ALL INDIA MUSLIM LEAGUE (AIML) Founded in 1906 1
Oct 21, 2015
PAST YEARS QUESTIONS
Account for the emergence of All-India Muslim League in 1906 and assess its importance in Indian Politics between 1906 and 1913. (2004)
2
BACKGROUND Congress (dominated by Hindus) failed to
gain confidence of Muslims / minorities
Acid test of Sir Syed’s apprehensions - Congress announcement of “Sowdeshy Movement” – against Partition of Bengal (1905)
Fissures among the Indian society were deep rooted – religion, tradition and culture, norms and values, etc. – one platform was not possible
3
SEPARATE IDENTITY OF MUSLIMS
Conflicting interests B/W Hindus and Muslims – Congress couldn’t safeguard Muslim interests
Sir Syed’s apprehensions / contentions proved by the events and circumstances
Sir Syed’s opposition to joint electorates (demand for separate electorates) was the first seed to culminate in the formation of AIML
Indian Councils Act, 1892, system of electorate proved futile for Muslims – no Muslim candidate could obtain any seat up to 1906 5
CONGRESS ATTITUDE MUSLIMS
Safeguarded Hindu interests – no consideration for justifiable rights of Muslims / other communities
Congress Opposed Partition of Bengal (1905)
The partition by the British was on administrative grounds – not a Muslim demand intense reaction of Congress / Hindus an eye opener for Muslims
Congress announced “Sowdeshi Movement” –serious Hindu – Muslim riots
Therefore, a separate political organization for Muslims was found necessary & formed
6
CANDID ATTITUDE OF LORD MINTO
Simla Deputation (1905) – Muslim leaders
Lord Minto was positive – encouraged Muslims to concentrate their energies on separate electorates
Hindu historians argue that ML was created on official instigation to break Congress dominance & weaken Indian freedom movement. However, no evidence provided to substantiate the claim. 7
PHASE-I: LOYALTY / RIGHTS
Protect political rights of Muslims in India
Foster loyalty to the British and to remove misunderstandings with the government
Cooperation with other communities without prejudice to above goals
Secure supremacy of Urdu language9
PHASE-II: SELF GOVT. / UNITY
System of self government under British Government
New constitution passed on 23-03-1909 (Minto Morley Reforms)
Good relations with other communities to work for similar goals
Hindu-Muslim Unity leading to Lucknow Pact – Khilafat Movement
10
ACHIEVEMENTS - I
A separate political platform for Muslims
Political leadership [Jinnah – Member of Viceroy’s Executive Council & Indian Council Ministers – Ahmedul Mulk & S. Hassan Bilgarami]
Filled up the vacuum of Sir Syed Ahmed
Separate electorates through Minto-Morley Reforms (1909)
13
ACHIEVEMENTS - II Appointment of Muslim judges in High /
Supreme Courts – a Muslim demand accepted [Calcutta – SHARIFUDDIN; Allahabad KARAMAT HUSSAIN; Punjab - SHAH DIN]
Approval of Trust Bill [Trust a social entity – works for social benefits. Many Trusts in India denied benefits to Muslims – the Act extended benefits to Muslims
Creation of Pakistan 14
PAST YEARS QUESTIONS
Minto-Morely Reform was a “tool of change” in the political system of India. Discuss it with special reference to the demands of Simla Deputation. (2007)
16
INTRODUCTION Tension between Congress and AIML after
Partition of Bengal (1905)
Muslims demanded ‘Separate Electorate’ during Simla Deputation (16-10-1906) prior to creation of Muslim League
AIML intensified efforts for the said demand and convinced British who brought reforms in the shape of Indian Councils Act 1909
Approved by British Parliament & enforced on 23-03-1909, the Act further reformed legislative councils
17
SALIENT FEATURES-I Muslims’ demand of ‘Separate Electorate’
accepted – transformed nature of politics in India (national to communal)
Modus operandi for elections – partly direct elections and partly indirect nominations
Small non official majority allowed at Provincial level while official majority retained at Centre
