MAY/JUNE 2018

CONTENT GUIDE
Why did Zia-ul-Haq introduce his Islamisation reforms? 7
• To produce a strong and stable government managed by people committed to Islamic
values.
• He wanted to provide a counter to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s socialist government which he saw
as liberal / westernized.
• He made the Islamic laws strict in order to produce a strong government by imposing a
strict legal code.
• He wanted to implement laws which punished people for showing disrespect towards the
Prophet and ensured that Islamic education was implemented in schools to raise Islamic
awareness.
• He wanted to distribute some wealth to the poor and needy by introducing Islamic taxes
following Islamic principles.

Explain why Sir Syed Ahmad Khan tried to improve relations between the Muslim community
and the British? 7
• Sir Syed Ahmad Khan wanted to improve their social and economic conditions by taking up
posts in the civil service and the army. In order to do this, the Muslim community needed to
embrace the British-styled education system, which would open the door to these roles.
• If the Muslim community did not do these things and foster good relations with the British,
then they may see the Hindu community prosper at their expense.
• He wrote The Loyal Mohammadens of India to prove to the British that the Muslim
community could be trusted after the War of Independence.

Explain why the Muslim community felt it necessary to form their own political party in 1906?
• They felt that Muslim rights would not be advanced if they continued to rely on the Indian
National Congress (Congress) which was seen as an organization that promoted views of the
Hindu community.
• Congress was demanding that India should be treated as a cultural whole and Hindi should
be declared the official language.
• Congress opposed the Partition of Bengal and the Muslim community realised that Hindus
would achieve its reversal, so wanted their own political party to safeguard their interests as
Congress was not doing this.
• The growth of Hindu nationalist groups demanding that Muslims be forcibly converted to
Hinduism.
• The Simla Agreement showed that Muslims were a separate community and needed their
own political party.

Explain why Pakistan has given continued support to the Palestinian cause? 7
• Pakistan is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which aims to
promote harmony and co-operation between Muslim nations and supports the agreement
that the Palestinian issue is a matter for all Islamic countries. Thus Pakistan supported the
Palestinian cause.
• The incident of the Al-Aqsa Mosque was discussed at the first meeting of the OIC and
support was immediately offered to the Palestinians. At the summit in Lahore in 1974, more
specific support was given.

Explain why there was a constitutional crisis in 1958. 7

• There were a number of Prime Ministers between 1956 and 1958 and it reached a stage
where Ayub Khan felt the army should take control until stability had been restored.
• Previous governments endured a number of problems that hampered development such as
food shortages and a drought, which led to demonstrations of discontent. As successive
governments found difficulty in dealing with these matters, there were many personnel
changes to try to find a solution. As a result, little constitutional development could take
place.
• Iskander Mirza lost the support of many of the leading politicians and was alarmed at a plan
by Prime Minister Suhrawardy to unite the political leadership of Bengal and Punjab against
him.
 MAY/JUNE 2019
Explain why Robert Clive was successful in the Battle of Plassey in 1757? 7
• Clive persuaded one of the Nawab’s key men, Mir Jafar, to side with the British. Jafar’s
defection weakened the Nawab’s army, which Clive was able to use to his advantage.
• Clive ordered his men to cover their cannon when it rained. So, the dry cannons of Clive’s
army outfired the Nawab’s cannons.
• Clive was an experienced soldier as he had fought the French in southern India. He was
used to the tactics of warfare, this helped to defeat the Nawab.

Explain why the British wanted to trade in India from 1600? 7

• Reports of immense wealth in the subcontinent led to the British establishing a trading base
there as they saw a profitable future.
• The British wanted to establish their influence in the subcontinent and to oust the Dutch
and Portuguese.
• The British also wanted to establish a strategic port in the subcontinent that would protect
its trading interests there and in the Far East.

Why did the War of Independence of 1857 not succeed? 7

•The Indian population were not united in a common cause.•The Punjab was uninterested in
helping the rebellion and actually sent men and supplies to help the British as they did not
want imperial power restored.
• This also happened in Kashmir where the ruler sent 2000 troops to help the British as this
benefitted his own feudal powers.
• The British had modern methods of fighting and the army was well organised as well as
being supplied by some of the local rulers.

