was a village in the United Province where
trouble started between the police and amob. Gandhi decided that the Swaraj
Movement was becoming too violent following theChauri Chaura incident and so
called off his support. This was a massive blow to the chanceof success for the
Movement as a large proportion of the support for the cause fell quicklyaway.

Some of the leaders including Maulana Muhammad Ali were imprisoned in

1921which madethe organisation less effective since the Movement’s leadership
was missing at a crucialtime. The Movement’s ultimate failure was brought about
by the decision of the MuslimMustafa Kamal Ataturk to form a nationalist
government in Turkey but the end had beenseen in the refusal of Lloyd George to
accept the demands of the Movement. Muslims nowhad to cause to support and
support quickly vanished.

LEVEL 5: As Level 4: also produces a judgement or evaluation. [14]

3. Was the abolition of the institution of the caliphate in 1924 the main
reason for the failure of the Khilafat Movement? Give reasons for your answer.
[14] (N2006/P1/2c)
Marking Scheme: Explains at least two factors (abolition of caliphate to be
included formaximum marks). Also produces a judgement or evaluation.
Gandhi decided that the Swaraj Movement was becoming too violent following
the Chaura- Chauri incident and so called off his support. In 1920 the Muslim
migration (hijrat) to Afghanistantook place. The Muslim League opposed this as
they wanted them to stay and fight for theircause. The migration was a failure.
The Afghan government was hostile to the migrants whoon their return found
their homes and jobs occupied, which dispirited the Muslims. Finally the
new Turkish government under Kemal Ataturk abolished the institution of the
Caliph in 1924so ending the Movement as the Muslims no longer had a cause for
which to fight.
4. The Khilafat Movement failed by 1924 because of poor leadership.’ Do
you agree? Give reasons for your answer. [14] (N2008/P1/2c)

Marking Scheme: Explains at least two factors, poor leadership to be explained

for maximum marks. Also produces a judgement or evaluation.

Some of the leaders including Maulana Muhammad Ali were imprisoned in 1921
which madethe organisation less effective. Also by joining with Hindus, the
objectives of the Movementwere made less clear since Hindus, and Ghandi
especially, were seen as using it for their ownends and, it was thought, didn’t
have the interests of Muslims at heart. Gandhi decided that the Swaraj
Movement was becoming too violent following the Chaura Chari incident and so
called off his support. In 1920 the Muslim migration (hijrat) to Afghanistan took
place. TheMuslim League opposed this as they wanted people to stay and fight
for their cause. Themigration was a failure. The Afghan government was hostile to
the migrants who on theirreturn found their homes and jobs occupied, which
dispirited the Muslims. Finally, the newTurkish government under Kemal Ataturk
abolished the institution of the Caliph in 1924, soending the Movement.

5. Was the abolition of the institution of the caliphate in 1924 the main
reason for the failure of the Khilafat Movement? Give reasons for your answer.
[14] (Specimen 2010/P1/2c)

Marking Scheme: Explains at least two factors (abolition of caliphate to be

included for maximum marks). Also produces a judgement or evaluation.

Gandhi decided that the Swaraj Movement was becoming too violent (following
the Chaura-Chari incident) and so called off his support. In 1920 the Muslim
migration (hijrat) to Afghanistantook place. The Muslim League opposed this as
they wanted Muslims to stay and fight for theircause. The migration was a failure.
The Afghan government was hostile to the migrants whoon their return found
their homes and jobs occupied, which dispirited the Muslims. Finally the
new Turkish government under Kemal Ataturk abolished the institution of the
Caliph in 1924,so ending the Movement as Muslims no longer had a cause for
which to fight.
The Dehli Proposals

Mr.Jinnah called a conference of all Muslim leaders at Dehli on 20 March, 1927 to

see how Muslim interests would be protected and to discuss the future of
Separate Electorates. Mr.Jinnah said that if the following proposals were
accepted, Muslims would not ask for separate electorates. Following were
the proposals;

 They agreed to have 1/3rd representation in the Central Legislature

through joint electorates if not the separate electorates.
 In the Punjab and Bengal, Muslims should be given seats according to
their population.
 Sindh should be made a separate province.
 Reforms should be introduced to Balochistan and NWFP

Simon Commission

It was a seven member commission under the chairmanship of Sir John Simon to
investigate into constitutional problems of India and to suggest more concessions
if needed. This commission was formed in 1927 and sent to India in 1928 by the
conservative government. It was not welcomed by the people of India. All political
parties opposed it because it came two years earlier than its due time and
secondly it did not have any Indian member on it which was not acceptable to all
except one faction of the AIML, i.e. Shafi League.

Simon Report was issued in 1930. It was the first time that it favoured the
complete independence for India. It retained the Separate Electorates but
rejected 1/3rd share of Muslims in the central assembly and separating Sindh from
Bombay. It dropped Dyarchy and supported responsible government in provinces.
Nehru Report

Following the Simon Commission and its boycott, Moti Lal Nehru called a meeting
of all parties to discuss the future of India. On May 1928, the meeting was
held, it framed a constitutional formula which was approved in September,
1928. The British government was given one year’s time to incorporate the
constitution otherwise a non-cooperation would be launched. Following
were the provisions;

 Immediately dominion status was demanded for India.

 India would be a federation with two-chember parliament.
 Members to the parliament would be elected through universal adult
franchise.
 No separate electorates for minorities, however, their rights would be
protected through reserving seats in the central parliament.
 Hindi should be made the official language.
 Men and women will have equal rights as citizens and there would be no
state religion.

Response from AIML to Nehru Report

Although All India Muslim League was part of the conference that drew up the
constitution, the final report did not protect Muslim rights as it promised in the
Lucknow Pact. Mr.Jinnah suggested the following amendments to the report;

 One-Third representation of Muslims in all legislatures.

 In the Punjab and Bengal, Muslim seats will be according to their
population.
 Sindh and the NWFP(KPK) should be given full provincial status and
residuary powers should rest with provinces.

The Congress rejected these proposals which disappointed Mr.Jinnah. He

described this event as ‘ the parting of the ways’ and took his own line.
Jinnah’s Fourteen Points

In January 1929, all Muslim leaders met in Dehli. He made his fourteen points and
stated that, “no scheme for the constitution of the Government will be accepted
unless all the following basic principles are given effect to”.

 Any future constitution would be federal with powers resting with

provinces.
 All provinces would have equal amount of autonomy.
 Minorities should have adequate representation in all legislatures.
 Muslims should have 1/3rd representation in the central assembly.
 There should be separate electorates for minorities.
 Any future territorial change would not change the Muslim majority in
the Punjab and Bengal.
 All communities should enjoy the liberty of belief and worship.
 No bill shall be passed in any elected body if 3/4th of any community in
that body opposed it.
 Sindh shall be separated from Bombay.
 Reforms should be introduced in the NWFP and Balochistan to put them
on equal footing as other provinces.
 Muslim should have adequate share in state services.
 Muslim culture, education, language and religious charities should be
protected through constitution.
 All cabinets should have at least 1/3rd Muslim representation.
 The federation must not change laws without the consent of the
provinces.

This formula was rejected by congress. It seemed that both congress and AIML
would never get together on any political issue.

Some (a) part questions on NR&14 points of Jinnah

1. Describe the Nehru Report. [4]

Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a
developed statement. Candidates might refer to:

1928, constitutional guarantee of fundamental rights including freedom of

conscience and liberty, central government responsible for peace and order,
Dominion Status, India to become a federation with a 2 chamber parliament,
protection of minorities, vote for all men and women.

2. What were the 14 points of Jinnah?

It was a constitutional formula as to how India would run in future with regard to
Muslims position and political share in the government. Mr. Jinnah demanded the
federal government with provincial autonomy and 1/3rd Muslim representation in
the Central Assembly and in all (central and provincial cabinets). Minorities’
share in government with liberty of belief, culture and religion for all

Some (b) part questions on 14 points of Jinnah

1. Why did Jinnah produce his 14 Points in 1929?

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1]

Jinnah set out his demands/lists 14 Points.

LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2–4]

They wanted a separate homeland. Muslims were different.

LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5–7]

The 14 Points set out the demands of any future negotiations with either
Congress or theBritish Government. The 14 Points also formed the basis of the
Muslims’ demands for aseparate homeland. It also convinced them that the
Hindus and Muslims were two separatenations.

Congress struggles for complete independence

In December, 1929, a historic session of the INC was held at Lahore where
Mr.Jawahar Lal Nehru was elected the president and the congress called for
complete independence rather than dominion status. At the midnight of 31
December, Nehru led a procession to the banks of Ravi, where Indian flag
was raised amidst the loud cries of ‘Long live the revolution’.