18
SALIENT FEATURES-II Members of Legislative Councils could:
Raise questions relating to administration and policy; and
Discuss budget item wise
Provincial Councils expanded
W & E Bengal, UP and Madras = 50
Punjab =30)19
SALIENT FEATURES-III
60 members added to Central Legislative Council
Viceroy’s Executive Council expanded
20
CONGRESS / HINDU REACTION
Hindu politicians and Congress launched a campaign against ‘Separate Electorates’
Congress in 1910 Session demanded its withdrawal
All Hindu and several British observers believed communal electorates a breach of democratic principles and sowing seeds for divisions in the society / polity
Hindu Muslims relations further deteriorated21
ROLE OF MUSLIM LEAGUE
First achievement of AIML within two years of the establishment
British Govt. for the first time accepted that in India where different nationalities live Western type of democracy was inapplicable – voice of Sir Syed became reality
The status of AIML established as the only political organization representing Muslims22
IMPORTANCE FOR MUSLIMS - I
Muslims’ main demand of Separate Electorate was accepted in the provinces where Provincial Councils existed
Muslims were given double vote (they could vote separately for Muslims and also for general constituencies)
Legal and constitutional status of Muslims in India as a separate entity was accepted & established
Created great political awareness among the Indians / Muslims
23
IMPORTANCE FOR MUSLIMS - II
Congress hadn’t accepted AIML / Muslims as separate entity – now they were (after some time) willing to discuss issues to reduce Hindu – Muslim tension conference of 60 Hindus and 40 Muslims held at
Allahabad on 01-01-1911 to discus such issues
Congress realized that AIML was an important factor to be reckoned with in Indian politics
Reforms gave impetus to the constitutional development in India – first time direct elections were introduced albeit partly 24
CONCLUSION Reforms played significant role in the
constitutional history / development in India
But for Muslims they were of paramount importance and shaped their political fate
Had there been no provision of ‘Separate Electorate’ least chances of Lucknow Pact (1916) consequently no concept of Pakistan Resolution and ultimately Pakistan itself!
25
PAST YEARS QUESTIONSDescribe the main contents and relative
importance of the Lucknow Pact and Delhi Muslim Proposals and their respective impact on the subsequent political developments in India. (2011)
Illustrate the role of Quaid-e-Azam for protecting the constitutional rights of Muslims of the subcontinent from 1916-1933? (2009)
Quaid-e-Azam was the ambassador of “Hindu-Muslim Unity”. Discuss it in perspective of Lukhnow Pact and what future vision depicted from the pact? (2008)
27
INTRODUCTION An episode of great political and constitutional
magnitude
Example of Jinnah’s sagacious statesmanship – holding dual membership of Congress and AIML acted as an apostle of Hindu – Muslims unity
A bridge to narrow down the gulf between Hindus and Muslims
A step towards establishment of a bi-national state and self govt. in India when Congress + AIML agreed over the political & constitutional future of India
28
EVENTS LEADING TO THE PACT Meeting of 60 Hindus and 40 Muslims held at Allahabad
on 01-01-1911
Congress annual session at Karachi (Dec. 1913) Bhopindra Nath Basu positive gestures towards Muslims and stressed for better understanding / Cooperation
1913 - Jinnah jointed ML while retaining Congress membership–Ambassador of Unity
On 31-12-1915 Congress and ML held sessions at Bombay – committees set up to explore ways of cooperation
Joint session of Congress and AIML in Dec. 1916 at Lucknow
Jinnah presided ML and made a strong plea for unity. Congress leader Ambica Charan Manjumdar reciprocated
29
30
SALIENT FEATURES
Settlement of Communal Issues (Hindus vs. Muslims) Demands from the British (Congress + AIML vs. British Govt.)
