4 (a) The arrival of the British

Q. Write what you know about Robert Clive. [5] 2007 Q, Describe the work of Robert Clive in India between 1757 and
1773.[5] 2017
Ans. Robert Clive was a General in the EIC army. He was sent from Madras to Calcutta when Sirajuddaula attacked the city,
aided by the French. First he won Calcutta back, then took the port of Hoogli. Finally he led the British at the Battle of
Palashi.He negotiated the Treaty of Diwani 1765 by which Bengal could be ruled locally but move surplus revenues to the EIC.
This monopoly brought vast wealth to the EIC. He was accused of corruption after the Great Famine of 1769-70.

Q. Explain the reasons for the outbreak of conflict between Sirajudduala and the British. [5] 2014
Ans. The British were overbearing and the Nawab resented their influence. The British had fortified Fort William in Calcutta
without his permission. They were ere accused of abusing trade privileges given to them by the Mughals which had caused
heavy losses in the revenue of the Nawab. The Nawab Sirajuddoula accused the British of conspiring with his enemies. The
Nawab had seized the factory in Kasimbazar and marched on Calcutta to drive the British out and capture the city, which is
known as the Black Hole Incident.

Q. Why did the British win the Battle of Palashi in 1757? [5] 2007 Q. Describe the Battle of Palashi. [5] 2014
Ans. The battle began at about eight in the morning at Palashi in 23 June 1757. Mir Mardan, Mohanlal, Khwaja Abdul Hadi
Khan, Naba Singh Hazari and a few others put up a brave resistance, while others under Mir- Jafar, Yar Latif and Ray Durlabh
Ram avoided any serious involvement. The British had not expected this much resistance and at one point Clive had thought
of retreating.However, in the afternoon, Mir Mardan was killed by a cannon ball. After that when Sirajuddaula sought help
to Mir-Jafar, he advised the Nawab to suspend action for the day. and relayed this message to Clive. Clive launched a fresh
assault on them and it led to a general rout. The battle was over by five in the afternoon. The Nawab with his huge army was
completely defeated by the British.

Q. How did the way that Britain ruled India change under Lord Cornwallis?[5] 2017
Ans. Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement Act in 1793, which ruled Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Zamindars
collected revenues and the British received a fixed share of the total collection. The system secured the financial interest of
the East India Company and gave stability to its administration. It also helped Bengal become the most flourishing and
wealthiest province in India, with the zamindars becoming rich and spending money for educational and cultural progress.
However, the system had some fundamental flaws, such as no maps showing boundaries in detail and zamindars coming into
conflict with local farmers.

Q. Do you agree that by 1800 Bengal was a better place under British government than it had been before the British
arrived? Try to give both sides of the argument in your answer. [10] 2007
Ans. No. The East India Company ruled Bengal through puppet rulers, such as Mir-Jafar and Mir-Kaseem, after the battle of
Palashi. The Diwani Treaty, negotiated by Clive in 1765, allowed the region to be governed by collaborators in return for
surplus revenues. The company made huge profits by operating a monopoly on trade, and merchants became accustomed
to receiving personal 'gifts'. From 1765 to 1772, the company shared revenues from Bengal but took no responsibility in
administering it. This system came to be known as 'dual administration', and the local people suffered, leading to the rapid
decline of agriculture and manufacturing and the great famine of 1769-70, which destroyed one third of the total population
of Bengal.Though the Permanent Settlement of 1793 helped Bengal become the most flourishing and wealthiest province in
India, with the zamindars becoming rich and spending money for educational and cultural progress.

Q. Explain the impact of the following on the people of Bengal: 2014

• The Great Famine 1769–1770
• The Permanent Settlement of 1793. [8]

Ans. The Great Famine of 1769–70 led to many deaths. The domination by the East India Company led to the suffering of
local people and the decline of agriculture and manufactures. When a famine affected Bengal, it destroyed one third of the
population and two-thirds of cultivatable land was not farmed. The disaster led to the British government passing an act in
1773 insisting that the Company improve its government and was one of the reasons why British government passed the
India Act of 1784 and Robert Clive lost his reputation.
The Permanent Settlement of 1793 Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement Act in 1793, which ruled Bengal,
Bihar and Orissa. Zamindars collected revenues and the British received a fixed share of the total collection. The system
secured the financial interest of the East India Company and gave stability to its administration. It also helped Bengal become
the most flourishing and wealthiest province in India, with the zamindars becoming rich and spending money for educational
and cultural progress. However, the system had some fundamental flaws, such as no maps showing boundaries in detail and
zamindars coming into conflict with local farmers.

