Pakistan Movement in the Early 20th Century - Questions and Answers
1. What was the Simla Deputation and why was it important? (4 Marks)
The Simla Deputation took place on October 8, 1906, when a group of prominent Muslims
led by Agha Khan met the Viceroy, Lord Minto, at Simla. The delegation presented the
concerns of the Muslim community and requested separate electorates to ensure fair
political representation. The British accepted their demands, which marked a major step in
safeguarding Muslim political rights. This event was significant because it was the first time
the Muslims formally demanded political recognition as a separate community, which
later became a foundation for the creation of the All-India Muslim League.
2. Explain the causes and effects of the Partition of Bengal. (7 Marks)
The Partition of Bengal was carried out by the British on October 16, 1905, under the
direction of Lord Curzon. Bengal was the largest and most populous province, making it
difficult to govern. The British argued that partition was necessary for administrative
efficiency. The province was divided into East Bengal, where Muslims were the majority,
and West Bengal, where Hindus were the majority. Muslims welcomed the partition
because it gave them greater political power and reduced Hindu dominance. On the other
hand, Hindus strongly opposed it, viewing it as a "divide and rule" strategy to weaken their
political influence.
The Hindu community launched the Swadeshi Movement to protest the partition by
boycotting British goods and promoting Indian-made products. Widespread
demonstrations and unrest followed, including attempts on British officials' lives. In
response to the protests, the British government imposed strict press censorship and
arrested key leaders. Eventually, the partition was reversed in 1911, which deeply
disappointed Muslims who had benefited from the earlier division.
In conclusion, the Partition of Bengal heightened Hindu-Muslim tensions and
demonstrated the need for Muslims to have their own political representation. It also
revealed the British strategy of managing Indian politics through division and control, laying
the groundwork for future communal conflicts.
3. What were the aims and objectives of the All-India Muslim League? (4 Marks)
The All-India Muslim League was founded in 1906 after the success of the Simla
Deputation. Its main aim was to protect the political rights and interests of Muslims in
India. The League wanted to represent Muslim needs to the British government and
promote feelings of loyalty towards the British administration. It also aimed to prevent
misunderstandings about government policies and reduce hostility between Muslims and
other communities. The League sought to counter the influence of the Indian National
Congress, which was dominated by Hindus, ensuring that Muslim concerns were not
overlooked.
4. What was the Lucknow Pact, and why was it significant? (7 Marks)
The Lucknow Pact was an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-
India Muslim League in 1916. It was reached during their joint session in Lucknow, where
both parties agreed to present united demands for greater political representation to the
British government. The Pact allowed Muslims to have separate electorates and reserved
one-third of the seats for Muslims in the Legislative Councils, even though they made up
only 25% of the population. It also stated that no law affecting a community would be
passed without the consent of that community's representatives.
The Pact was significant because it marked a temporary unity between Hindus and
Muslims against British rule. It showed that the Congress accepted the need for separate
electorates to protect Muslim interests. The agreement also increased the demand for
self-government and strengthened the belief that both communities could work together
for political rights.
In conclusion, the Lucknow Pact was a milestone in Indian politics as it united two major
communities. However, this unity was short-lived as future events led to increased
communal tensions and the eventual partition of India.
5. What were the Morley-Minto Reforms, and how did they impact Indian politics? (7
Marks)
The Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced in 1909 through the Indian Councils Act. They
were named after Lord Morley, the Secretary of State for India, and Lord Minto, the Viceroy.
These reforms increased the number of members in the Legislative Councils at both the
central and provincial levels. Muslims were granted separate electorates, which meant
they could elect their own representatives to the councils.
The reforms allowed Indians to discuss budgets and suggest changes to government
policies. However, the councils had no real power to influence major decisions, as the
British retained full control. While the reforms were a step towards greater Indian
participation in governance, they did not satisfy the demand for self-rule.
In conclusion, the Morley-Minto Reforms were significant because they formally
recognized Muslims as a separate political entity. This created a divide between Hindus
and Muslims and laid the foundation for future political developments that ultimately led
to the creation of Pakistan.
