THE EMERGENCE OF

PAKISTAN 1906–1947

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 THE PARITITON OF BENGAL CONTROVERSY, 1905–11
1 Describe the impact of Lord Curzon on India. [4] October/November 2022
One mark for each relevant point. Additional mark for supporting detail.
Indicative content
- he became Viceroy of India [1] in 1898 [1]
- in 1905 [1] he decided to partition Bengal [1]
- it was partitioned into West Bengal and East Bengal
- protests took place in Bengal because of his decision
- the Muslim community supported his decision
- Hindu groups boycotted British goods because of his decision
- long-term, partition was reversed in 1911
- long-term, it weakened the position of Muslims [1] and strengthened the position of Hindus [1]
Other relevant responses should also be credited.
2 What was the Swadeshi Movement? [4] October/November 2010
Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a developed statement. Candidates might
refer to:
A boycott of British goods by the Hindus during the time of the Partition of Bengal (1905–11), British cloth thrown onto
bonfires, wearing of locally produced clothes, series of strikes by Indian workers especially in Calcutta.
3 Describe the Swadeshi Movement. [4] October/November 2014
Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a developed statement. Candidates might
refer to:
Formed in response to partition by the Hindus between 1903 and 1905. Hindus were furious with the partition as they
saw it as part of the British ‘divide and rule’ policy. Swadeshi Movement was a boycott of British goods and bought
only Indian produced goods. British sugar, salt and cloth especially suffered and cotton in particular. British cloth was
burnt on bonfires. People picketed the shops selling foreign goods.
4 What was the Swadeshi Movement? [4] May/June 2018
Level 1: One mark for each relevant point, two marks for a developed statement [1–4]
e.g.
- A boycott of British goods by Hindus during / because of the Partition of Bengal, 1905–11
- British cloth was thrown onto bonfires
- The Hindu community wore locally produced clothes
- There were a series of strikes by Indian workers, e.g. in Calcutta
No evidence submitted or response does not address the question 0

1 Why was Bengal partitioned in 1905? [7] May/June 2004

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement
It wanted to be free [1]
LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons
It was too large and Hindus were in the majority. [2-4]
LEVEL 3: 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
power. [5-7]
2 Why was the Partition of Bengal reversed in 1911? [7] October/November 2005
Level 1: Simplistic statement [1]
The Hindus didn’t like it
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 Level 2: Identifies reasons [2-4]
Hindus protested and banned British goods
Level 3: Explains reasons [5-7]
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 stated their boycott of British goods under the ‘Swadeshi Movement’. There was also an outbreak of
terrorist activities.
3 Why did the British decide to reverse the partition of Bengal in 1911? [7] May/June 2007
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1]
The Hindus didn’t like it.
LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2-4]
Hindus wanted to protest and banned British goods.
LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5-7]
The Hindus’ objection to Partition was so great that it caused the British to reconsider it. Congress opposed it by
holding meetings and there were 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. Further Lord Curzon, originator of the idea, was no longer viceroy so a change of policy
was easier.
4 Why was Bengal partitioned in 1905? [7] October/November 2012
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1]
It wanted to be free.
LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2–4]
It was too large and Hindus were in the majority.
LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5–7]
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 Hindus saw it as a policy of ‘Divide and Rule’, an attempt by the British to work against the Hindus. The
Muslims felt that it was a British attempt to recognise the Muslims after years of mistrust and domination by the
Hindus.
5 Why did the British reverse the partition of Bengal in 1911? [7] May/June 2014
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1]
The Hindus didn’t like it
LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2–4]
Hindus wanted to protest and banned British goods
LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5–7]
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.
6 Explain why the British partitioned Bengal in 1905. [7] May/June 2016
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1]
It wanted to be free.
LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2–4]
Bengal was too large to govern as one province.