Declaration of Independence was read out across India three weeks later. A part
of the declaration is as follows;

“we believe that it is the inalienable right of the Indian people’ as of any other
people’ to have freedom….We believe that if a government deprives a
people of their rights, the people have a right to alter or abolish it…The
British government has ruined India economically, politically, culturally
and spiritually…We believe that India must server the British connection
and attain complete independence”. (26 jan, 1930)

Salt March 1930

Congress launched more non-cooperation and Mr.Gandhi was the in charge. He

started his famous Salt March from his Ashram near Ahmadabad to the
seaside village Dandi. It was an attack on the so called Salt Laws made by
the British and any other unfair law. It was a challenge to the British
government and they arrested Gandhi, Nehru and other congress leaders.
Mr. Jinnah rejected the non-cooperation believing that the congress was
trying not only to get rid of the British but also to dominate the Muslims.

The Allahabad Address 1930

It was after the congress rejected all proposals of the AIML and adopted for the
complete independence of India that Muslim leaders met at Allahabad and Dr.
Allama Muhammad Iqbal delivered his historic presidential address saying that “
he would like to see Punab, NWFP and Balochistan amalgamated into a single
state, either within the British empire, or outside it. ‘ The formation of a
consolidated North-West India Muslim State appears to me to be the final destiny
of the Muslims’.
Iqbal was the Poet Philosopher of the East and man of vision. His views gave a
clear cut solution of the problem of Indian Muslims. He is, therefore, called the
father of the ideology of Pakistan. His vision was testified by the famous Pakistan
Resolution in 1940 whenMr. Jinnah wished if Iqbal had been aliveto see his
dream coming true.

That was the first step toward the establishment of Pakistan.

The Round Table Conferences

On one hand the report of the Simon Commission was asking for some concrete
steps to solve the problem and on the other, the failure of Indians to reach any
workable formula had forced the British to do something. Therefore, the British
called for the round of talks at London in order to discuss the recommendations
of the Simon Commission.

First Round Table Conference

It was held in Nov 1930, in London. It was attended by Mr. Jinnah, Maulana
Muhammad Ali and Sir Agha Khan from the AIML and the representatives of the
Princely states. Congress refused to attend unless the British would guarantee
that anything concluded at the conference would be implemented. Gandhi and
other leaders of congress were in jails for they had launched non-cooperation.
However, some advances were made,

 The princes declared that they would join the Indian federation if their
rights were safeguarded.
 The British agreed that representative government should be introduced
at the provincial level.

The Second Round Table Conference

The Indian delegates, on their return, persuaded Gandhi to agree to attend the
next round of talks in the larger interest of India. Lord Irwin, the then viceroy also
met with Gandhi in jail and had agreed to his terms for his participation in the
next RTC. So on 5th March 1931 the ‘Gandhi-Irwin Pact’ was signed. Irwin agree to
release all political prisoners and their properties. In return Gandhi agreed to call
off non-cooperation. He also agreed to give up demand for complete
independence if promised that in a federal system Indians would have genuine
say in how India was governed.

It was held in November-December 1931but for the following reasons, the

conference failed.

 The Labour Party had lost power in England and the Conservative
government was least interested to solve the issue.
 Gandhi took a hard line during the talks and refused to accept AIML as a
representative party of the Muslims. Mr. Jinnah was hackled by some
Congress leaders at the conference which resulted at the failure.

The Communal Award

After the failure of the Second RTC, there was a little chance of success in future,
therefore, the British warned that if Indians failed to reach any conclusion, they
would impose theirs’.

On August 16, 1932, the British Prime Minister, Ramsay McDonald, announced
the Award. This allowed all minorities to enjoy the right of separate electorates
and weightage.

It affected Muslim majority in the Punjab and Bengal where they were given less
number of seats in the assemblies than their population. However, Muslims
accepted the Award in the best interest of India and in the hope that the British
may accept other demands in future.

The Congress rejected the Award and launched the non-cooperation again.
Mr.Gandhi protested against the declaration of Untouchables as a minority and
undertook a fast unto death. He persuaded the Untouchables to let them feel
that they were not a minority, but a part of Hindu community.
The Third Round Table Conference – November 1932

Since Congress did not participate and Mr. Jinnah also was not invited to the talks,
it had little chances of success. Lord Irwin had been replaced by Lord Willington,
who was less interested in giving concessions to Indians. Congress had re- started
non-cooperation and the main leaders were in the jails.

Some (a) part questions

1. Describe the Dehlli Proposals of 1927.

On March 20,1927, Jinnah agreed to give up the separate electorates if 1/3 rd seats
were given to Muslims in the Central Assembly and in Punjab and Bengal, seats
should be given according to their population. He also demanded the separation
of Sindh from Bombay and introduction of the reforms in NWFP and Balochistan.

2. What was the Simon Commission?

It was a seven man committee under the chairmanship of Sir John Simon, sent to
India by the Conservative Government of England to measure the degree of
success of the Indians members since 1919 Reforms were implemented. It was
boycotted by all political parties of India because there was no Indian on it. Only
one faction of AIML under the leadership of Sir Muhammad Shafi supported the
commission.

3. Describe the Nehru Report. [4]

Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a
developed statement. Candidates might refer to:

1928, constitutional guarantee of fundamental rights including freedom of

conscience and liberty, central government responsible for peace and order,
Dominion Status, India to become a federation with a 2 chamber parliament,
protection of minorities, vote for all men and women.

4. What was the Salt March.

Mr. Gandhi launched this march on 12 March,1930 from his Ashram at
Ahmadabad to a seaside village Dandi. It was a 240 mile distance to be covered in
24 days as a protest against the salt monopoly of the British and their colonial rule
in general. He was arrested in May along with almost 80,000 people. Mr. Jinnah
disapproved of this non-cooperation because he felt that Congress had aimed at
not only getting independence from the British but also to dominate the Muslims.

5. Describe the Allahabad Address of Allama Iqbal.

It was the 25 annual session of the AIML held at Allahabad on 29 December, 1930
under the president ship of Dr. Sir Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the renowned Poet
Philosopher of the East. He made his historic speech and for the first time,
outlined the features of a Muslim homeland in India. He highlighted that Muslim
majority areas of the Nothwest could be joined together to make a Muslim state
which would be a permanent solution of the Muslim problem. it is also known as
the ‘ Two-Nation Theory’.

6. What were three Round Table Conferences?

The three RTCs were held in England between 1930-32 to solve the constitutional
dead lock between the Congress and the League. Congress participated only in
the second one but did not cooperate to solve the problem. the first and the third
were just talking workshops where in the third Mr. Jinnah was absent due to
stubborn attitude of Mr. Gandhi. So all failed to achieve any objectives.

7. Describe the Communal Award of 1932?

It was the decision of the British Government after the failure of two Round Table
Conferences. The British PM Ramsey McDonald awarded the right of separate
electorates to all minorities of India and declared untouchables a minority. ML
accepted it but the Congress protested against it. Gandhi took fast till death
because untouchables were given the status of a minority.
Some (b) part questions on RTCs

1. Why were three Round Table Conferences held between 1930 and 1932?

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1]

More than one meeting was necessary

LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons

/ describes RTCs and/or why they failed [2–4]
Congress didn’t attend the first one and there was stalemate in the second.

LEVEL 3:Explains reasons [5–7]

The Indians had opposed the Simon Commission but a report was still produced.
The Britishdecided that a RTC should be held in order to discuss the Commission’s
recommendationson the future government of India. It was realised that without
the attendance of theCongress in the first RTC little progress on the future of the
sub-Continent could beachieved. Lord Irwin met Gandhi and made progress so
that anther Round Table Conferencecould be held. In this Gandhi took a hard line
refusing to recognise the problem of theminorities and also claiming to represent
the Congress alone which he said spoke for the
whole of India. The Conference broke up amidst threats that the British would
impose asolution if agreement couldn’t be reached. It was then agreed that a
third Conference wouldbe held.

Some (c) part questions on RTCs

1. Was anything achieved by the Round Table Conferences of 1930 to 1932?

Explain your answer. [14]

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1–2]

They all achieved something

LEVEL 2: Description of Round Table Conferences [3–6]

There were 3 Round Table Conferences held in London. Both Gandhi and Jinnah
attended them
 LEVEL 3: Agrees/disagrees and argues success or failures [7–10]

LEVEL 4: Agrees/disagrees with reference to both success/failures [9–13]

Successes 1930 Federal system for India approved

Sind to be given a separate identity and a government
1931 Congress attended
Minorities entered into an agreement on their demands
Failures 1930 Congress boycotted it
Deadlock on federal system
Minorities sub-cttee couldn’t reach a conclusion
1931 Gandhi stubborn and disagreed with most things
Minorities issue unresolved
1932 Congress absent again
Gulf too great between two

LEVEL5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation. [14]

2. How successful were the three Round Table Conferences of 1930-1932?

Explain your answer. [14]

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1–2]

They were all successful.