Explain why the Muslim community objected to the rule of the Congress party between 1937
and 1939? 7
• The erosion of Muslim identity and culture. Muslims were forbidden to eat beef and
received harsh punishments if they slaughtered cows.
• Hindi was enforced as the official language and organised attacks were made on mosques.
This made the Muslim community feel that their language and religion were being made
worthless.
• Bande Matram, a nationalistic Hindu song, was adopted. It encouraged Hindus to expel
Muslims from ‘Hindustan’. Singing of the song was made compulsory before the start of
business every day in the provincial assemblies.
• Another scheme, the Widdia Mandar scheme, indirectly aimed to convert all non-Hindus to
Hinduism. It was introduced in all schools and colleges. It promoted Hindu myths and heroes,
adopting them as national icons. Muslim groups felt it was an attempt to subvert their faith.
• The Wardha scheme was a new educational policy that required students to bow before
Gandhi’s picture each day. Spinning cotton by hand was introduced into the school
curriculum. Teaching was in Hindi with no religious education, which meant that Muslim
students were at a disadvantage and again they felt this was a covert attempt at conversion
by Congress.

Explain why there were many governments between 1951 and 1958? 7
• Jinnah died in 1948 and Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated in 1951 without these
experienced figures it was more difficult to establish a stable government.
• The problems of running a new country were very difficult to overcome, especially as some
of the joint assets were withheld after partition.
•Relations with India were strained with no agreement on Kashmir.
• Food shortages followed a drought 1951-53. This, combined with an economic slump, led to
rioting which forced changes in the cabinet.
• Resistance to the One Unit Policy from East Pakistan contributed to a loss of support for
Iskander Mirza’s government.
MAY/JUNE 2020
Explain why the East India Company was interested in the subcontinent in the years before
1750? 7
• The British wanted to establish their influence in the subcontinent and to oust the Dutch
and Portuguese;
• The British wanted to establish a strategic port in the subcontinent that would protect its
trading interests there and in the Far East;
• Reports of immense wealth in the subcontinent meant the British wanted to establish a
trading base there as they saw a profitable future.

Explain why Britain was able to expand into the subcontinent between 1750 and 1850? 7
• The building of railways meant that soldiers could be transported more easily around the
country to establish control. Trade also benefitted from good communications;
• The battles of Plassey and Buxar gave the British Bengal and favourable trading rights with
the local nawabs. This provided new resources, which the British used to consolidate control;
• The British also introduced Governor-Generals into the provinces who administered their
province on British lines, providing more control. This enabled further expansion.

Explain why the Khilafat Movement ended in 1924. 7

• Gandhi called off his support for The Khilafat Movement following the Chauri Chaura
incident causing Muslim and Hindu groups to stop working together to further the
Movement, weakening it;
• In 1920 many Muslim people set off on a hijrat to Afghanistan, but the Afghan government
did not welcome them as they had expected. The migrants returned home to find their
property and jobs occupied which reduced their interest in supporting the Movement as it
was more important for them to get their lives back to normal;
• The new Turkish leader, Kemal Ataturk exiled the Khalifa, and abolished the institution of
the Caliph in 1924 which ended the Movement.

Explain why there was opposition to the Government of India Act of 1935? 7
• As only 25% of the population were eligible to vote because of the property qualification,
the Act was considered exclusive/elitist;
• Although ministers in the provinces appeared to have control over all departments the real
power lay with the Provincial Governors who could chose to intervene in cases of public
order or to veto a bill they disliked;
• The British retained key decisions in external relations and defense. This was a drawback
for Indian groups who wished to gain more control over their own affairs.
Explain why Benazir Bhutto’s government ended in 1996. 7
• The opposition (PML) undermined her government with some success by organizing strikes,
marches and critical speeches, which reducing the government’s efficiency. The PPP
responded by arresting senior PML leaders which increased opposition to the government;
• Benazir Bhutto was criticized for not improving the social services or bringing in measures
for women. The PPP had campaigned on in their ‘Agenda for Change’ in the 1993 elections.
Not fulfilling their election promises made the government less popular;
• Her government was unable to overcome multiple economic problems despite the sale of
nationalized industry. This contributed to the government losing credibility;
• The government lacked unity as there were well publicized family disputes over control of
the PPP.
MAY/JUNE 2021
Explain the importance of the Lucknow Pact of 1916. 7
• a pact was made between the Muslim League and Congress • Muslim League and Congress
hoped that self-government was possible • the Muslim League saw the benefit of working
with Congress • the Muslim League and Congress were working together for the first time •
Congress accepted the principle of separate electorates for the Muslim community.
Explain why Muhammad Ali Jinnah chose Urdu as the national language of Pakistan. 7
• Urdu was widely spoken and understood • He viewed it as a unifying force • it was
associated with the Pakistan Movement • it has a rich literary heritage • it has important
links to Islam

Explain why the Muslim League was formed in 1906.