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 LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5–7]
Of the 54 million people in Bengal, 42 million were Hindus. It seemed sensible to divide up the province on religious
grounds. It was a very large province that created significant administrative difficulties. The British felt that partition of
the province would make it easier to administer, especially at the time of a new British government in power. The
Hindu community saw it as a policy of ‘Divide and Rule’, an attempt by the British to work against them.
1 Explain how the British reacted to Hindu-led protests against the Partition of Bengal
between 1906 and 1908. [7] October/November 2018
Level 3: Explains ways the British dealt with Hindu-led protests [5–7]
(Five marks for one explanation, six marks for two explanations, seven marks for three explanations)
- Newspapers and public meetings had restrictions placed upon them and editors of newspapers / journalists were
prosecuted and imprisoned
- The Press Act of 1908 placed further restrictions on newspapers and gave the government greater control over
them.
- One organiser of Hindu-led demonstrations, Tilak of Poona was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment. Others were
deported or left the country of their own accord rather than face imprisonment
- Another approach intended to win support of the more moderate Hindus by making reforms. Lord Minto the Viceroy
worked with John Morley, the Secretary of State for India, on reforms that became the Morley- Minto reforms in
1909.

1 ‘Bengal was partitioned in 1905 because of geographical factors.’ Do you agree?

Explain your answer. [14] May/June 2006
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement
It wanted to be free [1-2]
LEVEL 2: Description of geographical or other factors
It was too large and Hindus were in the majority. [3-6]
LEVEL 3: Explains at least one factor [7-10]
LEVEL 4: Explains at least two. Geographical factors to be explained for maximum marks [9-13]
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.
LEVEL 5: As Level 4 - also produces a judgement or evaluation [14]
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] May/June 2009
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement. [1–2]
It wanted to be free.
LEVEL 2: Description of partition and/or reversals. [3–6]
Bengal was too large and needed partitioning. Hindus were in the majority and wanted reunification.
LEVEL 3: Explains reasons for partition OR reversal. [7–10]
LEVEL 4: Explains BOTH. [9–13]
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

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 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 would weaken 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. Many Hindus started a mass boycott of British goods under the ‘Swadeshi
Movement’. A few extreme Hindus adopted terrorist behaviour and, among other attacks, attempted to assassinate
Lord Minto.
LEVEL 5: As Level 4: also produces a judgement or evaluation. [14]
3 ‘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] May/June 2011
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]
4 How successful was the Partition of Bengal in 1905? Explain your answer. [14] October/November 2015
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1–2]
Bengal wanted freedom.
LEVEL 2: Describes Partition/Reversal or identifies successes/failures [3–6]
It was too large and Hindus were in the majority and they didn’t want it
LEVEL 3: Explains successes OR failures [7–10]
LEVEL 4: Explains successes AND failures [9–13]
Successes
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 the British 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.
Failures

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 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
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]
5 How successful was the 1905 Partition of Bengal? Explain your answer. [14] May/June 2020
Level 3: Explains success OR lack of success of Partition in 1905 [7–10]
(One explanation is worth seven marks. Additional explanations awarded up to 10 marks
Level 4: Explains the success AND lack of success of Partition in 1905 [9–13]
(Two explanations, one on the achievements and one on another reason, are worth nine marks. Additional
explanations awarded up to 13 marks) e.g.
Success
- Bengal was the largest province in India. 54 million people were Hindu, out of a population of 84 million. The
province had become too large and complex for the British to govern;
- Two smaller provinces were more efficient for the British to administer;
- The Muslim community were pleased. After partition they were fully recognised in East Bengal province where they
were the majority;
- The separation of Bengal along religious lines ended the oppression of Muslims under Hindu rule.
Lack of success
- Bengali Hindu groups objected. They believed that the partition was a deliberate British policy to ‘divide and rule’.
Hindus believed that partition would weaken Hindu unity and influence in East Bengal;
- Many Hindus protested. The Hindu’s demands put pressure on the British government to reverse their decision.
- There was also an attempted assassination of Lord Minto.
- British goods were boycotted under the ‘Swadeshi Movement’ which ultimately succeeded.
Level 5: Explains with evaluation. (As top of Level 4 plus judgement / evaluation) [14]

THE SIMLA DEPUTATION 1906

1 Why was the Simla Delegation of 1906 an important turning point for the Muslims
of the sub-continent? [7] October/November 2006
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement, for example:
They got on better with the British. [1]
LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons, for example:
It led to a separate electorate for Muslims and the formation of the Muslim League. [2-4]
LEVEL 3: Explains reasons, for example: [5-7]
The Muslim demands for separate representation, election by only Muslim voters and weightage in all
elected bodies were accepted by the British. This resulted in a sudden upturn in Muslim-British relations
and helped to remove the previous bad feelings between the 2 sides. It also paved the way for demands
for a separate homeland with the granting of a separate electorate. It also guaranteed Muslims an
independent role in the political process and as a result led to the formation of the All-Indian Muslim
League later in the year.