LEVEL 2: Describes RTCs or identifies successes/failures [3–6]

There were 3 Round Table Conferences held in London. Both Gandhi and
Jinnah attended them.

LEVEL 3: Explains successes OR failures [7–10]

LEVEL 4: Explains successes AND failures [9–13]

Successes 1st Federal system for India approved

Sind to be given a separate identity and a govt.
2nd Congress attended
Minorities entered into an agreement on their demands

Failures1st Congress boycotted it

Deadlock on federal system
Minorities sub-committee couldn’t reach a conclusion
2nd Gandhi took a hard line and refused to recognise the problems of
the minorities
Muslims took a hard line against Congress to protect their position.
The new British National government were less keen to reach
acompromise in India
rd
3 Congress absent again
Gulf too great between two

LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation [14]

3. ‘The First Round Table Conference of 1930 was the most successful one of
all three.’ Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer. [14]

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement (1–2)

They were all very successful.

LEVEL 2: Description of RTC (3–6)

There were three Round Table Conferences held in London. Both Gandhi and
Jinnahattended them.

LEVEL 3: Explains successes OR failures of RTCs (7–10)

LEVEL 4: Explains BOTH (9–13)

Successes 1st Federal system for India approved
Sind to be given a separate identity and a government
2nd Congress attended
Minorities entered into an agreement on their demands
Failures 1stCongress boycotted it
Deadlock on federal system
Minorities sub-committee couldn’t reach a conclusion
2ndGandhi took a hard line and refused to recognise the problems of the
minorities. Muslims took a hard line against Congress to protect
their position.The new British National government were less keen to
 reach a compromise in India.
rd
3 Congress absent again
Gulf too great between the two

LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation. (14)

The Government of India Act 1935

In 1933, the British government issued the ‘White Paper’ including proposals for
how India will be governed. Discussions opened between the British politicians,
constitutional consultants and ‘safe’ Indian delegates nominated by the
government. After the discussions a ‘Bill’ was presented in the parliament in
December 1934. The bill was passed and it became the law. The Government of
India Act 1935 was ready.

This was the last major piece of legislation that the British government passed
before independence was granted to the Indians. It stated the following;

 India would be a federation including British controlled provinces and

the princely states if joined.
 Bi-cameral parliament in which upper house (the Council of State)
would have 156 members from the British India and 104 from the
Princely States. The provinces would elect and the Princely States would
nominate their members. The lower house (Assembly) would have 250
members from British India, elected ones and 125 members nominated
by the Princely States.
 Diarchy was dropped at the provincial level, but introduced at the
central level that means that the Governor General would have defence,
foreign affairs, ecclesiastical affairs and the Tribal Areas under his
control.
 Provincial governors were to act on the advice of the ministers but they
had special powers to interfere in case of law and order situation or the
minority issue arose in the province.
  The number of provinces was increased to 11 from 8. NWFP was given
the status of a full-fledged province and two new provinces Orissa and
Sindh were created.
 Provincial governors could dismiss the ministers and even the whole
Assembly in case of emergency.
 The property qualification for the voters was lowered to have more
voters, even then 25% of the total population could vote.
 The Governor General was the head of the Federation and could exert
special powers in the reserved subjects.

Importance of the Act

The Act appeared to grant more powers to Indians, but in reality things were little
different. Mr. Nehru called it a ‘Charter of Slavery’ and said it had so many
safeguards that it was like ‘a machine with strong breaks but no engine.’

Mr. Jinnah said it was simply’ thoroughly rotten, fundamentally bad and totally
unacceptable.’

Despite the fact that the Act was not acceptable to any one, it set up the
Parliamentary system and provided the basis for further negotiations with the
British. It led to the independence in 1947. It was the major constitution till 1947.
After the independence, both India and Pakistan adopted it as their temporary
constitution with certain necessary amendments till they drafted their own ones.

Some (a&b) part questions

(a) 1. Describe the 1935 Government of India Act.

It was the first major legislation from the British and proved to be the last also. it
set up a federal parliamentary government with bicameral legislature in India.
Indians were given more powers but under the influence of the viceroy. It
remained as the interim constitution of India and Pakistan after the independence
till they framed their own.
(b) 1. Why was the Government of India Act of 1935 so important to the
future of the subcontinent? [7]

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1]

It governed India.

LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2–4]

More people could vote and there was some provincial autonomy.

LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5–7]

Some provincial autonomy was granted which meant that every provincial
government was allowed to devise and carry out its own programmes and be
responsible for its own legislature. This was the first time that this had been
allowed and was seen as an important step forward. Ministers in the provinces
could have control over all departments except when governors chose to
intervene in cases of public order or to veto a bill they disliked. This was a
drawback since it meant that the real power lay with the governors. However, it
did provide additional rights for the local population to vote – some five times the
previous numbers at 35 million in total. Provisions for a federal government were
also established at the centre for the first time, which meant that princely states
could decide to participate politically in affairs which concerned the sub-
continent. However, key decisions relating to external relations and defence were
retained by the British which was a drawback.

The Elections of 1937

The central part of the constitution was not operated due to the reservations of
the princely states, so the elections took place for the provincial assemblies
only.Both Congress and League decided to participate in the elections despite
their reservations on the Act of 1935 because they took it as an opportunity to
deliver their messages to millions of people across India. All factions of the AIML
combined together under the leadership of Mr. Jinnah as its permanent
president. Its main aim was that;
  India should have self-government
 There should be greater provincial autonomy and safeguards for all
minorities

Mr. Jinnah said that. “Unity and an honorable settlement between Hindus and
Muslims and the other minorities are the only pivot upon which national self-
government can be maintained”.

Election Results& importance

Unfortunately Congress won all seats in five provinces and stood the largest party
in other four.

List of Eleven provinces

1. Madras (INC) 7. Assam (INC)

2. Central Provinced (INC) 8. NWFP (INC)

3. Behar (INC) 9. Bengal (mixed )

4. Orissa (INC) 10. Punjab (mixed)

5. United Provinces (INC) 11. Sindh (mixed)

6. Bonmbay (INC)

In the Punjab. Sindh and Bengal where Muslims were in majority, AIML could not
do well; it won only 109 from 482 seats. Though results were disappointing for
the League, they proved beneficial for it;

Elections were important for Muslims because;

 All factions of AIML unitedunder the ablest leadership of Mr. Jinnah.

 These were the first major elections that ML had fought and learnt a lot
as to how important was the organization of the party.
 AIML learnt that its support lay in the minority provinces rather than
majority ones because Muslims were threatened by the Hindus more in
those provinces where they were in minority.
  League also came to know about the ‘ image’ problem of Muslim
leaders because they mainly belonged to landlord families and acted as
princes and aristocrats, therefore, did not bother to go to the remote
areas to awake the poor Muslims, so their image became the main
reason for their failure in elections.

Some (a) part questions on elections of 1937

1. What were the outcomes of the provincial elections of 1937? [4]

Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a
developedstatement. Candidates might refer to:

The elections caused great disappointment for Muslims as Congress won absolute
majoritiesin 5 provinces and largest single party in 4 others. Muslims won only
109 seats that werereserved for Muslims. However was first major election that
Muslim League fought and on aunited basis, learnt a number of lessons – realised
it had to improve organisation andplanning, knew its support lay in more areas
where Muslims were in a minority and wherethey were a majority they didn’t feel
threatened by Hindus. Realised they had an image problem – wealthy
aristocrats relating to desperately poor and illiterate Muslims led toCongress
atrocities in some areas (Bande Matram, Wardha Scheme etc.)
2. What were the reasons for the failure of AIML in the elections of 1937?
ML failed because it was poorly organized in 1937. Muslim League leaders were
the landlords and rich people and did not bother to go to remote areas to educate
poor and illiterate Muslims about what ML stood for or lacked mass contact.
Another was the image problem because the rich ML leaders acted like aristocrats
and princes. Last but not least was that it was the first time that ML contested
such major elections therefore, lack of experience could be another reason for
the failure.
3. What was the importance of 1937 elections for Muslims?
It was a good experience for ML because all factions of AIML united together.
Muslims realized the importance of discipline and organization of the party. They
also learnt that their support lay mainly in minority provinces rather than majority
ones, so ML was able to open more branches there which benefitted it in 1945-6
elections.
4. What were the outcome of the provincial elections of 1937? [4]
Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a
developed statement. Candidates might refer to:

The elections caused great disappointment for Muslims as Congress won absolute
majoritiesin 5 provinces and was the largest single party in 4 others. Muslims won
only 109 seats that werereserved for Muslims. Muslim League fought the first
major elections and learnt a number of lessons – realised it had to improve
organisation andplanning, its support lay in those areas where Muslims were in a
minority. Realised they had an imageproble. Led toCongress atrocities in some
areas (Bande Matram, Wardha Scheme etc.)
Some (b) part questions
1. Why did the AIML do badly in 1937 elections?

