Chapter 4 – Class 8th

Q1) Highlight the similarities and differences between the congress and the muslim
league.

The Congress and the Muslim League both aimed for independence from British rule in
India. However, the Congress was a secular, diverse organization using non-violent resistance,
led by leaders like Gandhi and Nehru, while the Muslim League focused on representing
Muslim interests and ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan under Jinnah's leadership in
1947.

Q2) Explore the initial demands of the congress, and the importance of those demands
for the muslims of the subcontinent?

One of the key demands was self-governance for India, ultimately leading to independence
from British rule. This was a shared objective that resonated with Muslims who, like Hindus,
sought to be free of colonial oppression.

Another significant demand was civil rights and representation for Indians in government.
This was crucial for Muslims as well, as they wanted fair representation in legislative bodies
to protect their interests and rights.

Moreover, the Congress demanded social and economic reforms, which included equitable
land distribution and opportunities for education. These reforms were not exclusive to any
particular religious community, benefiting Muslims and others in addressing socio-economic
disparities.

Q3) When Muhammad Ali Jinnah put forward his fourteen points, he said this marked
the “parting of ways” with the Indian National Congress. Why do you think this was
so?

Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s “Fourteen Points” represented a shift away from the Indian National
Congress because they laid out a different political path for Muslims in British India. These
points focused on Muslim interests, such as having a say in politics, freedom to practice their
religion, and protection for their cultural and educational rights. This difference in goals
highlighted the increasing gap between the Congress, which aimed for a united struggle for
independence involving all communities, and the Muslim League, which sought special
political recognition and rights for Muslims. This divergence led to the two groups going
their separate ways.

Q4) The partition of Bengal is often considered the turning point in Hindu-Muslim
unity . why do you think this was so and how did it turn out in favour of the Muslims?

The partition of Bengal in 1905 heightened tensions between Hindus and Muslims,
contributing to a sense of political awareness and empowerment among Muslims, which
played a role in the demand for separate electorates and the later creation of Pakistan in
1947. This made it a turning point with long-term consequences in favour of the Muslims.

Q5) How did the simla agreement pave the way for the formation of the Muslim
league?

The Simla Agreement of 1916, through the Lucknow Pact, fostered cooperation between the
Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, temporarily aligning their interests and
improving the Muslim League's political standing. This collaboration indirectly contributed to
the Muslim League's growth and influence, setting the stage for its pivotal role in the
eventual formation of Pakistan in 1947 as it demonstrated its ability to secure Muslim rights
within the broader framework of Indian self-governance.

Q6) Why was the Rowlatt Act Anti-Democratic? Why did the British think it was
necessary?

The Rowlatt Act of 1919 was seen as undemocratic because it took away basic rights like a
fair trial and freedom of speech. The British thought it was necessary to control the unrest in
India after World War I, including incidents like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. However,
Indians strongly opposed it because they felt it violated their rights and their desire for self-
rule.

Q7) Why did the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms create a further divide between
Congress and the Muslims?

The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 widened the gap between the Indian National
Congress and the Muslim League due to the introduction of separate electorates. This was
the first time that the number of the Indian elected members was increased to form a
majority over official British members. However, major power was still held by British.
Congress rejected the proposal but Jinnah still hoped for the two sides to work together and
was happy about the separate electorates, but the Congress rejected unity.

Q8) How were Muhammad Ali Jinnah's actions different from other political leaders
who were demanding the British to leave their land? Has he rightly earned the title of
'Quaid e Azam'?

Muhammad Ali Jinnah's actions differed from other leaders in British India as he primarily
focused on advocating for the rights of Muslims and championed the idea of a separate
Muslim-majority state, Pakistan. His tireless efforts in leading the All-India Muslim League
and his role in the creation of Pakistan earned him the title 'Quaid-e-Azam,' recognizing his
pivotal contribution to the formation of a distinct Muslim state. Whether he "rightly" earned
the title remains a matter of historical debate, but it acknowledges his significant role in
Pakistan's creation.

Q9) Describe the contributions of Allama Iqbal to the formation of Pakistan. Include an
evaluation of him as a poet. Do you think his title "Poet of the East" is fitting?

Allama Iqbal played an important role in the creation of Pakistan by sharing ideas that
inspired Muslims to seek their own separate country. He expressed these ideas in his poetry
and writing. His title "Poet of the East" is suitable because his poems spoke to people in
South Asia and beyond, touching on themes like self-discovery and spirituality. Iqbal's poetry
and his ideas were influential in shaping the concept of Pakistan, making him an important
figure in its history.

Q10) Why did the Government of India Act of 1935 ‘please no one’? What was its most
significant feature?

The Government of India Act of 1935 didn't make either the British or the Indians completely
happy. It tried to find a balance between what both wanted, but it ended up being
complicated and not fully satisfying anyone. The Act's most important feature was giving
more power to Indian provinces to govern themselves, but it still kept a lot of control with
the British government at the centre. This setup left both British officials, who thought it gave
too much power to Indians, and Indian nationalists, who felt it didn't give them enough self-
rule, feeling dissatisfied.

Q11) Compare the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935. How are they similar?
How do they differ?

Similarities
1. Both acts introduced
representative elements in
Indian governance.
2. Both acts aimed to grant greater
autonomy to Indian provinces.
Differences
1. 1919 Act had limited powers for elected Indians;
1935 Act expanded powers and representation
in governance
2. 1919 Act started devolving certain powers to
provinces; 1935 Act significantly increased
provincial autonomy
3. 1919 Act had restricted voting; 1935 Act
extended voting rights to a larger Indian
population

Q12) Why was it essential for Muslims of the subcontinent to have a separate
homeland?

The demand for a separate homeland, leading to the creation of Pakistan, was driven by
concerns about protecting the religious and cultural identity of Muslims, ensuring fair
political representation, and addressing economic and social differences. Muslims in British
India sought a separate state to safeguard their rights and well-being in a diverse and
complex society.