2 Why was the Simla Deputation of 1906 an important event for the Muslims of the subcontinent?
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 [7] October/November 2010
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement.
They got on better with the British. [1]
LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons.
It led to a separate electorate for Muslims and the formation of the Muslim League. [2–4]
LEVEL 3: Explains reasons.
The Muslim demands for separate representation, election by only Muslim voters and weightage in all
elected bodies were accepted by the British. This resulted in a sudden upturn in Muslim-British relations
and helped to remove the previous bad feelings between the 2 sides. It also paved the way for demands
for a separate homeland with the granting of a separate electorate. It also guaranteed Muslims an
independent role in the political process and as a result led to the formation of the All-Indian Muslim
League later in the year. [5–7]

3 What was the Simla Deputation? [4] May/June 2013-final

Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a developed statement.
Candidates might refer to:
1906, led by Aga Khan, visited Minto the Viceroy to make some requests – Muslims to have own
representatives elected by Muslim voters, in councils Muslims to have higher percentage of seats than
their percentage of population. Minto agreed to these proposals. Showed Great Britain prepared to work
with Muslims, persuaded Muslims that they were a separate community to Hindus and the idea grew of a
separate political party.

4 Why was the Simla Delegation of 1906 an important turning point for the Muslims of the sub-
continent? [7] [Specimen Paper]

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement. [1]

They got on better with the British.
LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons. [2–4]
It led to a separate electorate for Muslims and the formation of the Muslim League.
LEVEL 3: Explains reasons. [5–7]
The Muslim demands for separate representation, election by only Muslim voters and weightage in all
elected bodies were accepted by the British. This resulted in a sudden upturn in Muslim-British relations
and helped to remove the previous bad feelings between the two sides. Also paved the way for demands
for a separate homeland with the granting of a separate electorate. Also guaranteed Muslims
independent role in the political process and as a result led to the formation of the All-Indian Muslim
League later in the year.

1 Why was the Muslim League founded in 1906? [7] May/June 2005
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement
They wanted a party of their own [1]
LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2-4]
The Muslims were disorganised and disunited. The Indian National Congress was an Hindu organisation