SETTLEMENT OF COMMUNAL ISSUES-I
Congress conceded the Muslim / ML demand of Separate Electorate –
Not only where they existed earlier (under 1909 Act) but in Punjab and CP as well
But, Muslims were to lose the double advantage of vote in general elections (in vogue since 1909)
Muslim Representation in Central Legislative Council to constitute 1/3rd of the elected members
31
SETTLEMENT OF COMMUNAL ISSUES-II
Communal veto –
no bill, affecting a particular community, should be processed in any council, if 75% of members of that community in the council oppose it.
32
SETTLEMENT OF COMMUNAL ISSUES-III
‘Weightage’ PrincipleMuslim minority provinces:
More share was given to Muslims UP (pop. 14% - seats 30%); Madras (pop. 6.15% -
seats 14%)
Muslim majority provinces: Hindus were given weightage more than their
population In Bengal (25% more) and Punjab (10% more)
[criticized by certain Muslim politicians and journalists as they lost majorities in Bengal and Punjab while no real benefit accrued in Muslim minority provinces ]
33
SETTLEMENT OF COMMUNAL ISSUES-III
In Provincial Councils Muslims seats were:
Punjab 50%; Bengal 40%; Bombay 35%; UP 30%; Bihar 25%; CP 15%; Madras 15%;
34
DEMANDS FROM BRITISH GOVT.
Provincial Autonomy: Max. administrative and financial autonomy for provinces
Half members of Central / Provincial Executive Councils to be popularly elected
All Legislative Councils with substantial popularly elected majorities (around 80%)
Separation of Executive from Judiciary35
SIGNIFICANCE -I Notwithstanding the criticism on weightage
principle, for the first time an agreed solution to the constitutional issues in India was found by the two parties / communities
Created trust among Hindus and Muslims [critical - ultimately of no use]
Three clear benefits to MuslimsSeparate electorate accepted by HindusMore seats / weightage in Muslim minority provinces Communal veto [not accepted by British in 1919 Act]Khilafat Movement
36
SIGNIFICANCE - II Heavy price paid by Muslims – lost
majorities in Bengal and Punjab
For Congress / Hindus – gave strength to the indigenous cause vis-à-vis the British
The Hindu-Muslim honeymoon culminated into
Non-cooperation Movement
Khilafat Movement 37
CONCLUSION
Though Hindu – Muslim unity and the influence of the pact proved short lived yet it greatly impacted the future course of events in next few years
The political strength of Congress and AIML increased vis-à-vis the British
38
PAST YEARS QUESTIONS
Trace the course of the khilafat movement and assess its significance for the development of Muslim nationalism. (2004)
Analyse the credit side as well as debit side of the Khilafat Movement.(1996)
40
INTRODUCTION
The Movement was an attempt towards religious consciousness –
The only movement during British India which had no direct concern with the affairs of Muslims of India
But it greatly influenced subsequent political strategy of Indian Muslims – in fact spearheaded Pakistan movement
41
BACKGROUND Turkey (Ottoman Empire) – the seat of Muslim
Caliphate joined hands with Germany against allies, headed by Britain during WW-1 (1914-19)
British Government sought help of Indians (especially Muslims) against Germans and its partners and promised not to deprive Turkey of her territories including holy places after cessation of hostilities
Victorious Britain, backed out of the promise – turned Turkey into fragments like Germany and Austria
Enraged Muslims launched Khilafat Movement – struggle for status quo (retention of Khalifah - the institution was instrumental to the concept of Islamic Ummah)
42
PIONEERS Who led the movement?
Jinnah or Aga Khan?Ulemas from Deoband or Nadva?