• to unite the Muslim community• Hindu groups had their own party• Hindu groups wanted
their own language• there was a view that Hindu groups would dominate the Muslim
community • the Muslim community were successful in the Simla Deputation • the growth of
some Hindu groups concerned the Muslim community.

Explain why Congress and the Muslim League opposed the Cripps Mission of 1942. 7
• the Muslim League wanted reference to the establishment of Pakistan • Congress wanted
immediate control over India • Congress was unsure that the British would deliver the
proposals in the plan • Congress wanted to exploit Britain’s weak position at this time.
Explain why there were changes of government between 1951 and 1958? 7
• Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan had died • the remaining politicians were
inexperienced • in 1953 there was a severe drought causing food shortages • there was some
discontent amongst the people who were suffering hardship leading to riots • East Pakistan
had faced severe floods causing food shortages in 1955
MAY/JUNE 2022
Explain why the Cripps Mission had limited success in 1942. 7
 Congress rejected it  the Muslim League opposed it  Britain was concentrating on the War
 This combined rejection demonstrated the weakness of the proposals made.

Explain why Haji Shariatullah was an important figure in the revival of Islam during the
eighteenth century? 7
 He founded the Faraizi Movement he felt that the Muslim community were treated badly
by Hindu groups  he felt that the Muslim community were demoralize.

Explain why Muhammad Ali Jinnah produced his 14 Points in 1929. 7

 as a counter to the Nehru Report  Jinnah’s proposed changes to the Nehru Report were
rejected  the Muslim community wanted a separate homeland  Jinnah’s 14 Points aimed to
benefit the Muslim community  to unite Muslim groups behind Jinnah’s
leadership/philosophy.

Explain why Pakistan becoming a nuclear power was significant? 7

 a response to India developing nuclear weapons  recognition of the military threat posed
by India  political will to modernize Pakistan, encourage industrial development and develop
nuclear energy  to project Pakistan on the world stage  it enhanced national pride it
affected Pakistan’s relationship with the USA with a subsequent impact on the economy  it
encouraged co-operation between Pakistan and India in the 1990s over the nuclear threat 
some people feared it may make the region/world less stable.
Explain the circumstances that brought General Pervez Musharraf into power in 1999. 7
 the government was severely weakened by economic, social and political problems
 Nawaz Sharif lost the support of the army because of his treatment of Jehangir Karamat
 the government lost the support of the army because of events in Kashmir
 On General Pervez Musharraf’s return from a visit to Sri Lanka he announced that the army
was taking control of the government of Pakistan.
OCT/NOV 2018
Why India was not granted self-rule by Britain in 1919? 7
• Britain was severely weakened after WW1, especially economically. All colonial nations
were facing demands from their colonies for independence in one form or another, and
Britain viewed India as the jewel of the Empire.
• Britain’s standing as a world power would be weakened if it gave in to Indian demands.
• Strategically, India was important for the British navy and British influence in the region.
Therefore the British were reluctant to give in to Indian demands
• There were many thousands of British people living in India who could not be abandoned.
The British government did not want to lose these businessmen, missionaries and civil
servants.

Why did Syed Ahmad Barelvi call for Jihad to overthrow Sikh rule in the early nineteenth
century? 7
• To restore the Muslim faith and, by doing so, achieve religious and spiritual freedom for the
Muslim community
• With Punjab under Sikh rule, Punjabi Muslims found it difficult to practice their religion
• Syed Ahmad Barelvi believed that there was a need to end the difficulties facing Islamic
society and having identified Sikh rule as the dominant force in the Punjab targeted them at
first.
Explain how the British reacted to Hindu-led protests against the Partition of Bengal between
1906 and 1908. 7
• Newspapers and public meetings had restrictions placed upon them and editors of
newspapers / journalists were prosecuted and imprisoned
• The Press Act of 1908 placed further restrictions on newspapers and gave the government
greater control over them.
• One organiser of Hindu-led demonstrations, Tilak of Poona was sentenced to 6 years
imprisonment. Others were deported or left the country of their own accord rather than face
imprisonment
• Another approach intended to win support of the more moderate Hindus by making
reforms. Lord Minto the Viceroy worked with John Morley, the Secretary of State for India,
on reforms that became the Morley-Minto reforms in 1909.

Why did educational reform become such an important issue between 1947 and 1999? 7
• A large proportion of the population was illiterate and many children did not go to school at
all. Improving literacy through education will ultimately be of benefit to the economy /
nation, e.g. higher GDP, higher growth, less unemployment, reduced poverty
• One challenge was the amount of government investment. Successive governments
prioritized defense over education. Therefore there was less money available for spending on
education.
• Spending on education takes years to prove effective. Many saw Pakistan’s problems as
being immediate and in need of solution then rather than in years’ time.