Suggested Answer:
AIML could not do well in the 1937 elections because it was not well organized
party. Since Mr. Jinnah had come from England, he tried his best to organize it but
much more was to be done for doing well in the elections where its opponent was
the INC, the largest and most resourceful and well organized political party of
India.
Secondly it was the first major election that it had fought without experience. It
could not send its message across India about what ML was fighting for. Muslims
in the remote areas did not yet feel threatened by the Hindu domination as well
to think about the ML.
Third was the major weak point of the ML and that was its image to the poor
classes. It comprised mainly of the land lords and rich Muslims who did not
bother to walk longer distances to the remotest areas of India to meet the poor
and illiterate Muslims. They were seen as the aristocrats and Nawabs. On the
other hand Congress was ready to take advantage of their mistakes which they
did and won the elections defeating the League.

The congress Rule 1937-39

Nehru decided to form ministries because INC stood victrious and the viceroy
Lord Linlithgow assured him that the provincial governors would not interfere in
the governments of congress.
In the provinces where AIML was the single largest party, Congress refused to
form coalition governments. He agreed to share power with Muslims only if they
leave AIML which was a very insulting condition.

Even more damagingfor Muslims was the Congress belief that it represented the
whole of India and now had the right to introduce measures. According to Mr.
Jinnah’s fear, the horrible nightmare for Muslims’ Culture and Identity; the
“Congress Rule” was going to start.

Vande Matram

It was a Hindu nationalist song, taken from the novel; ‘Ananda Math’(Abbey of
Bliss) or the temple of peace, written by a Bengali Hindu writer and poet, Bankim
Chandra Chatarjee. In this novel, the black, grim godess of Hindus encourages her
believers to kill all Muslims and expel them out of India. It was made the
‘national anthem’ and was to be sung before the start of the assemblies every
day. Though it was in the praise of ‘mother India’, yet a Hindu godess Durga was
praised in the third para of the songwhich offended Muslims every day and
worried them about their future in India.

The Wardha Scheme

It was an educational program and the brain-child of Mr. Gandhi. All congress
ministries adopted it and introduced in all educational institutions. According to
this scheme;

 Hindi was made the language of instructions in the educational

institutions.
 Students were taught how to spin cotton on the spinning wheels.
 There was no Religious education for Muslim students in the schools.
 All students were to bow before the picture of Mr. Gandhi every day.

Muslims saw these measures as an attempt of the Hindus to eliminate the Muslim
Culture from India and to finally convert Muslim into Hinduism.

Widia Mandir Scheme

It was another educational scheme launched at the elementary level. The idea
was to change the schools into Temples. Many schools were opened in the
temples also. Hindu religion was taught in the junior classes and students used to
bow to Gandhi’s picture also. these schools were also known as the Temple
Schools.

The Congress Tyranny

Hindus did not treat Muslims as a sister community of India. Cow slaughtering
was not allowed, Azan was banned, and noisy processions were arranged before
the mosques at the time of prayers. Hindu continued torturing Muslims in their
majority provinces. Anti-Muslim riots were common but government would not
take notice of such incidents. Lord Linlithgow admitted that ‘many instances of
continued oppression in smaller way’were carried out against Muslims.

There were two reports compiled on the Hindu tyranny, namely ‘ Pirpur Report
and Sharif Report’, presented to Congress Ministries but in vain. This period
became a nightmare for Muslims. They took a sigh of relief when Congress
Ministries resigned in 1939.

League’s position under Congress Rule

Nehru’s disagreed on making coalition government with AIMLmoved Mr. Jinnah

to warn the Muslim leaders of the disastrous effects of the establishment of
‘combined Hindustan’. He told them to resist this aim of the Congress at all
stages as much as possible if they wanted to live with liberty and religious
identity. He emphasized to organize Muslim League. He pointed out that AIML
won seats in the provinces where Muslims were in minority so more branches of
the League should be opened.

His efforts bore fruit and the chief ministers ofBengal, Assam and Punjab who
were not the members of AIML, joined the party under the leadership of Mr.
Jinnah and the membership of the party increased a great deal. It was a great
achievement for the Muslim future.
Jinnah claimed that AIML must be accepted as the ‘sole representative’ of the
Indian Muslims but Nehru refused to accept.

How did AIML and the Congress respond to the 2nd World War in 1939?

Congress demanded full independence for their cooperation and the ML

demanded:

 End to Anti-Muslim policies of the Congress.

 Approval of two-third Muslims for passing any law about them.
 Congress would form coalition government with the AIML in future.

None of the British and thecongress agreed to these demands of the Muslim
League. However, both Congress and the League condemned Nazism; the
ideology of Nazi party of Hitler which was based on racist nationalism, national
expansionism and state control of the economy. it was a little support for the
British that Indians were against “Germany”.

The Day op Deliverance

In the beginning of the Second World War in 1939, the Great Britain announced
that India was also on their side in this war. The Congress leaders felt very much
insulted not to be consulted before making such an important statement. They
thought as if they had no importance to the British administration of India. As a
protest, all Congress Ministries resigned on December 22, 1939. It was like a
pleasant surprise for Muslims. They took a sigh of relief on the end of Congress
Rule. It was, to them, a turning point. They got rid of Hindu Tyranny, oppression
and injustice and celebrated this day as the’ Day of Deliverance’. Nehru was
offended on the way ML celebrated on their resignation but Jinnah was right to
do so.

It was due to the Congress Rule that Indian Muslims passed a unanimous
resolution to fight for a separate homeland just after three months of the end of
Congress Rule.
Some (a) part questions on Congress Rule

1. Describe the Congress Rule 1937-39.

it was the period between 1937-39 under the Congress ministries and the most
difficult and horrible for Muslims. During this time, anti-Muslim policies like
Vande Matram, Widhia Mandir and Wardha Schemes were introduced which
made the lives of Muslisms difficult. It was the turning point for Muslims.

2. What was Wardha Scheme?

Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a
developed statement. Candidates might refer to:

A basic education scheme, introduced by Gandhi, made Hindi the sole language,
removedreligious education, made cotton spinning by hand a part of curriculum.
Students expectedto bow before picture of Gandhi.
3. Describe the Day of Deliverance.
It was a thanksgiving day observed by the ML throughout India on the resignation
of Congress ministries on 22 December,1939. It was the end of Tyrannical rule of
Congress and Muslims took a sigh of relief. It taught Muslims many lessons, the
major was to fight for a separate homeland.

Some (b) part questions on CR

1. Why was Congress Rule of 1937-39 so hated by the Muslims? [7]

(J2004/P1/3b)

Marking Scheme: Explains reasons

Congress Rule was hated due to the atrocities committed against the Muslims.
They were abused and killed by Hindus. Hindi was enforced as the official
language and organized attacks were made on Muslim worshippers in mosques.
Bande Matram, a song in which degrading remarks were used against Muslims,
was adopted as the national anthem and had to be sung at the beginning of each
day. The Widdia Mander Scheme was imposed on Muslims. Under this scheme,
students had to bow before Gandhi’s picture each day.
2. Why did Muslims object to the rule of the Congress party between 1937
and 1939? [7] (J2007/P1/3b)

Marking Scheme: Explains reasons.

Congress Rule was hated due to the atrocities committed against the Muslims.
Some wereabused and killed by Hindus. Hindi was enforced as the official
language and some organized attacks were made on Muslim worshippers in
mosques. Bande Matram, a song in whichdegrading remarks were used against
Muslims, was adopted as the national anthem andhad to be sung at the beginning
of each day. The Widdia Mander Scheme was imposed onMuslims. Under this
scheme, all students had to bow before Gandhi’s picture each day.

Some (c) part questions on Congress Rule

(c) ‘The main reason why Congress rule (1937–1939) was so hated was because
of the introduction of the Wardha Scheme.’ Do you agree? Explain your answer.
B
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1–2]
The Hindus were cruel

LEVEL 2: Identifies the reasons [3–6]

The Muslims had to observe the Wardha Scheme and sing Bande Matram

LEVEL 3: Explains the Wardha Scheme OR other reasons [7–10]

LEVEL 4: Explains the Wardha Scheme AND other reasons [9–13]

The Wardha Scheme was imposed on Muslims. Under this scheme, students had
to bow before Gandhi’s picture each day. Muslims saw this as an attempt to
convert them toHinduism. However, there were other reasons why Congress Rule
was hated. This was dueto the atrocities committed against the Muslims. They
were abused and killed by Hindus. Hindi was enforced as the official language and
organised attacks were made on Muslimworshippers in mosques. Bande Matram,
a song in which degrading remarks were usedagainst Muslims, was adopted as
the national anthem and had to be sung at the beginning ofeach day.

