Role of Muslim league in British India

Why in news?

Recently anniversary of All India Muslim League was observed in December 30.

What was the background of formation of AIML?

All India Muslim league (AIML) was formed by Nawab Salimullah Khan on December 30, 1906, in Dhaka.

• AMU – Aligarh Muslim University provided the first institutional mechanism for mobilizing Muslims to protect their political economic interest.
• Political leadership – By the beginning of 20th century, Rich and powerful Muslims in India had begun to realize the need for political leadership and representation within the community.
• Partition of Bengal in 1905 – Opposition of Bengal partition by congress made the elite Muslims the need to form organization to protect their interest.
• Divide and Rule Policy – It exacerbated religious tensions to maintain control, encouraging ALML formation.
• Lack of Representation - Muslims felt underrepresented in government institutions and decision-making processes.
• 1906 Simla deputation - In 1906,a group of Prominent Muslims met Lord Minto, then Viceroy of India, , to demand more political representation for Muslims.

How Lucknow pact strengthened AML?

• Lucknow pact - In December 1916, the Congress under Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the Muslim League under Muhammad Ali Jinnah signed the Lucknow Pact.

Lucknow session of 1916 was the first Congress session attended by Gandhiji after his return to India from South Africa in 1915.

• Recognition to AML – The pact gave indirect recognition to Muslim league as the sole representative of Muslims in India.
• Separate electorate – Congress agreed to the separate electorate demand of the league.
• Reservation in central council – 1/3^rd reservation was provided to Muslim league in central legislative council.
• Leadership Role - Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who played a key role in the pact, emerged as a prominent leader, further consolidating the League's position.
• Communalism - The pact institutionalized communal representation, which laid the groundwork for future communal politics.

What was the impact of Lahore resolution?

• Lahore Resolution – Adopted by All-India Muslim League in 1940, It formally called for an independent state for India’s Muslims.

March 23 is observed as Pakistan National Day to commemorate this resolution.

• Transformation of league - From the Lucknow pact to the Lahore Resolution, both the League and Jinnah had transformed entirely.
• Independent States for Muslims – Grouping of  geographically contiguous Muslim majority regions in North Western and Eastern Zones of (British) India as 'independent states'.
• Protection of Minority Rights -  The resolution emphasized the need to secure political, economic, and cultural rights for Muslims in minority regions.
• Impact on secularism - Its passage marked a formal articulation of the demand for a separate nation for Muslims, distinct from the vision of a united, secular India promoted by the Indian National Congress.
• Partition of India – After the resolution, Muslim league demanded nothing but partition of India and separate country for Muslims.

How the league achieved partition of India?

• Cripps Mission 1942 - AIML rejected the Cripps proposal  demanding a separate state for Muslims.
• CR or Rajaji Formula 1944 – It was proposal by C. Rajagopalachari to resolve the political divide between the INC and the AIML.
• It proposed a plebiscite in Muslim-majority areas to determine their future, with the option of joining a separate nation.
• AIML rejected the formula due to its insufficient demand for a clear partition of India into two sovereign states.
• Wavell Plan 1945- AIML demanded for sole representation of Indian Muslims and the need for parity between caste Hindus & Muslims in the Executive Council.
• Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) - It  proposed a united India with a weak central government and strong provincial autonomy.
• AIML initially accepted it but later withdrew its support, demanding a complete partition of India.
• Direct Action Day (1946) - when the British invited Nehru for interim government , Jinnah called for a nationwide strike & protest, which turned violent in Calcutta, leading to widespread riots & communal violence.
• Partition of India – June 3 plan decided the partition of British India into two independent sovereign states.

Reference

Indian Express | Muslim League