Jinnah had opposed Khilafat Movement from the platform of ML, Why? Logic: interference into foreign affairs was
against the charter of the party
Maulana Mohd Ali Jauhar (Comrade and Hamdard spread message)
Maulana Shaukat Ali Jauhar; Abul Kalam; Ulemas from Deoband joined the movement
44
ALL INDIA KHILAFAT CONFERENCE
AIKC – a body to protect status of Turkey / Khilafat – passed resolution in first session in Dec 1919 at Amritsar asking Muslims to:
Abstain from victory celebrations;Boycott the British goods;Not to cooperate with the Government;
AIKC sent a delegation to the British to acquaint them with Muslim feelings
March 1920 delegation reached Europe – addressed meetings in London / Paris –
The aim remained unfulfilled. They came back home without any success
45
NON-COOPERATION MOVEMENT
Gandhi an advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity
Joined Jauhar brothers
Motive was to gain strength for ‘self rule’ Hindus also felt betrayed by the British for their
promise of self rule in India after the War
Announced Non-cooperation Movement, from platform of Congress in 1920 Session at Calcutta, and exhorted Indians to:
Surrender all British titlesRefuse to attend any Government functionBoycott of British law courtsBoycott of forthcoming elections
46
KHALIFAH & SAWARAJ
Khalifah and Sawaraj (self rule) became the two slogans of the movement
The movement became very successful and popular – both Mohammad Ali and Gandhi toured India – Jauhar even imprisoned.
47
ANTI-CLIMAX Death Blows to the Khilafat Movement:
Gandhi unilaterally called off Non-cooperation Movement in February 1922. Why?
After Chauri Chaura (small town in Bombay) Tragedy when 15 policemen were killed by angry protestors and skirmishes between people and law enforcers started – to restore peace
The emergence of Kamal Ata Turk and
establishment of Modern Turkey after abolishing the title of Khalifah
48
A. INDIGENOUS / POPULAR Most popular indigenous movement - No direct
relevance to Indian Muslims –but united them and brought further closer to Indian Hindus
New type leadership for Muslims: who no longer operated behind the scene but mingled with masses and prepared to go behind the bars
Popular politics replaced drawing room discussions
Jauhar brothers established Jamia-i-Milli (National Muslim University) which served as alma mater for national education Critical: Jauhar brothers, under Gandhi’s leadership, tried
to take over Aligarh but could not succeed, established this institution
50
B. AN EYE OPENER An eye opener for Muslims – Hindus and Muslims
made a united / common cause but Gandhi called off Non-Cooperation Movement unilaterally
Critical:
He did it to avert violence but should have taken Muslims in confidence
Muslims suspected Gandhi’s intentions – communal violence ensued which served a death blow to Hindu Muslim unity
Involvement of masses in politics: Indian Muslims knew how to agitate and how to participate in politics 51
C. RELIGIOUS CONSCIOUSNESS
Religion was pivotal for the movement, subsequently became instrumental for future politics
Religious consciousness turned into political consciousness
Involvement of masses in politics: Indian Muslims knew for the first time how to agitate and how to participate in politics
52
D. UNITY IN MUSLIM RANKS
Brought radicals and moderates closer:
Jauhars and Agha Khan
While ‘agitators’ were taking out processions in India, ‘constitutionalists’ / ‘loyalists’ were writing articles in ‘The Times’ in Britain
Their aim was identical (only the means were different)
53
THE DARKER SIDE Brought an end to politics of Luknow Pact which
Jinnah had concluded with Congress with great effort
In the beginning it appeared that Khilafat Movement and Non-Cooperation Movement were logical corollaries of the unity period
Soon the myth of Hindu-Muslim unity broke down!