LEVEL 5: As Level 4: also produces a judgement or evaluation. [14]

2. Do you agree that the celebration of the ‘Day of Deliverance’ in 1939 was
justified? Give reasons for your answer. [14] (N2009/P1/3c)

Marking Scheme: Explains BOTH. Also produces a judgement or evaluation.

Justified
The Day of Deliverance was celebrated because Congress Rule had been hated
due to theatrocities committed against the Muslims. Bande Matram, a song in
which degrading remarkswere made against Muslims, was adopted as the
national anthem and had to be sung atthe beginning of each day. Some Muslims
were abused and killed by Hindus. Hindi wasenforced as the official language and
organised attacks were made on Muslim worshippers inmosques. The Wardha
Scheme was imposed on Muslims. Under this scheme, students hadto bow before
Gandhi’s picture each day. Muslims saw this as an attempt to convert them
toHinduism.
Not justified
The unity between the Muslim League and the Congress became irreconcilable
and the chanceof a future united India even less likely. Congress had resigned
partly because Britain statedthat India was at war with Germany. Therefore the
ML were able to celebrate because Britainwas probably more concerned with the
war than the future of India.

The Pakistan Resolution 1940

Pakistan Resolution was the vote of the Indian Muslims in favour of a separate
homeland and their attestation of the views of Sir Syed, Iqbal and Ch. Rehmat Ali
that their should be a separate Muslim state for them in India. Though Jinnah did
not fully agreed to this philosophy for quite a long time, he was now convinced
that it was the right time to do this because of the behavior of the Congress and
Hindu leaders and the possibility that the British might leave India soon.

At the annual session of the AIML held at Lahore on 22nd March 1940, it was
declared that “ Regions in which Muslims are numerically a majority, as in the
notth-western eastern zone of India, should be grouped together to constitute
independent states in which constituent units shall be autonomous and
sovereign”.Maulvi Fazl-ul-Haq, the premier of Bengal put forward the resolution
and Ch. Khaliq-uz-Zaman seconded it. It was passed on 23rd March 1940 and
came to be known as the Lahore Resolution. A day later, the Hindu press referred
to it as ‘Pakistan Resolution’ which sounded nice to Muslims and they adopted
the title. Sarcastically

Why did the Indian Muslims pass Pakistan Resolution in 1940?

First of all, after the end of the Mughal Rule in 1857, they had been treated by the
British and the Hindu majority as second class citizenson the same land where
they were born and brought up. Secondly all efforts of peaceful co-existence
went in vain and third and the most powerful reason was the horrible Congress
Rule of 1937-39 which left no choice for the Muslims even to think about living
with the Hindus.

Some (a&b) part questions

(a) Describe the Pakistan Resolution.

Pakistan Resolution was the historic declaration of the Indian Muslims to have a
separate homeland. It was held on 22 March 1940 at Minto Park, Lahore under
the leadership of Great Quaid e Azam. It demanded all Muslim majority areas of
North East to be grouped together as a Muslim homeland where all constituent
units will be autonomous. Maulvi Fazle Haq presented the resolution and Ch.
Khaleeq uz Zaman seconded it. It was the day when Quaid e Azam endorsed the
philosophy of Iqbal and Ch. Rehmat Ali.

(b) Why did the Muslims pass the Pakistan Resolution in 1940?

It was passed because the Muslims who were the ruling elite of India once, were
not living at the mercy of the British and the Hindus in their own homeland. After
the war of Independence 1857, the British began to favour Hindus and crushed
Muslims in all walks of life. As a result, the Muslims were suffering in social,
cultural, economic and political fields badly.

Secondly, during the 20th century, Muslims had been trying to seek a respectable
solution of the problem through AIML, but it came to nothing till the elections of
1937 when Congress refused to form the ministries with Muslims unless they left
ML and join Congress. It was that the Hindus have not yet accepted them as a
separate nation in India.

Third was the most convincing reason for the resolution and it was the tyrannical
Congress Rule of 1937-39. It opened the eyes of the Muslim leadership and forced
them the do something immediately before it becomes too late to save the
identity and honour of the muslims. It was anti-Muslim rule which was not
acceptable for Muslims at all.

The Cripps Mission 1942

In March, 1942 (during the 2nd WW), the British sent Sir Stafford Cripps, a
parliamentarian to India to win support of the Hindus and Muslims for the war. he
met with Indian leaders and tried to convince them of the need to cooperate with
the British as the Japanese armies were ready near Burma(Myanmar) to attack
India and it was in their interest to join the war effort as soon as possible but
Indian leaders were not moved by his logic or threat.

He also proposed that;

 After the war, an Indian Union would be set up with dominion status
from which the provinces could opt out or negotiate for their
independence if they desired so.
 Elections for the Constituent Assembly would be held after the war.
 That elected Assembly would frame the constitution of its choice.

These proposals did not please either of the main political parties; the Congress
and the League. Jinnah rejected it because it had no mention about Pakistan and
Congress rejected because it had demanded full control of India immediately and
was not in any mood to wait till the war was over. The British were in need of
Indian’s cooperation, so they were negotiating from a weak position which
Congress was exploiting to their interest.Another fact was that they did not trust
the British that they would fulfill their promise. Therefore, Gandhi called it “a
post-dated cheque on a failing bank”.
However, Jinnah seemed pleased to see that the right for the provinces to opt out
was there which meant that the British had realized the need to protect the
interests of the minorities in India.

Some (a & b) part questions

(a) 1. What was the Cripps Mission?

The Cripps Mission was the first British attempt to gain Indian’s support in the 2 nd
WW. It was sent under Sir Stafford Cripps, a senior British parliamentarian in
March 1942. He promised to set up Indian Union, holding elections and giving
India the Dominion Status after the war was over provided they agreed to support
the war effort. It failed to achieve any objectives.

(b) 1. Why did the Cripps Mission of 1942 fail? [7]

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1]

The Cripps Mission had no success/Describes the Mission.

LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2–4]

The Muslims and Hindus opposed it.

LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5–7]

The Muslims rejected the plan because the British would not agree to Partition
and the Congress Party wanted immediate and full control over the central
government. The Britishwere also negotiating from a weak position which the
Congress Party exploited bydemanding Britain leave the sub-continent
immediately.

The Quit India Movement (May, 1942)

Gandhi addressed a Congress meeting in May 1942, showing his disappointment

over how British behavior towards India had filled him with great pain. He told the
people that if the British left India, there would be no threat of Japanese invasion
so they should get ready for “a mass struggle on non-violent lines on the widest
possible scale” to force the British to withdraw immediately from India,
On August 8, the All India Congress Committee passed the “Quit India
Resolution” and the Movement started. After two days, Gandhi, Nehru and other
congress leaders were arrested and the Congress party was banned. It was a
horrible scene in India. The British failed to control such wide scale rioting with
normal measures; they used machine guns and aerial bombing to control it after
several weeks. Thousands of Indians lost their lives.

Jinnah did not support the movement. He called it as “blackmail” because the
Congress was exploiting the British problem to their advantage and took it as the
anti-Muslim move of the Congress to throw the British out so that they could take
the control of India in their hands.

Some (a &b ) part questions

1. What was the Quit-India Movement?

It was the last effort of the Congress to use power tactic to expel the British out of
India. Gandhi and Nehru were desperate to get rid of the British because they
wanted immediate control of India before the British could partition it creating a
Separate Muslim homeland as Mr. Jinnah was now adamant to create a Muslim
state. The British control it using machine guns and aerial bombing. Thousands die
in horrible rioting.

(b) Why did the Quit-India Movement fail?

The Quit-India Movement failed because the British took harsh measures to
control such a mass level attempt to expel them out at a critical time when they
were fighting the Second WW.

It failed also because ML did not cooperate with the Congress. India had divided
now and Mr. Jinnah called it ‘black mail’ of the Hindus. Since Pakistan Resolution
was passed, Congress was worried that India would be partitioned which they
wanted to stop at any cost but it failed to achieve its goal.
The Gandhi-Jinnah Talks

It was in May 1944 when Mr. Gandhi was released from the jail on medical
grounds and decided to talk to Mr. Jinnah about the future of India after the
British had left which was quite likely because the World War was going to be
ended soon leaving the British heavily bankrupt, unable to control their colonies
in future. For the month of September, the discussions continued at Jinnah’s
house at Bombay and through letters. At last the talks failed to find any common
ground for the cooperation between the two for a number of reasons;

 First of all Gandhi proposed that the League should give immediate
support to Congress to force the British to leave. They will decide later
whether to partition India or not. Jinnah knew that once the British had
left, why Congress would agree to the partition of India, so he rejected
his proposal.
 Central Government would have control over all key areas like defence
and foreign policy whereas Jinnah wanted it in the hands of provinces.
 Gandhi pretended as if he was speaking on behalf of all Indians but
Jinnah told him that he was the spokesman of Congress only and AIML
was the undisputed representative of Indian Muslims.
 Gandhi gave the impression that the “Two-Nation Theory” did not exist
and was not based on valid ground whereas it was the ‘reality’ and had
now become the official policy of the AIML.