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 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. The Congress was demanding that India should be treated as a
cultural whole and Hindi should be declared the official language. By not organising a Muslim group they would
continue to be disorganised and disunited. Even more worrying was the growth of extreme Hindu nationalist groups
who demanded that Muslims be forcibly converted to Hinduism. Therefore, a number of prominent Muslim leaders
founded the Muslim League.
2 Why was the Muslim League established in 1906? [7] May/June 2009
LEVEL 3: Explains reasons. [5–7]
The belief among some that Muslim rights would not be advanced if they continued to rely on the Indian National
Congress. They saw it as an organisation which would only advance Hindu views. Congress was demanding that
India should be treated as a cultural whole and Hindi should be declared the official language. By not organising a
Muslim group, they saw that they would continue to be disorganised and disunited. Even more worrying to some
Muslims was the growth of tiny extreme Hindu nationalist groups demanding that Muslims be forcibly converted to
Hinduism. Equally, they saw a way to increase their influence with the British and gain better terms for Muslims
(because many British saw India as organised and divided on religious lines). Therefore, a number of prominent
Muslims founded the League.
3 ‘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. [14] May/June 2010
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 whole and Hindi should be
declared the official language. It was seen as an organisation which would only advance Hindu views. Muslim rights
would not be advanced if they continued to rely on the Indian National Congress. By not organising a Muslim group
they would continue to be disorganised and disunited. They didn’t feel that had the same influence as Congress with
the British. Also the Hindus were beginning to protest against the partition of Bengal and the Muslims saw this as a
sign of the influence the Hindus had and they were worried about their own interests. Even more worrying was the
growth of extreme Hindu nationalist groups who demanded that Muslims be forcibly converted to Hinduism. Therefore
a number of prominent Muslim leaders founded the Muslim League.
LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation. [14]
4 Why was the Muslim League established in 1906? [7] May / June 2012
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. The Congress was demanding that India should be treated as a
cultural whole and Hindi should be declared the official language. By not organising a Muslim group they would
continue to be disorganised and disunited. Even more worrying was the growth of extreme Hindu nationalist groups
who demanded that Muslims be forcibly converted to Hinduism. Therefore a number of prominent Muslim leaders
founded the Muslim League.
5 Was the need for their own political party the most important reason why the Muslim League
was established in 1906? Explain your answer. [14] October/November 2013
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1–2]
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 They needed 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 the need for own party or other reasons [7–10]
LEVEL 4: Explains the need for own party and other reasons [9–13]
Muslims were increasingly aware that their political rights would not be advanced if they continued to rely on the Indian
National Congress. By not organising a Muslim group they would continue to be disorganised and disunited. It was
also set up because of the growth of a better understanding between the British and Muslims that was reflected in the
Simla Declaration in 1905. In 1905 a new Liberal government had taken office that seemed likely to make changes in
political representation and Muslims felt that they needed their own political party. The Congress was demanding that
India should be treated as a cultural and political whole and Hindi should be declared the official language. It was seen
as an organisation which would only advance Hindu views. They did not feel that had the same influence as Congress
with the British. Also the Hindus were beginning to protest against the partition of Bengal and the Muslims saw this as
a sign of the influence the Hindus had and they were worried about their own interests. Even more worrying was the
growth of extreme Hindu nationalist groups who demanded that Muslims be forcibly converted to Hinduism. Therefore
a number of prominent Muslim leaders founded the Muslim League.
LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation [14]
6 Explain why the Muslim League was formed in 1906. [7] October/November 2014
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1]
They wanted their own 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. The Congress was demanding that India should be treated as a
cultural whole and Hindi should be declared the official language. By not organising a Muslim group they would
continue to be disorganised and disunited. Even more worrying was the growth of extreme Hindu nationalist groups
who demanded that Muslims be forcibly converted to Hinduism. Therefore a number of prominent Muslim leaders
founded the Muslim League.
7 Was the partition of Bengal the main reason for the formation of the Muslim League in 1906?
Give reasons for your answer. [7] October/November 2016
LEVEL 1: Simple statement [1–2]
LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons for partition [3–6]
The partition caused resentment amongst the Hindus
LEVEL 3: Explains the partition of Bengal reason OR other reasons [7–10]
LEVEL 4: Explains the partition of Bengal reason AND other reasons [9–13]
Partition of Bengal
- Hindus protested against the partition of Bengal - Muslims saw this as a sign of the influence the Hindus had over
the British
- The Muslims started to think about their own survival and political representation
- Muslims were also increasingly aware that their political rights would not be advanced if they continued to rely on
the Indian National Congress
- By not organising a Muslim group they would continue to be disorganised and disunited over the partition.
Other reasons
- The growth of a better understanding between the British and Muslims that was reflected in the Simla Declaration in
1905
- In 1905, a new Liberal government had taken office that seemed likely to make changes in political representation,

