The All India Muslim League (AIML) was founded on December 30, 1906, at Dhaka. Its primary aim was to safeguard the rights of Indian Muslims. Over time, it played a crucial role in the demand for Pakistan and the eventual partition of India in 1947.
1. Background & Reasons for Formation
✔ Partition of Bengal (1905): Lord Curzon’s partition was initially supported by Muslims. It created a Muslim-majority province in East Bengal.
✔ Hindu-Muslim Tensions: The rise of extremist nationalism in the Congress (Lal-Bal-Pal) made some Muslims feel alienated.
✔ Fear of Hindu Dominance: The growing influence of the Indian National Congress led Muslim leaders to seek separate representation.
✔ Simla Deputation (1906): A group of Muslim leaders met Lord Minto (Viceroy) and demanded separate electorates for Muslims.
2. Formation of the Muslim League
✔ Date: December 30, 1906
✔ Place: Shahbagh, Dhaka (Present-day Bangladesh)
✔ Founded by: Aga Khan, Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka, Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk, and Viqar-ul-Mulk.
✔ First President: Aga Khan III
3. Objectives of the Muslim League
✔ Protect Muslim Interests: Safeguard the political, social, and religious rights of Muslims.
✔ Loyalty to British Rule: Initially, the League aimed to support British rule in return for political concessions.
✔ Opposition to Congress: Counter the influence of the Indian National Congress.
✔ Separate Electorates: Demand separate Muslim representation in elections.
4. Major Developments & Role in Indian Politics
Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)
✔ Granted separate electorates to Muslims, a key demand of the League.
Lucknow Pact (1916)
✔ The Congress and Muslim League signed an agreement to work together for self-government.
✔ Muslims were assured a fixed percentage of representation in future governments.
✔ Marked Hindu-Muslim unity, but was short-lived.
Khilafat Movement (1919-1924)
✔ Muslim League supported Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement to protect the Ottoman Caliphate.
✔ Ended when Turkey abolished the Caliphate in 1924.
Delhi Proposals (1927)
✔ Muslim League demanded reservation of seats for Muslims and protection of religious rights.
Jinnah’s 14 Points (1929)
✔ In response to Nehru Report (1928), Muhammad Ali Jinnah outlined 14 demands to protect Muslim rights.
Government of India Act (1935)
✔ Introduced provincial autonomy, allowing the League to contest elections.
✔ Congress formed governments in several provinces in 1937, which the League opposed.
Lahore Resolution (1940)
✔ Also called the Pakistan Resolution.
✔ Muslim League demanded a separate Muslim state.
Cripps Mission (1942) & Quit India Movement
✔ The League did not support Quit India Movement, instead focused on Pakistan’s demand.
1946 Elections & Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946)
✔ The League won most Muslim seats in the 1946 elections.
✔ Direct Action Day led to communal riots, increasing Hindu-Muslim tensions.
Partition & Independence (1947)
✔ The League’s demand for Pakistan was accepted in the Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947).
✔ India and Pakistan were partitioned on August 15, 1947.
5. Impact of the Muslim League
✔ Strengthened Muslim Identity: Gave Muslims a distinct political voice.
✔ Weakening of Hindu-Muslim Unity: Created divisions between Hindus and Muslims.
✔ Partition of India (1947): Led to the creation of Pakistan.
6. MCQs on Muslim League
1. When was the Muslim League founded?
- (a) 1885
- (b) 1906
- (c) 1916
- (d) 1940
- Answer: (b) 1906
2. Who was the first president of the Muslim League?
- (a) Jinnah
- (b) Aga Khan III
- (c) Syed Ahmad Khan
- (d) Nawab Salimullah
- Answer: (b) Aga Khan III
3. In which session did the Muslim League demand a separate Pakistan?
- (a) 1929
- (b) 1935
- (c) 1940
- (d) 1942
- Answer: (c) 1940 (Lahore Resolution)
4. The Lucknow Pact (1916) was signed between which two parties?
- (a) Congress and British
- (b) Muslim League and British
- (c) Congress and Muslim League
- (d) None of the above
- Answer: (c) Congress and Muslim League
7. Quick Revision – Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | December 30, 1906 |
| Place | Dhaka (Now in Bangladesh) |
| First President | Aga Khan III |
| Key Leaders | Jinnah, Nawab Salimullah, Viqar-ul-Mulk |
| Major Demands | Separate electorates (1909), Pakistan (1940) |
| Partition of India | 1947 |
Conclusion
The Muslim League was initially formed to protect Muslim interests, but it later became the driving force behind the creation of Pakistan. Understanding its role is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs.
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