Q. Which of these affected the people of Bengal more? Explain your answer. [2] 2014
Ans. The Great Famine had long term impact on the way Bengal was governed and affected more in human terms with the
huge loss of life where two-thirds of cultivatable land was not farmed for the lack of human resource.

4 (b) Opposition to the British

Q. Write what you know about Titu Meer. [5] 2008 Q. Outline Titu Meer’s opposition to the British. [5] 2013
Ans.• Titu Meer was a Muslim religious leader who was concerned about British power eroding the faith of Muslims.
• He opposed the treatment of Muslims by Hindu landowners.
• He formed a makeshift army. He armed it with lathis and improvised weapons.
• He made his nephew Ghulam Masum the commander.
• He had initial victories against the British commander (Davis) and killed a leading zamindar.
• He then defeated a force sent against him under Alexander, the Collector of Barasat.
• He built a strong bamboo fort near Narkelbaria in October 1831 and his army rose to 5000.
• He declared himself king and controlled a large area.
• A force of 100 horsemen and 300 infantry with two cannon commanded by Stewart defeated Titu Meer and destroyed his
fort in November 1831.Titu Meer was killed and his nephew was executed.

Q. Why did people support the Fakir-Sanyasi Movement? [5] 2008

Ans. The EIC administrators, who had little understanding of the religious practices in Bengal, saw the alms collection as illegal
impositions on the village people. So they banned the collection of alms by fakirs and sanyasis. In response, Fakir-Sanyasi
movement was started. This movement quickly won support from the peasants because they were suffering under the new
land revenue policy and the calamity of the famine. The Fakir-Sanyasi group targeted those loyal zamindars to the British and
undertook a guerilla style of warfare, often making surprise attacks on company personnel. The rebels were fed information
by villagers who often told them about the movement of the company troops.

Q. Explain why the Faraizi movement was important. [5] 2013

Ans. The Farazi Movement was set up to protect Muslim farmers from Hindu zamindars. It was peaceful and gained support
from Muslim farmers who were treated harshly by Hindu zamindars. It united the Muslim peasants in a campaign of
disobedience about tax paying and cow slaughtering. It lasted longer and was carried on by Shariahtullah's son. It led to a
spiritual revival of Islam in east Bengal, encouraging a sense of political, cultural and religious unity.

Q. Explain how each of the following opposed the British: 2017

• the Fakir-Sanyasi movement
• the Faraizi movement
Ans. The Fakir- Sanyasi movement : The EIC administrators banned the collection of alms by fakirs and sanyasis, leading to a
resistance movement called Fakir-Sanyasi movement. It was planned and led by Majnu Shah, a Muslim Sufi saint. Bhabani
Pathak, a Bhojpuri Brahmin formed a common alliance with him and led the Sanyasi rebels.The Fakir-Sanyasi movement
quickly gained support from the peasants. They targeted those loyal zamindars to the British and undertook a guerilla style
of warfare, often making surprise attacks on company personnel. The rebels were fed information by villages who often told
them about the movement of the company troops.

The Faraizi Movement : Farazi Movement was a peaceful nonviolent movement set up by Haji Shariatullah to protect Muslim
farmers who were treated harshly by Hindu zamindars. It was peaceful and gained support from Muslim farmers who were
treated harshly by Hindu zamindars. It united the Muslim peasants in a campaign of disobedience about tax paying and cow
slaughtering. It lasted longer and was carried on by Shariahtullah's son. It led to a spiritual revival of Islam in east Bengal,
encouraging a sense of political, cultural and religious unity.
Q. Which of these two had more impact on the British? Explain your answer. 2017
Ans. The Faraizi movement had more impact on the British. The political awareness gained by Muslims through the Faraizi
Movement
created an organized political opposition, important by the twentieth century.