Why was the Gandhi-Jinnah Talks important for Muslims?

Firstly Congress accepted the authority of the League to consult with. It brought
AIML on the equal ground with INC, the largest political party of the Hindus.
Secondly it showed that no agreement could be finalized without the consent of
Muslim League in future, it increased its strength and political weight.

Some (a) part questions on the Talks

(a) 1. Describe the Gandhi-Jinnah Talks.

it was a series of talks between Mr. Jinnah and Gandhi about the future of India
after the British had left. Mr. Gandhi took release from the jail and decided to see
Mr. Jinnah for the purpose. The talks were held at Jinnah’s house at Bombay and
some through letters. Gandhi did not accept Muslims as a separate nation neither
he agreed to the idea of Pakistan, so the talks failed.

(b) 1. Why did the Gandhi-Jinnah Talks fail in 1944? [7]

LEVEL 1: Simplistic answer [1]

They didn’t get on with one another.

LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2–4]

Gandhi wanted independence; Jinnah disagreed.

LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5–7]

Gandhi only wanted to achieve independence first and foremost – partition

discussions could follow later, whereas Jinnah wanted to settle the issue of
partition first and before the British left. He knew that his bargaining position
would be much weaker if he went along with Gandhi’s plan. Gandhi insisted that
he spoke for all Indians and couldn’t accept the position of Muslims as being a
separate nation. Hence independence for all Indians as a united nation was on his
agenda. Jinnah was at odds with Gandhi and accused him of only speaking for
Hindus, otherwise he would accept the idea of partition. He accused Gandhi of
not accepting the two nation idea of partition. Gandhi also wanted the central
government to have control of key areas such as defence and foreign policy,
whereas Jinnah wanted these issues to be dealt with by the provinces.

The Wavell Conference/ Simla Conference 1945

In May 1945, Germany had surrendered unconditionally but the war ended in
August 1945. Therefore, in March, Lord Wavell flew to London to discuss with
Churchill what policy was the government going to adopt in India after the war
was over. He called a meeting of all parties at Simla in June 1945. Jinnah, Liaquat
Ali Khan and Khwaja Nazimuddin represented the ML. Gandhi and Abul Kalam
Azad represented the Congress. The representatives of the Sikhs, Scheduled casts
and Christians were also invited.

Wavell proposed that

 An Executive Council would be set up to govern India including equal

members from the Hindus and Muslims.
 The entire council would be Indian except the Viceroy and the Army
Chief who would control the defence.
 The Council would govern the country under the present constitution
until the new would be made.

Before the conference started Wavell had already talked to Jinnah about the
benefits of united India so the conference made some ground in the beginning.
The problem arose when Congress demanded one Muslim member to be chosen
from the INC because they wanted to give the impression that not all the Muslims
were represented by the Muslim Leaague or the Congress also represented
Muslims as Abul Kalam Azad, the president of INC was a Muslim. Mr. Jinnah
objected this point strongly and said that the Congress had no right to nominate
any Muslim member because the League was the ‘ sole representative’ of the
Indian Muslims.

Mr. Jinnah was right in his claim also because he argued that all non-Muslims like
Sikhs and the Scheduled Casts were bound to be with the Congress. Therefore,
Muslims would always be in minority in the Council. Lord Wavell could not find
any solution to this deadlock and the conference failed to achieve anything.

The Elections of 1945-46

In 1945, the Labour party won elections replacing the Conservatives. Now there
was Clement Attlee, the new British PM and not Winston Churchill who hated
Indians and was least cooperative in solving its problem. Labour party were
committed to self-government in India, so Wavell was ordered to hold elections in
India to see who was representative of whom. After the elections to the provincial
and central assemblies, an Executive Council was also to be set up which would
frame he constitution. The general elections to the Central Assembly were held in
December 1945 and to the Provincial Assemblies in January 1946.

Congress and Muslim League Agendas

Congress claimed to be representing all communities of India and was in favour of

united India whereas AIML was fighting for the separate homeland for the
Muslims.

Elections Results

 League won 87% of Muslim vote, all 30 seats in the Central Assembly
and 446 out of 495 provincial seats. It took control of Bengal and Sindh
and was the largest party in the Punjab. They had won the voters of the
Unionist Party to their side by superior and tactful campaigning.
 The Congress won 91% of the non-Muslim vote and was considered as
the true successor of the British in all eight provinces. It took control in
the eight provinces.
 India had divided on communal lines now and AIML had the right to
negotiate for independence

Why did AIML win in the 1945-6 elections?

 In 1937, the League could not send its message across India well and this
time their election campaign was well planned. They went to the remote
areas to tell poor and illiterate Muslims what Muslim League was doing
for them.
 They had experienced the Tyrannical Congress Rule and knew well that
if they did not stand for their right, it will be too late to live with respect
in India. They took this as the last opportunity to save their religion and
culture from the prejudiced Hindus.
 After the Pakistan Resolution, the communal divide was much greater
and clearer and the League had become a well known party than before.
Quaid e Azam had become a well trusted leader of the Muslims and the
dream of a separate homeland was now the destiny of Indian Muslims.
The elections made Muslim League, the sole representative of the Muslims as it
claimed and Congress could not now exploit Muslim masses by showing few
“show boys” like Abul Kalam Azad as Mr. Jinnah called them.

The Cabinet Mission Plan-

The last attempt to keep India united was made in March 1946. The British sent a
three man delegation to India to find a unanimously accepted settlement of India.

Its purpose was to transfer power to Indian leadership without breaking India
into Muslim and non-Muslim states. It comprised of Lord Pethick Lawrence, the
Secretary of State for India, Sir Stafford Cripps, President of the Board of Trade
and A.V. Alexander, the First Lord of Admiralty. It arrived in New Dehli on 24
March, 1946.

The findings of the Mission

They met with the representatives of AIML, Congress, Sikhs and the Hindu
Mahasaba and found that there was little common ground between League and
the Congress.

Jinnah was adamant to establish Pakistan and Congress was opposed to any such
partition of India, he wanted Pakistan to establish first and then to consider any
common ground to work together with the Congress.The Congress would not
accept Jinnah’s idea at any cost.

The Commission proposed two plans;

The Short Term Plan: that an interim government would be set up to rule India till
the British withdrawal was organized. After the departure of the British, an All-
India Commission would be formed which will decide whether or not to divide
India. All members of the interim government would be Indians.

The Long-Term Plan: the Mission published their statement giving solution to the
constitutional problem. According to it, India was to be divided into three groups
of provinces with their own assemblies and constitutions but Defence, Foreign
Affairs and Communication would remain under the Indian Union, these groups
were;

Group A: having all Hindu majority provinces

Group B: having all Muslim majority provinces

Group C: having Bengal and Assam

Though the idea of Pakistan was rejected by the Mission, Muslims were able to
protect their rights in their majority provinces. Therefore, Jinnah agreed to
nominate members to the interim cabinet but Nehru said that Congress would
not feel bound by the plan after the British had left. It was something suspicious
for the League to accept the plan wholeheartedly, so the plan was dropped.

Some (a) part questions on Wavell Plan/CMP

1. What was the Simla Conference?

It was a British plan as to how India would run after the 2nd WW was over. Lord
Wavell suggested forming an Executive Council with 5 members each from the C
and L to run all affairs of the country except Defence and Foreign affairs. Bothe C
and L rejected the plan because C wanted to nominate Muslim member also
showing that it was representing all Indians which Jinnah opposed saying that ML
was the only representative of the Indian Muslims.

2. What was the Cabinet Mission Plan? [4]

Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a
developed statement. Candidates might refer to:

1946 Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India), Cripps (President of the

Board ofTrade), Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty) sent to India to find a
settlement acceptable toall. Met with Muslim League, Congress, Sikhs and
HMahasabha. Found little commonground between Congress and the Muslim
League. Cabinet Mission Plan proposed aninterim government whilst British
withdrawal organised. Would form an All-India Commission.Proposal rejected and
modifications made which Congress rejected. Cabinet Mission Plandropped.
2. What was the outcome of the elections of 1945-6?
Election results were awesomely good for Muslims. The League won 87% of
Muslim vote and all 30 seats in the Central Assembly and 446 out of 495
provincial seats. Congress also had swept the elections in 8 out of 11 provinces. It
took control in 8 provinces and the League in Punjab, Bengal and Sindh. AIML
proved to be the sole representative of the Indian Muslims and no one could stop
Mr. Jinnah to decided the future of Indian Muslims now.