It took leadership of Muslims from enlightened / secular leaders like Jinnah to the Muslim clergy, who hated the secular politics of ML led by Jinnah
Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, a new political organization of Muslims emerged on the Indian scene, which later opposed Pakistan plan
54
CONCLUSION Movement couldn’t achieve its stated
objectives but its impact was far reaching on the subsequent course of the politics of Indian Muslims
Khilafat movement indeed spearheaded Pakistan movement as:
Muslim masses learnt politicsThey knew that Hindu Muslim unity was a mythThey started thinking to devise a separate
strategy for themselves 55
INTRODUCTION Indians had been demanding and were
promised ‘self rule’ during WW-1 (1914-18)
‘Self Rule’ = Governance at Provincial level by native politicians
The Act of 1919 fell short of the aspirations of the Indians
It offered a limited role to the native politicians in governance at Provincial level
57
SALIENT FEATURES - I Direct elections for Provincial Councils
Wider franchise rights Lower property qualifications
Principle of ‘Separate Electorates’ retained Extended to Sikhs But other minorities still denied
In the constitutional structure Congress-ML arrangement (Lucknow Pact) was rejected
58
SALIENT FEATURES - II The principle of ‘Dyarchy’ introduced
Certain ( ‘authority’ wise less important ) subjects (e.g. health, education, etc. but significant in service delivery) were “transferred” to the Ministers
Chosen from and responsible to the Provincial Legislative Council
More important functions (e.g. police / law & order, revenue administration, etc.) were retained by British Governors / Executive Council
Analysis: limited executive authority given at Provincial level – objective was to train the natives about the governance
59
SALIENT FEATURES - III Governor to enact any bill, including money
bill, if he “certified” it as essential
Central Legislative Council was replaced by a bicameral legislature:
Council of State and Indian Legislative Assembly with great majority of
elected members
Analysis: Still no executive authority yielded to natives at Central level
Examination / review of the working of the system by a commission after ten years
60
WORKING OF REFORMS - I 1920 elections were boycotted by Congress
– criticized / rejected Act of 1919 Congress splinter National Liberals participated
in elections in most of the provinces
Muslims did not rejectBut AIML also followed Congress – did not
participate in elections (unity period – 1919 to 1924 - AIML did not meet independently – worked with Congress)
After Khilafat movement, the chapter of rapprochement (unity period) ended
61
WORKING OF REFORMS - II
In 1924, AIML demanded sawaraj (‘self rule’) –
Minority safeguards – separate electorates
Federal polity
Muslim majorities in Punjab, Bengal, NWFP not to be
disturbed
Full provincial autonomy
62
SIGNIFICANCE / IMPLICATIONS
1919 Act - Not much significant except that for the first time limited executive authority was delegated to the natives at provincial level
It widened gulf between Hindus and Muslims to some extent – Hindu Ministers’ policies accentuated the gulf
63
CONCLUSION
In the beginning the Reforms brought Congress and AIML further closer but
Later on parting of ways started with the practical experiment of the limited rule
64
PAST YEARS QUESTIONS - I Describe the main contents and relative
importance of the Lucknow Pact and Delhi Muslim Proposals and their respective impact on the subsequent political developments in India. (2011)
Illustrate the role of Quaid-e-Azam for protecting the constitutional rights of Muslims of the subcontinent from 1916-1933? (2009)
Make a critical comparison of the Nehru Report and the Quaid-e-Azam’s Fourteen Points. (2001)
66
PAST YEARS QUESTIONS - II Describe the main recommendations of the
Nehru Report. What was the Muslim reaction to them?(1993)
Give a critical evaluation of the Fourteen Points of the Quaid-i-Azam. (1997)
Compare and contrast the Nehru Report and Quaid-i-Azam’s Fourteen Points(1996).