Q. Describe the economic impact of British rule on Indians between 1800–57.[5] 2018
Ans. The land-holding classes became resentful towards the agrarian policy of the EIC. Many landowners were deprived of
their lands as they failed to establish their rights by documentary proof. Zamindars and talukdars had lost their ancestral
lands as well as social status. The excessive taxation ruined both landlords and peasants.British merchants made huge profits
from their trade in goods such as textiles and prevented local traders from having access to much of this business.

Q. Explain the impact of the work of missionaries on the lives of Indians in the early nineteenth century. [5] 2018
Ans. In the 19th century missionary activity increased and missionaries were to be seen everywhere - in bazaars, hospitals,
schools and even prisons. In missionary schools Christianity was taught and locals who worked for the missionaries were
expected to give up their religion and follow Christian teaching. Many Indians feared that Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism were
under threat from British rule. The Indian peoples’ fears that their ancestral faith and caste were not safe in the hands of the
British.

Q. Write what you know about the impact of the War of Independence on the Muslims sub-continent. [5] 2010
Ans. The Muslims lost much of their influence and power they held before the rebellion, and the Hindus filled the vacuum.
The British
attitude towards the Indians changed drastically, but the most bitter and widespread hostility was reserved for the Muslim
community. They were blamed for the rebellious activity, which the British saw as an attempt to restore the authority of the
Mughal emperor.

Q. Why did the Indians fail to win the War of Independence? [5] 2010
Ans. The landed aristocracy opposed the Sepoys and some of them supported the British. They organized local volunteer
corps to resist the Sepoys, while the middle class sided with the company's government. The common people and peasantry
were apathetic and remained untouched by the revolt. The British were too strong and their troops were experienced in
warfare and highly trained in modern methods of fighting. They were skilled at playing various groups off against each other
and playing on the fears of the aristocracy.

Q. Which of the following was the most important cause of the First War of Independence? Explain your answer by writing
about all three choices provided. [10] 2008
• The Doctrine of Lapse
• British social and religious reforms
• The discontent of the Sepoys serving in the British East India Company army

Q. Which of the following do you think was the most important reason for the outbreak of the War of Independence of
1857? Explain your answer by writing about all three choices provided. [10] 2010
• Attempts to introduce British culture
• Mistreatment of sepoys
• The Doctrine of Lapse

Q. Explain how each of the following caused opposition to British rule in India. 2013
• Unrest in the armed forces
• British attitudes to Indian ways of life [8]

Ans. The Doctrine of Lapse: Governor-General Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse in 1852, which said that when
a ruler died without a natural heir, his territory would become British. This was unpopular as it was used as an excuse to take
land, leading to many landowners being deprived of their lands.
British social and religious reforms: In the 18th century, the British showed a friendly attitude towards Indian society and
religions, but as British political control grew, they started to spread British culture. The abolition of Satidaha and introduction
of remarriage for widows was seen as attacking Indian beliefs and values. The English system of education roused deep
suspicion in the minds of the Indians, as missionary schools taught Christianity and locals who worked for the missionaries
were expected to give up their religion. Many Indians feared that Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism were under threat from British
rule.

The discontent of the Sepoys serving in the British East India Company army: The Sepoys of the Bengal Amy were loyal to
the company, but were not given a fair deal. Their salaries were low and they had little chance of promotion. They also had
grievances regarding extra allowances for service in foreign territories. In January 1857, a rumour was spread that the new
cartridges to be used in the Enfield Rifle were greased with the fat of cows and pigs to defile both the Hindu and Muslim
Sepoys. Military grievances were a trigger for more general concerns about British rule.

Q. Explain which of these was more important, and why.[2] 2013

Ans. The princes lived in an atmosphere of insecurity, the landed aristocracy had been alienated and the mass of the people
was dissatisfied. But their discontent might not have led to revolution so long as the Sepoy Army remained loyal. So, the
discontent of the Sepoys serving in the British East India Company army/ Mistreatment of sepoys/ Unrest in the armed forces
was the most important reason for the outbreak of the War of Independence of 1857.

