Chapter 8: How successful

was the Pakistan Movement

in the years 1927 to 1939?
Specific points and background
• The Simon Commission was a British parliamentary commission
appointed in 1927 to review and recommend constitutional reforms for
British India. It was named after its chairman, Sir John Simon.
However, it consisted entirely of British members and no Indian
representatives, sparking widespread protests across India due to the
lack of Indian involvement.
• Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of the All India Muslim League,
produced the 14 Points in 1929 to articulate the demands of the
Muslim community in British India. These points aimed to safeguard
the political rights and interests of Muslims within the framework of a
federal system, ensuring adequate representation and autonomy for
Muslims in various regions of India. Jinnah's 14 Points were
significant in shaping the Muslim League's political agenda and
eventually played a crucial role in the negotiation process leading to
the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
  The Indian National Congress boycotted the
commission, demanding Indian representation. The
commission's recommendations, known as the Simon
Report, were published in 1930 and proposed limited
constitutional reforms that fell short of Indian
aspirations for self-rule..
 The Simon Commission and its subsequent report
further fueled the Indian nationalist movement and
contributed to the demand for greater autonomy and
ultimately independence from British rule.
  The Nehru Report
The Nehru Report of 1928 was a significant
document drafted by the All Parties Conference
led by Motilal Nehru. It aimed to propose
constitutional reforms for India in response to the
dissatisfaction with the British government's
Simon Commission.
 The report advocated for dominion
status for India within the British
Commonwealth, universal adult
franchise, separation of powers, and
safeguards for minority rights.
• Muhammad Ali Jinnah's 14 Points, presented in
1929, aimed to address the political concerns of
Muslims in British India:
1:Muslim Representation: Muslims should have
adequate representation in all legislative bodies
proportionate to their population.
2:Separate Electorates: The principle of separate
electorates for Muslims should be retained to
safeguard their political interests.
3:Weightage in Legislatures: Muslim
representation should be increased in areas where
they are in a minority to ensure adequate political
participation.
3:Weightage in Legislatures: Muslim representation should be
increased in areas where they are in a minority to ensure
adequate political participation.
4:Muslim Majority Areas: Muslim-majority provinces
should have full autonomy and control over their own
affairs.
5:Religious Liberty: Muslims should have the freedom to
practice their religion and protect their cultural identity.
6:Muslim Minorities: Protection of the rights and
interests of Muslim minorities in non-Muslim-majority
provinces.
 7:Islam in State Affairs: Muslims should have a say in
matters concerning their religion and culture.
8:Equal Rights: All citizens should have equal rights and
opportunities regardless of their religion or background.
9:Federal System: India should be structured as a
federation to ensure regional autonomy.
10:Constitutional Reforms: Any constitutional reforms
should be made only with the consent of all communities.
 11:Government Jobs: Muslims should have adequate
representation in government jobs, particularly in their
respective provinces.
12:Civil Services: Muslims should have fair representation
in civil services and other administrative bodies.
13:Educational Institutions: Muslim educational
institutions should receive adequate funding and support.
14:Social Rights: Muslims should have equal rights and
protections in social and economic spheres.
 Allama Iqbal's Allahabad Address, delivered in 1930,
was a significant speech in which he presented the idea of a
separate Muslim state in the Indian subcontinent. In this
address, Iqbal emphasized the importance of Muslim unity
and called for the establishment of an independent Muslim
state to safeguard the political, social, and cultural rights of
Muslims .
• He proposed the idea of a separate homeland for Muslims as a means
to preserve their distinct identity and ensure their prosperity. The
Allahabad Address played a pivotal role in shaping the ideological
foundations of the Pakistan movement and inspired Muslims to strive
for their political emancipation in British India.