SIMLA DEPUTATION (1906)

Q3. Why Simla Deputation took place in 1906? (7 marks)

Firstly, the Muslims had watched the reactions of Hindus to the partition of Bengal
with dismay, they saw a massive protest wave organised protest which they feared
would result in the partition being reversed. They new that Muslims were not able to
provide such a level of protest to maintain the partition. Therefore Muslims wanted to
clear British about their views and hence Simla Deputation took place in 1906.

Secondly, the Indian National Congress was dominated by Hindus and the Muslims
feared that Hindu agitation (pressure) would lead to Hindi becoming a national
language or even to Muslim being forcibly converted to Hinduism. So in order to
safeguard Muslims identity in terms of language and religion Simla Deputation took
place.

Thirdly, a new liberal government was elected in Britain in 1905. Muslims fear grew
due to this government as Liberals had stated that they would increase local
participation in the government of India through elections. Since the Hindus were in
majority, the Muslims feared that they would soon be dominated by Hindus in local
government. Hence it was a time to act and as a result SD took place.

Q4: Why was Simla Deputation important for Muslims? (7 marks)

Ans: firstly, the importance of Simla Deputation lies in the fact that though this,
Muslims-British relations were improved. The British acceptance showed that the
attempts by Sir Syed and others to restore relations between the Muslims and British
had been successful. The British were now prepared to work with the Muslims and
even to make concessions to them. Thus the Simla Deputation for Muslims was
important as it improve the relation between Muslims and British.

Secondly, it also showed that the Muslim community had decided to ensure it
established a secure for constitution making. The Hindu-Muslim rivalry which existed
in day to day life now existed in the constitution as well. Therefore Simla Deputation
important for Muslims as they would have greater representation in the government as
Muslims could voice their opinions.

Thirdly, the Simla Deputation showed that many Muslims had come around to the
idea they were separate community who should be treated in different way from the
Hindus. From this, it was only a short step to break away from congress to establish a
party which would represent and respect Muslims interest.

Q5: What was the Simla Deputation? [4]

• 1906
• 35 members, Muslim delegation under Agha Khan
• Met Viceroy Lord Minto
• They demanded:-
─ Separate electorates
─ Weightage of seats for Muslims
• John Morley, Secretary of State for Indian affairs, thought that these demand were
undemocratic.
• However, Viceroy Lord Minto accepted.
 Establishment of All India Muslim League (1906)

Q6. Why was Muslim League created in 1906? (7 marks)

Ans: The British had accepted the Simla Deputation and Partitioned Bengal to
established Muslim dominant east Bengal. The Muslims community still felt that it
lacked the influence Hindus had gained enough of their control of congress. So in
order to represent Muslim needs and aspiration to the Government of India Muslim
League was created in 1906.

Secondly, the British had portioned Bengal but this resulted in feeling of outrage in
the Hindu community. This had reinforced the division between Hindus and Muslims
and had led Muslim leaders to believe that it was even more vital to establish their
own political organization. So Muslim League was created to protest and advanced
the political rights and interests of Muslims in India.

Thirdly, some Hindus claimed that the British were behind the establishment of
Muslim league to act as a counter to congress. But it was Muslims themselves who
setup the new organization. Once a Minto had accepted the right of separate electorate
once Congress had became Hindus organization and once Hindu had began
opposition against POB. It was obvious that Muslims should form their own party to
ensure that their views received the hearings from the British. Therefore to remove
any misunderstanding regarding Muslims Muslim league was created.
 Minto Morley Reforms(1909)

Q9. Why were Minto Morley Reforms opposed by Hindus? (7 marks)

Ans: Minto Morley Reforms increased the number of Indians sitting in imperial
Executive and Provincial Councils and therefore appeared to give a local population a
greater say in how the country was run. But the council had no real power. Their
function was purely advisory. Therefore Minto Morley was opposed due to the fact
that councils were just advisory.

Secondly, Minto Morley Reforms granted separate electorates for Muslims. The
Hindus agreed that this was undemocratic and for the next 25 years, congress was to
pass an annual resolution calling for an end to separate electorates. Hence Minto
Morley Reforms were badly rejected by Hindus as Muslims might get a chance to rise
in councils.

Thirdly, from the beginning Hindus were wanting self rule whereas Minto Morley
Reforms didn’t support any idea to self rule therefore they were opposed by Hindus.
 LUCKNOW PACT (1916)

Q13: Why was Lucknow Pact drawn in 1916? (7 marks)

Firstly, after the reversal of the partition of Bengal Muslin saw British as betrayers.
As the Muslim saw that British government did not fulfil their promise. It gave them
feeling that British were reluctant to make concessions for Muslims. Thus they sided
with Hindus against the British.

Secondly, Muslims decided to change their aims and objectives after the reversal so
they tried their best to improve their relations with Hindus because both parties had
their objectives. Muslims wanted to get separate electorate and Hindus demanded for
self rule.

Thirdly, congress being a strong party was able to annul the partition. So it was better
for Muslims to recognise their rights by the Hindus in front of British government. So
the two parties had drawn a Lucknow Pact.

However there were other reasons as well asDuring the First World War, the British
started a policy of repression against the Indians. This annoyed Congress and Muslim
League which joined hands and signed the Lucknow Pact in order to pressurize the
British to give Indians their due rights.
Jinnah, who was a member of both Congress and Muslim League, believed in Hindu –
Muslim unity. He persuaded both of the parties to work together. Thus, it was
partially due to his persuasion why Lucknow Pact was signed for the betterment of
both the parties.