Explain why Urdu was chosen as the national language of Pakistan in 1947? 7
• Historic importance as it was the language associated with the Pakistani Movement
throughout its struggle with the British and the Hindu community
• Closely linked to Islamic writings therefore it united the Muslim community
• After Independence it was felt that the language was the uniting force behind the nation so
the government committed to using it at all levels in society
 OCT/NOV 2019
Explain how Jinnah transformed the Muslim League between 1937 and 1939. 7
• Jinnah persuaded the Muslim League that it needed to build up support from the grass
roots as in the elections victory had come from local branches of the party established before
1937;
• Jinnah persuaded the party to be more egalitarian and began to mobilize the Muslim
community and make the League more attractive to so that they would support it / take part
in its activities;
• Jinnah persuaded the chief ministers of Assam, Bengal and Punjab to join the party and as a
result by 1938 membership of the League rapidly increased;
• Jinnah repeatedly warned the Muslim community that they must organize themselves to
resist Congress’ idea to establish Hindustan in the subcontinent.

Explain why the Mughal Empire declined following the death of Aurangzeb? 7
• Aurangzeb’s successors left the administration to their ministers meaning there was no
direct, firm leadership of the empire;
• The lack of a law of succession meant there was sometimes a struggle for succession, costly
in human lives and other resources. Fighting battles was expensive and weakened the
empire’s military, which they depended on for defense;
• Succession often depended upon the ability of the candidates to gain support, such rulers
may have been popular but they did not necessarily have the skills to run a large empire;
• The successors become extravagant – large sums of money, which could have been spent
on defense or government were lost;
• The size of the Empire made it hard to defend and the army was already overstretched as a
result of internal conflicts. Several invasions weakened it further so eventually the British
were able to take control.

Explain why there were three Round Table Conferences between 1930 and 1932? 7
• To discuss and to agree the development of the subcontinent. It was realized that without
the attendance of Congress little progress on the future of the subcontinent could be
achieved and so another meeting was needed;
• Congress did not attend the first conference, the Indian representatives attending struggled
to reach agreement themselves contributing to its breakdown;
• Lord Irwin met Gandhi and made progress so that another Round Table Conference could
be held. In this Gandhi took a hard line refusing to recognise the issue of the minorities and
also claiming that Congress spoke for the whole of India. Thus this conference made limited
headway;
• The second conference broke up amidst concerns that the British would impose a solution if
agreement couldn’t be reached. It was then agreed that a third Conference should be held.

Why was the Cripps Mission of 1942 unsuccessful? 7

• It was rejected by the Congress Party because they wanted immediate and full control over
central government;
• The Muslim League rejected the plan because it contained no reference to the
establishment of an independent Pakistan;
• The British were negotiating from a weak position, which the Congress Party recognized,
demanding that Britain left the subcontinent immediately.

Why did Pakistan apply for membership of the United Nations in 1947? 7
• Pakistan wanted to become a spokesperson of many Asian States and movements
especially Muslim nations;
• To obtain assistance to solve the Canal Water Dispute. Subsequently the President of the
World Bank recommended that the UN should provide financial and technical support to
resolve the Canal Water Dispute.
• Pakistan felt that membership of the United Nations (UN) might help their differences with
India as it would draw the international community’s attention to the issues;
OCT/NOV 2020
Explain the impact of railways on the lives of Indian people in the nineteenth century.
• Railways transformed India• railways extended trade in India • food could be transported
around India • troops could be transported around India • people could travel by train •
better communication between cities • railways made travel easier • more people could
travel • goods could be carried • trains were noisy and smoky/accidents happened/people
lost farmland • railways consolidated British control in India.
Explain why Shah Waliullah was an important figure for the Muslim community during the
eighteenth century.
• Shah Waliullah wanted to stop the declining position of Muslims• he encouraged spiritual
and moral regeneration• he translated the Holy Quran into Persian/wrote 51 books• he tried
to build bridges between different Muslim sects• he organized opposition to the Marathas•
he emphasized the importance of Jihad against a common army• he was a unifying figure
/influenced Islamic revival.

Explain why there were three Round Table Conferences between 1930 and 1932? 7
• To decide the future of the subcontinent • to review the Simon Commission’s report •
Congress did not attend the first conference • Gandhi and Lord Irwin held talks • there was
stalemate in the second conference • Gandhi was stubborn • Gandhi refused to recognize the
rights of minority groups • Gandhi refused to accept Jinnah’s 14 Points.

Explain why Ayub Khan came to power in 1958.