Some (b) part questions

1. Why was AIML able to do well in 1945-6 elections?

Hints:
i- it was now well organized under the ablest leadership of Jinnah
ii- its membership had increased tremendously in Muslim minority provinces
iii- its members had learnt a lesson in 1937 and were now more public
friendly and in contact with common man
iV- Congress Rule and the Pakistan Resolution had moved the Muslim masses
well and shaken their conscience to demand for a separate land where they
could live freely according to their religion and culture

Direct Action Day

Keeping in view the situation of India, it was quite possible for the British to leave
India any time without solving the communal issue. Jinnah was afraid of the
Congress policy which could take any turn after the departure of the British, so he
decided to show the power of Muslims to both the Hindus and the British. In july
1946, the League passed a resolution to show Muslim solidarity and on August 16,
the “Direct Action Day” was celebrated throughout India. It was a great show of
the street power demonstrated by the Indian Muslims under the leadership of
Quaid e Azam. In Calcutta, these demonstrations became violent and almost 4000
people died. This incident is called ‘Great Calcutta Killings’.

Towards Independence (interim government again)

Despite the fact that the Congress and League did not agree on any point, the
British could not wait for more. They had decided to leave India, so the British
asked Nehru to nominate members to the interim cabinet because it was the
largest party. Jinnah refused to nominate members until congress accepted that it
had no right to nominate any Muslim. Congress refused to accept this demand
and the cabinet was sworn in with only Congress members.

Jinnah took it as a great loss to Muslims to be out of power, so he decided to

nominate members to the council. He nominated 5 members, including Liaquat
Ali Khan with one Hindu also. It was a master stroke of Jinnah to show the
Congress leadership that there would be many Hindus living in Pakistan and he
was not anti-Hindu.

The elections to the Constituent Assembly took place between July and December
1946. The League refused to attend the assembly and the Congress demanded
their resignations because they had originally rejected the Plan. There were many
disagreements and suspicions between both the political parties but the British
had no time to waste for such issues. Attlee declared that the British would leave
India no later than June 1948. This announcement worked and the cabinet started
working efficiently.

The 3rd June Plan

The British PM sent Lord Mountbatten as the new Viceroy with clear instructions
to transfer power to Indians as soon as possible.

Mountbatten came in March, met with the concerned political leaders and found
that Jinnah was adamant to have Pakistan, so partition was inevitable. The
communal riots broke throughout India,leading to a civil war. Aggravating
situation of the sub-continent convinced Mountbatten to speed up the process of
settlement because more delay could increase bloodshed only. He announced the
plan on 3rd June 1947 as;

 There would be two Dominion States India and Pakistan with an

Executive head responsible to the Constituent Assembly and1935
Government of India Act as their interim constitution.
  Muslim majority provinces of Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP, Punjab and
Bengal would vote if they wanted to stay in Pakistan.

Sindh Assembly voted in favour of Pakistan, Balochistan Jirga decided to be with

Pakistan, in the NWFP, referendum was held and chose to be part of Pakistan.
Sylhet and Assam also chose to stay in East Pakistan. In the Punjab and Bengal,
there was difficulty because there was mixed population there. Muslim majority
lived in East and Hindu and Sikhs in the West Punjab. In Bengal, East part had
Muslim majority and the West had Hindu majority. Therefore, it was to be
decided which part would stay in India and which one would go to Pakistan. Apart
from these provinces, the princely states were also to accede to either of the
country and could not stay independent. However, financial and military assets
were also to be divided between the two states but HOW these matters would be
solved was the question. Mountbatten was going to be the Governor General of
India and Quaid e Azam chose to head the Muslim state himself which was, no
doubt, a disadvantage to Pakistan as it proved later on.

The Independence Act

The British parliament passed the Independence Act on 15 July, 1947. It said that
the British control over India would cease to exist on 15 August, 1947 giving
independence to two independent sovereign states India and Pakistan. Each
would have freedom to pass any constitution it wished.

The Principle of Accession & the Boundary Commission

For the princely states, a principle was made that all states could choose the
country of their choice on the basis of1. Geographic location and 2. The consent
of the majority of people.

For the demarcation between the Muslim and Hindu majority areas of Punjab
and Bengal, a boundary commission was announced under the chairmanship of
Sir Radcliffe. Two boundary commissions; the Punjab and Bengal Boundary
Commissions were formed under his supervision. There were two judges on each
from India and Pakistan. It took up the mission and worked honestly to draw the
boundary between Muslim and Hindu majority areas of the Punjab and Bengal.

Unfortunately, some Muslim majority areas of Ferozepur and Gurdaspur districts

of Punjab and Calcutta from Bengal were given to India. Ferozepur had the canal
head works from where water was controlled to the Bari Doab in Pakistan and
there was a road link to Kashmir from Gurdaspur which could be used later to
undo or at least disturb Pakistan. Calcutta was the economic hub and could
benefit Pakistan’s economy a great deal so Indian leaders forced Mountbatten to
corrupt the decision of the Boundary Commission.

The Boundary Commission Award was announced on 16th August 1947, two days
after the independence was announced. It was a shock for the people of those
Muslim majority areas of Ferozpur and Gurdaspur who had a strong belief that
they were within the boundary of Pakistan. According to the principle of
accession, these areas had been originally awarded to Pakistanbut later Nehru
forced Mountbatten to ask Radcliffe to give these areas to India. Therefore, the
Award proved to be a political and not a judicial award. Quaid e Azam called it
‘wrong, unjust and perverse’ but accepted it with heavy heart because nothing
could be done now.

Pakistan and India became independent countries on august 15, but due to the
need for Mountbatten to stay in Dehli to witness the independence ceremony on
the 15 August, Pakistan celebrated its independence on 14 th August 1947.

Some (a, b & c) part questions from 1940-1947

(a) 1. What was the Direct Action Day?

It was the final show of power of the AIML after Nehru said that ‘Congress would
not feel bound by the plan after the British had left’. Jinnah passed a resolution
to show Muslim solidarity by going out on the streets of Indian on 16 August,
1946. League celebrated this day throughout India. It remained peaceful except in
Calcutta where violence erupted and 4000 people were killed. This incident is
called ‘Great Calcutta Killings’.
2. What was the 3rd June Plan?

It was the final British plan to transfer power to the Indians. On 3rd June 1947,
Lord Mountbatten, the new viceroy of India announced that Indian would be
divided into two Dominion states, India and Pakistan with 1935 Govt. of India Act
as their interim constitution. He also brought the date of partition nearer than
June 1948 as was announced by the PM. It was clear now that 15 th August would
be the Independence Day for Indians.

3. Describe the Independence Act of 1947.

The British parliament passed the Independence Act on 15 July, 1947. It said that
the British control over India would cease to exist on 15 August, 1947 giving
independence to two independent sovereign states India and Pakistan. Each
would have freedom to pass any constitution it wished.

4. What was the Radcliffe Award?

It is also known as the Boundary Commission Award under the chairmanship of sir
Cyril Radcliffe, an English lawyer. It was responsible for drawing border/boundary
between the Hindu and Muslim majority areas of Bengal and the Punjab so that
both the countries could manage those areas as theirs. It was to be a judicial one
but due to game fixing between Mountbatten and Nehru some Muslim majority
areas of Punjab were given to India due to which the regional peace has been
destroyed since 1947 till today.

How important were Quaid e Azam, Allama

Iqbal and Ch. Rehmat Ali to the success of
the Pakistan Movement?

All three have remarkable contribution to the Pakistan

Movement. It can be rightly said that they strengthened
the idea of Pakistan by their unique and extra ordinary
skills and abilities.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876-1948)

Professor Stanley Wolpert , the author of the ‘ Jinnah of Pakistan’ says about the
great Quaid, “Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still
modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a
nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.”It shows how much is the
worth of Mr. Jinnah and what would he have done for the Muslims of the Sub-
continent.

He was born in 1876 in Karachi to Mr. Poonja Jinnah, a Shiite Muslim trader from
Gujrat. He got his basic education from the Sindh Madrassa- tul-Islam and was
sent to London for higher studies. There he was influenced by Mr. Naoroji
Dadabhai,a parsi intellectual, a member of the British Parliament and an Indian
cotton trader. He was the first Indian politician and also known as the Grand Old
Man of India. He attended the sessions at the House of Commons and was
motivated into politics. He studied law from the Royal Lincoln’s Inn, London and
returned to Karachi in 1897. He became the most successful and the youngest
lawyer of India. Along with his law practice, he took interest in the local politics of
India. He joined the INC in 1906 and became the member of the Imperial
Legislative Council in 1909. He joined the AIML in 1913 also as an observer and
pursued the Muslim leaders to join hands with the Congress for seeking self-rule.
He was the strong supporter of the Hindu-Muslim unity and played a great role in
the Lucknow Pact in 1916.

