Third Phase 1911 till 1928

(Hindus+Muslims Vs British)
Dr. M. Moiz Khan
Assistant Professor
Dept. of History, University of Karachi
0322-2391591, moiz200@yahoo.com

Change of Objectives by Muslim League:

After the reversal of partition of Bengal in 1911 during Delhi Darbar, the
leadership of Muslim League was shocked and felt betrayed by British. During the
movement against the partition Muslims were curious about the future of East Bengal (a
Muslim majority area) and they were satisfied by British that it will remain separated no
matter how many tactics would be utilized against it. On this assurance Muslim League
during its earlier years into politics decided to side with British if they continue to favor
the community across India.
The decision to re-unite East and West Bengal was an eye opener for Muslims.
They realized that British are not there to provide relieve to anyone their only motif is
trade, profits earned from it and the revenues from India. During 1911 and 1912 the
leaders of Muslim League wanted to deviate from earlier objective of the League which
said to cultivate friendly relations with British.
Finally in the annual session of 1912-13 Muslim League announced the change in
its objectives. The friendly relations with British were replaced with the demand for self-
rule from British. This was a significant demand because it brought Muslim League and
Congress closer and it also compelled Muhammad Ali Jinnah to join Muslim League in
1913.
“At a meeting of the Council of the League in 1913 the adoption of the Congress
formula of colonial self-government as the constitutional objective was moved but found
no seconder, and the Council adopted in its place the formula, ' the attainment under the
aegis of the British Crown of a system of self-government suitable to India ' a decision
which the League confirmed. The President of the Council, Mr. (afterwards Sir)
Muhammad Shafi, denounced the Congress formula as inadmissible and unsound.” 13
Dr. M. Moiz Khan
Assistant Professor
Dept. of History, University of Karachi
Lucknow Pact 1916: 0322-2391591, moiz200@yahoo.com

In 1913 Jinnah joined Muslim League. He was already a member of Congress

13
Coupland, The Indian Problem, Vol I, 46

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since he came back to India. After joining Muslim League he believed that these two
political parties could come closer and work together. He believed that they both are
Indians and they should not become each-others weakness. The change of objectives by
Muslim League in 1913 brought these two political parties closer due to the common
demand of Self Rule.
Jinnah was successful to convince both parties to conduct their annual session at
the same time in same city. Lucknow was chosen for this purpose. After conducting their
own sessions both conducted a common session.

i. For the first time the Congress agreed to the right of separate electorates for
Muslims. They also introduced the separate electorates in Punjab and Bengal
where they did not exist.
ii. They agreed that no bill will be passed in any provincial assembly if ¾ of the
community concerned with that law agrees to it.
iii. Muslims were given the 1/3 seats in the councils where their ratio was ¼.
iv. In another demand it was asked that any act or law passed by a large majority
in any provincial council should become a bi nding on the government.
v. Provincial autonomy was asked in all provinces.
vi. Both parties agreed that they will protect the rights of minorities living in
their areas.
Dr. M. Moiz Khan
Assistant Professor
Dept. of History, University of Karachi
0322-2391591, moiz200@yahoo.com

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