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 so Muslims felt that they needed their own political party
- The Congress was seen as an organisation which would only advance Hindu views as it demanded that India
should be treated as a cultural and political whole and Hindi should be declared the official language
- They did not feel they had the same influence as Congress with the British
- The growth of extreme Hindu nationalist groups which demanded that Muslims be forcibly converted to Hinduism.
LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation [14]
8 Explain why the Muslim community felt it necessary to form their own political party in 1906.
[7] May/June 2018
Level 3: Explains reasons [5–7]
(Five marks for one explanation, six marks for two explanations, seven marks for three explanations)
e.g.
- They felt that Muslim rights would not be advanced if they continued to rely on the Indian National Congress
(Congress) which was seen as an organisation that promoted views of the Hindu community.
- Congress was demanding that India should be treated as a cultural whole and Hindi should be declared the official
language.
- Congress opposed the Partition of Bengal and the Muslim community realised that Hindus would achieve its
reversal, so wanted their own political party to safeguard their interests as Congress was not doing this.
- The growth of Hindu nationalist groups demanding that Muslims be forcibly converted to Hinduism.
- The Simla Agreement showed that Muslims were a separate community and needed their own political party.
9 Was the Simla Deputation of 1906 the most important reason for the formation of the
Muslim League later that same year? Explain your answer. [14] October/November 2019
Level 3: Explains the Simla Deputation reason(s) OR other reason(s) [7–10]
(One explanation is worth seven marks. Additional explanations awarded up to 10 marks)
Level 4: Explains the Simla Deputation reason(s) AND other reason(s) [9–13]
(Two explanations, one on the Simla Deputation and one on other reason, are worth nine marks. Additional
explanations awarded up to 13 marks)
e.g.
Simla Deputation
- The acceptance of demands from Muslim groups proved that there was a better understanding between the British
and the Muslim community as a result of the work of leaders like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan;
- Many Muslims now recognised that they were a separate community who should be treated differently to Hindu
groups.
Other reasons
- In 1905 a new Liberal government had taken office that seemed likely to make changes in political representation.
Thus the Muslim community felt they needed their own political party to protect their own interests;
- Congress was demanding that India should be treated as a cultural and political whole and Hindi should be declared
the official language and therefore was seen by Muslim groups as an organisation which would primarily advance
the views of the Hindu community leading Muslim groups to conclude that their own political party was needed;
- The growth of Hindu nationalist groups demanding that Muslims be forcibly converted to Hinduism led to a number
of prominent Muslim leaders founding the Muslim League as a means of promoting and safeguarding Muslim
identity;
- When the Hindu community started to protest against the partition of Bengal, Muslim groups saw this as a sign of
Hindu influence and became concerned about their own interests – and began to consider their own survival and
political representation;
- The Muslim community became increasingly concerned that their political rights would not be advanced if they
continued to rely on the Indian National Congress and that by organising a single Muslim political group they would
be organised and united.

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 Level 5: Explains with evaluation [14]
(As top of Level 4 plus judgement / evaluation)
10 Explain why the Muslim League was formed in 1906. [7] May/June 2021
Indicative content
- to unite the Muslim community
- Hindu groups had their own party
- Hindu groups wanted their own language
- there was a view that Hindu groups would dominate the Muslim community
- the Muslim community were successful in the Simla Deputation
- the growth of some Hindu groups concerned the Muslim community
Other relevant responses should also be credited.
11 To what extent was the need for a political party to represent the Muslim community the main reason
for the establishment of the All-India Muslim League in 1906? Explain your answer. [14] May/June 2022
Indicative content
May agree that the need for a political party to represent the Muslim community was the main reason for the
establishment of the All-India Muslim League in 1906:
- Muslim community could not rely on Congress to further their interests e.g. education and economic well-being
- to take advantage of the support given by the British Liberal government to the Muslim community
- to promote the political rights and identity of the Muslim community
- Simla Deputation achieved the promise of separate electorates propelling the Muslim community towards the
formation of the All-India Muslim League
- the promise of other political reforms created a ‘window of Musli opportunity’ to establish its own political party
counter-arguments might include:
- the partition of Bengal was a problem for Congress
- there had been a growth in Hindu activism
- Hindi-Urdu controversy/‘Two-Nation’ Theory
Other relevant responses should also be credited.

1 Why did the Congress Party oppose the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909?
[7] October/November 2004
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.

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2 Why did Congress oppose the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909? [7] October/November 2008
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 Congress wanted more
responsibility which the government were not prepared to give. This annoyed many who were looking
towards self-rule. The British accepted the right of Muslims to have separate electorates which also
annoyed some Hindus who saw it as a concession too far. Some Hindus also resented the relative high
position of Muslims in the Councils despite their much smaller numbers.

3 Why were the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1906 opposed by the Congress Party?
[7] May/June 2013-final
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 was 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.

4 What were the terms of the Indian Councils Act of 1909? [4] May/June 2016
Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a developed statement.
Candidates might refer to:
Also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909. The Imperial Council increased to 60 members by
adding more non-official members. The British retained control. The Central Executive Council increased
by 60 members and could discuss matters of importance and advise on government policies including the
budget. Provincial Councils also increased to 50 members in larger provinces and 30 members in smaller
provinces. Muslim representatives to the Councils to be elected by a separate Muslim-only electorate.
5 Explain why the Congress Party opposed the Morley–Minto reforms of 1909.
[7] October/November 2021
Mark according to the level of response descriptors in Table 1.
Indicative content
- the British would not give more political responsibility to India
- Congress opposed the principle of separate electorates
- self-rule was not given or promised
- Congress raised objection to Muslim representation in the Councils
Other relevant responses should also be credited.

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