67
INTRODUCTION
NEHRU REPORT:
A devise of Motilal Nehru
A blue print of Hindu polarization against Muslims and their political rights
A death blow to the concord of Lucknow
A Congress Constitution, demanding Dominion Status for India, came in August 1928
68
BACKGROUND Lord Birkenhead, Secretary of State for India,
criticized Indians – ‘not being able to produce a unanimous report acceptable to all communities’
Reply: ‘All Parties Conference’ was convened – AIML joined but later pulled out due to practical dominance of Hindu Mahasaba – an extremist organization
The committee comprised of certain members of the minority communities, who were not truly represented by their respective communities 69
SALIENT FEATURES - I Dominion Status for India – Parliamentary
form of government
Rejected Federation on communal basis – in fact suggested ‘unitary state’
Provincial autonomy but residuary powers at centre (provinces - linguistically constituted)
NWFP be given provincial status
Sindh separated from Bombay subject to financial viability 70
SALIENT FEATURES - II “Separate electorates” abandoned – in
favour of joint electorate
Communal veto scrapped
Universal adult suffrage proposed
Only 1/4th seats for Muslims in Central Legislature
Hindi to be official language of India
71
ANALYSIS
The report regarded Muslim problem as purely religious and cultural (communal) matter – to be cured by full religious liberty and cultural autonomy – ‘Declaration of Rights’
Muslims knew where they stood in Congress scheme – In 1916 when they needed AIML support they accepted ‘Separate Electorate’ - here they scrapped it! 72
IMMEDIATE REJECTION - I
Muslims were shocked – Members of Central and Provincial Councils found it impossible to agree
Agha Khan doubted if any serious minded person could imagine the Muslims accepting it
The immediate result – the two groups of AIML (created in 1927) came closer to oppose it 74
IMMEDIATE REJECTION - II On 12-03-1929 when the Report was
debated in the Indian Legislative Assembly all Muslim members including Jinnah rejected it
The Times (13-03-1929) observed:
‘The solidarity of Muslim feeling in the Assembly was not unexpected, but certainly disturbing to those trying to represent the Nehru Report as a demand of a united India. Henceforth, such a claim must be manifestly absurd’.
75
DELHI PROPOSALS (1929)All India Muslim Conference, presided
by Agha Khan, met in Delhi in 1929 and laid down following demands:Federal system – residuary powers to
provincesSeparate electorates Muslim weightage in Hindu Majority
provincesMuslims due share in Cabinets (Central &
Prov.)Due share in public service jobsProtection & promotion of Muslim education,
culture, etc.
76
COMMUNAL ISSUESSeparate electorates – with possibility of
joint electorates at a later stage
1/3rd Muslim representation at Centre
Communal veto demanded
Weightage – without changing majority into minority, especially in Bengal & Punjab
78
FEDERALISM Bi-national state with loose Federation of 5
Muslim and 6 Hindu majority provinces
Complete provincial autonomy - Residuary powers to provinces
Change in the Constitution – only with the consent of the constituent states
Adult franchise
79
REFORMS IN SINDH / NWFP
Separation of Sindh from Bombay
Reforms in NWFP and Balochistan on the same footing as in other provinces
Necessary territorial adjustments should not convert Muslim majorities into minorities in Punjab, Bengal and NWFP
80
PARTING OF WAYS Jinnah’s fourteen points were repetition of
what Congress had accepted in Lucknow Pact
Rejection of these Muslim demands in the Report created / widened gulf between Hindus and Muslims (Congress and ML)
This was turning point in the history of India – the two communities never united afterwards 81
CONCLUSION
This political development convinced the Muslims that they could not trust Congress / Hindus
Henceforth, co-existentialism replaced with separatism – struggle for freedom
82
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – I(POINTS OF DIVERGENCE)
LUKNOW PACT
NEHRU REPORT
JINNAH’S 14 POINTS
SEPARATE ELECTORATESRECOGNIZED By Congress
ABANDONED (proposed ‘Joint Electorate’)
DEMANDED By Jinnah
PROVINCIAL AUTONOMY
MAXIMUM AUTONOMY Demanded
DEMANDED ButRESIDUARY POWERS with the Centre
DEMANDED But RESIDUARY POWER with Provinces 83
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – II(POINTS OF DIVERGENCE)
LUKNOW PACT