• There were many prime ministers between 1956–1958 • there was a famine/floods• East
Pakistan’s politicians wanted more participation in government • the country needed greater
stability at that time • Iskander Mirza had lost the support of many of the leading politicians.

Explain why it became more challenging for Zia-ul-Haq to govern Pakistan effectively during
the late 1980s. 7
• The provinces became more difficult to administer • there was increasing violence in Sindh•
NWFP became critical of the government • there was a surge in arms smuggling• it became
harder to maintain law and order • the drug trade grew • greater challenge from Muhammad
Khan Junejo • pressure from the MRD • opposition from Benazir Bhutto • an explosion at a
weapons dump at Ojhri Camp.
OCT/NOV 2021
Explain why the Hindu community objected to the Jizya tax? 7
• the charge was levied on able-bodied non-Muslim adult men • only non-Muslim men who
chose to join the Mughal army were exempted from the charge • it created an incentive
amongst non-Muslims to convert to Islam to avoid the charge • the jizya charge was
sometimes more than the zakat charge paid by Muslim men • some of the charge was used
for the Deccan Wars • some of the charge was used to support Islamic religious activities •
some of the charge was used for funding the royal court.
Explain why Sir Syed Ahmad Khan wanted to improve relations between the Muslim
community and the British after the War of Independence. 7
• Sir Syed Ahmad Khan foresaw the potential power of the Hindu community in India• he
believed that the Muslim community was not responsible for the War • he wanted to prevent
any future suffering of the Muslim community • he wanted to improve the social and
economic conditions of the Muslim community/the Muslim community to prosper • he
wanted the Muslim community to have improved educational opportunities.
Explain why the Congress Party opposed the Morley-Minto reforms of 1909? 7
• The British would not give more political responsibility to India• Congress opposed the
principle of separate electorates • self-rule was not given or promised • Congress raised
objection to Muslim representation in the Councils.

Explain why martial law was implemented in 1958* 7

• There were multiple Prime Ministers from 1956 to 1958 which had caused uncertainty• The
country lost confidence in its leaders• many of the politicians at the time were
inexperienced• the army wanted to stabilize the country • to manage the aftermath of the
floods and famine in East Pakistan.

Explain why Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reformed education between 1971 and 1977? 7
• to increase literacy levels in Pakistan• to increase the numbers of children in school
(approximately half of all children attended school in 1970) • to provide education for all,
including women • to redress historic underinvestment in education and on schools • to raise
aspirations through education • to create a ‘Pakistani’ culture and identity • to develop a
common school curriculum that was ‘fit for purpose
OCT/NOV 2022
Explain why General Muhammad Ayub Khan came to power in 1958? 7
• by 1958 General Muhammad Ayub Khan thought it necessary to take over the country to
settle Pakistan • there were many Prime Ministers between 1956 and 1958 causing
instability/uncertainty • there were food shortages and flooding in 1955 in East Pakistan •
East Pakistan wanted more involvement in central government.
Explain how Britain extended its control across the subcontinent between 1756 and 1856. 7
• by having a strong army • the British army took Bengal in the battles of Plassey and Buxar •
they took control of vast resources especially in Bengal • they had a well-developed
administrative system e.g. GovernorGenerals from 1782 onwards • they built railways •
troops, administrators and goods were transported around the country • they passed laws:
The Regulating Act 1773, The India Act 1784, etc. • the Doctrine of Lapse 1852 • land annexed
in: Sindh, North-West Frontier, Punjab, Mysore.

Explain why the Simon Commission of 1927 was unpopular? 7

• Sir John Simon/Conservative government felt the pace of reform should be slow • the
committee had a non-Indian/all-British perspective • Indian groups felt the composition of
the committee was an insult • views of Indian nationalists were not represented/considered
• it was seen by Indian groups as a stalling tactic by Britain to put off self-government • the
Labor party favored a more sympathetic approach to Indian nationalism.

Explain why people joined the Khilafat Movement? 7

• people wanted to protect the Caliphate/Ottoman Empire/holy place • it provided a vehicle
for different groups of people to protest against the British • the Muslim community resented
fighting fellow Muslims in the First World War • Gandhi saw it as an opportunity to unite
Muslim and Hindu communities against the British • to protest against the policy of British
repression in 1921.

Explain why Benazir Bhutto’s government was dismissed in 1990? 7

• the MQM left the coalition • there was opposition to the ruling party in Sindh• there was
growing unemployment, riots and strikes • a no confidence motion was introduced • lost the
confidence of President Ghulam Ishaq Khan • there were some allegations from political
opponents that the government encouraged corruption