He left Congress in 1921 due to its radical approach against Muslims, even then
he believed in working together with the Congress till Nehru Report of 1928 but
after this he changed his mind and realized that it was not beneficial for Muslims
to work with Congress. He presented his 14 points for the establishment of
federal government in India with separate electorates and 1/3rd representation of
Muslims in all assemblies which Congress rejected. Jinnah called it ‘parting ways’.

He led AIML to the RTCs but disappointed by the Congress behavior, stayed in
London in self-exile till 1934 when Liaquat Ali Khan went to ask him to come
back. He led the party and contested the 1937 elections. Though Muslim League
was defeated, he urged the leaders to work with dedication and improve their
image. As a result the League won 1945-6 elections and proved to be the only
mouth-piece of the Indian Muslims.

Till 1939 he had attained the reputation of an undisputed leader of the Muslims
of India and realized the need for a separate Muslim state as well. After the
Congress Rule, he decided to fight for the same when
Pakistan Resolution was passed.

Creation of Pakistan was his biggest achievement and it can

rightly be said that it would not have happened without him.
That is the reason that the American professor hailed him as
the greatest leader.

Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal

1876-1938

He is known as the ‘Poet Philosopher of the East,TheWise of the Nation, the

Father of Two-Nation Theory and the ‘Architect of Pakistan’. He was born on 9
September, 1877 at Sialkot. He did his M.A from Government College, Lahore
and went to London for higher studies in philosophy and law. He also did his
Ph.D from the Munich University, Germany. He came to India and started his law
practice at Bombay in 1905.

He became known in the literary and political circles very soon because of his
Revolutionary poetry. He tried to awake the conscience of Muslims of India from
the slumber of ignorance and slavery through his unique and distinguished way
of poetry. He was knighted by the Britishwith the title of ‘Sir’for extra ordinary
standard of his poetry.

He was a politician with strong belief of freedom of body and soul from all un-
Islamic forces. He opposed the British rule in India and emphasized on the
establishment of an independent Muslim state in the sub-continent.

In 1930, at Allahabad, he demanded in his presidential address of an independent

Muslim homeland by grouping the Punjab, Sindh, NWFP and
Balochistantogether. He called it the final destiny of the Indian Muslims. Since
then the idea of the Two- Nation Theory,partition of India and creation of a
Muslim homeland began to circulate among the political circles of India and had
become a dream of the true lovers of Islam. He criticized the western democracy
being introduced in India because there were too many races with their different
religions, languages and cultures.

Though his idea of a separate homeland was quite ahead of time in 30’s and
Jinnah was not fully convinced of the idea but after only a decade, he accepted it
in 1940 at the Pakistan Resolution and wished if Iqbal had
been there to see his dream coming true. He died on
September 11, 1938 and buried outside the Badshahi
Mosque,Lahore. It can be rightly said that he was the
greatest force behind the creation of Pakistan without
which one could hardly think of Pakistan.

Chaudhary Rehmat Ali

1897-1951

Ch. Rehmat Ali belonged to a Gujjar family. He was born on 16 November, 1897
in Balchaur village of district Hushiar Pur in Indian Punjab. He graduated from
Islamia College Lahore in 1918 and began to teach at the Atchison College. After
this he got admission in the Punjab University to study law. In 1930 he moved to
London for higher studies. He was there at the time of the Round Table
Conferences. He persuaded the Muslim delegates not to demand anything less
than a separate homeland for Muslims but could not influence them much. He,
along with three other students at Cambridge University, published a pamphlet
‘Now or Never’ means “Are we to live or perish forever”.

He also coined the name PAKISTAN with all its letters standing for Muslim
homelands like P for Punjab, Afor Afghania (NWFP), K for Kashmir, I for Iran, S for
Sindh and Tan for Balochistan. He was a vehement supporter of the Pan Islamism
but could not convince his fellow Muslim leaders to work for it. Though his idea of
the Muslim homeland was accepted in 1940, but there were disagreements
between him and other leaders. He had been the critic of Mr. Jinnah for not
being strict to demand a larger Muslim area. Even after the partition, he criticized
Jinnah for accepting such a truncated Pakistan leaving Muslims of Dehli, Lucknow
other areas at the mercy of Hindus. He was right but the great Quaid was at the
forefront, facing the cleverest enemies who had left no room for such
negotiations. He died in 1951 in London and was buried in the local graveyard
there.

Some (a) part questions

1. Who was Lord Wavell?

He was a British Field Marshal and had commanded the British forces in the
Middle East during the 2nd WW. He became the viceroy of India after Lord
Linlithgow in 1943 and remained there till 1947 when Lord Mountbatten, the last
viceroy replaced him. He gave the Wavell Plan at the Simla Conference in 1945
which failed.

2. Who was Lord Mountbatten?

He was the last viceroy and the first Governor General of India. He was a Navel
Admiral of the Royal Navy and a cousin of the King. He was made the last viceroy
to arrange the transfer of power to Indians. He made the 3 rd June Plan and
brought the date of partition nearer. He was responsible for illegal Radcliffe
Award. He remained the G.G of India till 1948. He proved detrimental to Pakistan
but a windfall for India.

3. Who was Muhammad Ali Jinnah?

He was the founder of the largest Muslim state in the wold; and the first
Governor General of Pakistan. He was born on 25th December,1876 in Karachi to a
Shiite Muslim family of Gujrat. He went to London and returned as the youngest
lawyer of India. He joined INC in 1906 and AIML in 1913. He left INC and
remained the leader of the Indian Muslims till he won Pakistan in 1947. He died
on 11 September, 1948. His tomb is in Karachi.

4. Who was Chaudhary Rehmat Ali?

He was a young Muslim leader and a lawyer. He was born in 1897 in Hushiarpur
district of Indian Punjab. He issued his famous pamphlet ‘ Now or Never’ from
England and coined the name PAKISTAN. He founded the Pakistan National
Movement and supported the idea of a separate Muslim homeland combining the
north-western units of India.

5. Describe the Oath- Taking Ceremony of Quaid e Azam as GG.

On the 14th August 1947, Lord Mountbatten flew to Karachi to witness the oath-
taking ceremony of Mr. Jinnah as the Governor General of Pakistan. Quaid e Azam
was sworn in as the Governor General on 14th August and Pakistan came into
being. It was because Mountbatten had also to take the oath himself as the
Governor General of Indian on 15th August 1947 at Dehli.

(c) Was the work of Allama Iqbal more important to the Pakistan Movement
than that of Rehmat Ali? Explain your answer. [14] LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement
[1–2] They both went to university.

LEVEL 2: Description of each contribution [3–6]

Iqbal was a poet and was knighted by the British. He made a speech to the
Muslim League in 1930. Ali came up with the name Pakistan.

LEVEL 3: Explains either the work of AI or RA [7–10]

LEVEL 4: Explains BOTH [9–13]

AI

He was the first important Muslim leader to advocate the partition of India and
the creation of a separate Muslim state. As a result of his Allahabad address in
1930 when he put forward this view, separatism was seriously considered by
many Muslims during the 1930s. He was also opposed to the British control of
India – conquest of others was wrong and went against the Muslim faith. This
strengthened his view that Muslims should have a separate homeland,
independent of the British. He persuaded many Muslims that the Muslim League
had to build an effective mass political party to challenge the domination of the
Congress. This argument was adopted by Jinnah who went on to lead the Muslim
League as a highly effective political party. His poetry awakened a sense of
nationhood among Muslims and he urged them to be active in making progress.
This progress needed to be along a distinctive Islamic path and not capitalist in
nature. Again this vision was adopted by Muslims as a view of the future.

RA

In 1933 he and some fellow students produced a pamphlet called ‘Now or Never’
in which he argued in favour of partition and gave the name Pakistan to this new
Muslim state that would be formed. This became popular amongst most Muslims
during the 1930s. His views were different from AI as he wanted a separate
independent state whereas AI wanted just a separate state. However, Ali did
attract his critics, especially as he criticised many Muslim leaders especially Jinnah
and as such was viewed as less important a figure. He attacked him over
abandoning Muslim communities in such places as Delhi as well as accepting a
divided Bengal. He was also considered less important than Iqbal since Jinnah
took up many of his ideas whereas he refused to meet Ali, but nevertheless his
views were adopted eventually.

LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation. [14]

Pakistan Zindabad!