NEHRU REPORT
JINNAH’S 14 POINTS
COMMUNAL VETORECOGNIZED By Congress
ABANDONED By Nehru
DEMANDED By Jinnah
MUSLIM REPRESENTATION IN LEGILATIVE COUNCIL
Congress RECOGNIZED1/3rd Muslim Representation
CONCEDED Only 1/4th By Nehru
Jinnah DEMANDED 1/3rd Again
84
LUKNOW PACT
NEHRU REPORT
JINNAH’S 14 POINTS
SINDH’S PROVINCIAL STATUSNo Mention DEMANDED if
financially viable
DEMANDED By Jinnah in any case
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
No Mention HINDI Jinnah DEMANDEDLanguage rights for Muslims 85
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – III(POINTS OF DIVERGENCE)
LUKNOW PACT
NEHRU REPORT
JINNAH’S 14 POINTS
FORM OF GOVERNMENTAGREEDSelf Govt. at Provincial Level
DEMANDED Federal (RPs to Centre) Parliamentary
REITERATED Federal (RPs to Provinces)Parliamentary
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
No Mention HINDI Jinnah DEMANDED 86
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – IV(POINTS OF CONVERGENCE)
LUKNOW PACT
NEHRU REPORT
JINNAH’S 14 POINTS
NWFP & BALUCHISTANNo Mention DEMANDED
reforms for Provincial status
DEMANEDED Provincial Status
FRANCHISE PROPOSED Universal adult suffrage
REITERATED Universal adult suffrage
87
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – V(POINTS OF CONVERGENCE)
PAST YEARS QUESTIONS
Examine Allama Iqbal’s concept of Muslim Nationalism in the light of Allahabad address (2005)
Write detailed notes on any TWO of the following: (b) Allama Iqbal (2001)
Analyse political developments between Iqbal’s Allahabad address and the Lahore Resolution. (1991)
89
INTRODUCTION
A landmark in the history of Muslim India
He was dubbed as visionary and an idealist but time proved that his solution was genuine, possible and practical – to the complex social, political and religious problems of India 90
POLITICAL PROBLEMS OF INDIA
Complex social, cultural, political and linguistic issues remained in the thought process of politicians, thinkers, statesmen since centuries
In late 1920s – new socio-political consciousness of Muslims of India
Iqbal was a poet philosopher and a political thinker – studied Indian scene from different angles 91
POLITICAL PROBLEMS OF INDIA
He was a critic of modern / territorial nationalism as understood in Europe
India, unlike European countries, inhabited by several nations mainly Hindus and Muslims
Duality of religion and polity / state (secularism) not applicable in Indian society
Islam plays significant role in Muslim lives. They are not willing to submerge their ‘religious identity’
Hence, to ensure internal harmony settlement of communal question is crucial
92
THE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS - I
India was not a county but a continent where many nations live - each with separate identity, religion, culture, etc.
Federalism can’t succeed without recognizing the national identity of Muslims
Modern nationalism / unitary form of government simply unthinkable for Muslims
Redistribution of India – Muslim India within India: propounded two nation theory logically 93
THE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
Residuary powers be given to self governing units
Punjab, NWFP, Sindh and Balochistan amalgamation – final destiny at least of North West India
This will offer peace and security due to internal balance of power
94
CRITICAL ANALYSIS Presented his idea logically and defended it
effectively
He did not argue for a Muslim State but for a Muslim block within Indian federation of a very loose centre equivalent to a confederation
Bengal and Assam did not appear into his calculations – later on brought into the scheme by Muslims 95
CRITICAL ANALYSIS [Making of Pakistan by K K Aziz] Some critics
argue that Iqbal never argued for an independent state and, therefore, should not be accorded the parentage of Pakistan
The criticism can be repudiated by Iqbal’s letters to Jinnah (from May 1936 to Nov. 1937)
On 28-03-1937, he wrote “it is necessary to redistribute the country and provide one or more Muslim states with absolute majorities. Don’t you think the time for such a demand has already arrived?” 96
SIGNIFICANCE Provided new opportunities to think in terms
of a separate homeland for Muslims
Jinnah gave most serious consideration to Iqbal’s scheme of partition
Lord Lothian, the then Secretary of State for India appreciated and found it as the only formula to save India from continual tension and strife
97