Q. Explain how each of the following contributed to the outcome of the War of Independence: 2018
• conflicting aims amongst Indians
• the British military.[8]

Ans. Conflicting aims amongst Indians: British were skilled at playing various groups off against each other. Hindus did not
want to see the Mughal Empire rebuilt and so did not support them. The landed aristocracy was decidedly opposed to the
sepoys and some of them supported the British.The middle class also sided with the company's government.The common
people and the peasantry as a whole were apathetic and remained untouched by the sepoy revolt, though they suffered
much from increased prices evident in times of war.

The British military: A major reason for the failure was that the British were too strong and their troops were experienced
in warfare and highly trained in modern methods of fighting. The British had guns.Britain had been involved in wars in Europe
and so was well trained, used to combat and equipped with the latest European weapons. Unity and leadership were evident.
They could use their navy to arm their troops.

Q. Which of these was more important to the outcome of the War of Independence? Explain your answer. 2018
Ans. The role and reaction of various classes of people during the sepoy revolt present a gloomy picture. Lack of unity
prevented planning for an attack by a much larger force than Britain could muster. So, conflicting aims amongst Indians was
more important to the outcome of the War of Independence.

4 (c) British government in the subcontinent and events leading to independence in 1947
Q. Write what you know about the history of Bengal under British rule from the mid- nineteenth century to early 1905.[5]
2006
Ans. In 1852, Governor-General Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse, which said that when a ruler died without a
natural heir, his territory would become British. This led to landowners being deprived of their lands. The excessive taxation
ruined both landlords and peasants. Towards the 19th century English system of education roused deep suspicion in the minds
of the Indians. Many Indians feared that Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism were under threat from British rule. In January 1857,
the rumour spread about introduction of the cartridges with the fat of cows and pigs hastened the revolt against British rule.
The British finally put down the resistance at the end of August 1858. In 1905, Viceroy Curzon partitioned Bengal, as the
British found it too large to administer efficiently. From the beginning of the twentieth century, opposition to British rule in
India was becoming more organized.

Q. Why did the British partition Bengal? [5] 2006

Ans. Ans. The British found the province of Bengal too large to administer efficiently, so Viceroy Curzon partitioned it in 1905.
This was justified from the standpoint of administrative efficiency, but it affected Bengali sentiment and nationalist feelings..
They believed Curzon had deliberately divided their people due to their political activities, reducing their effectiveness
Q. Describe the reactions of the Hindu communities in West Bengal to the 1905 partition of Bengal. [5] 2022
Ans. The partition of Bengal created an uproar in the province, and more than two thousand public meetings were held in
protest at the measure. Rabindranath Tagore wrote a song ‘calling for accord and unity between the Hindu and Muslim
Bengalis.The Indian leaders started the Swadeshi and Boycott movements. The washermen of Kalighat refused to wash
foreign clothes; the cobblers of Faridpur would not mend English shoes; and all over Bengal English cloth, cigarettes and other
goods were bought up and burnt in public.

Q. Explain the importance of the Partition of Bengal in 1905 for Muslims in Bengal. [5] 2015 Q. Explain the effect of the
1905 partition of Bengal on the Muslim population. [5] 2022

Ans. Many Muslims thought that the partition would lead to economic and social development of their region. So they had
watched the reaction of the Hindus with dismay.They feared the protest would result in the partition being reversed. They
felt to set up a separate political organization and took part in the Simla Deputation. After that The Muslim League was
established to represent their views and demands.

Q. Why was there so much violence during Partition in 1947? [5] 2011
Ans. In March 1947, there were riots and killings between Muslims and Hindus in Punjab. Soon the trouble spread to other
provinces. Although Congress and the Muslim League called for calm, the summer of 1947 saw rioting which led to numerous
deaths. When the boundary of the two nations was demarcated and announced in August 1947, things became even worse.
Millions of people found themselves living in the ‘wrong’ country and became victims of communal attacks.

Q. Write what you know about the Nehru Report of 1928. [5] 2009 Q. What were the demands of the Nehru Report? [5]
2015
Ans. The Nehru Report called for India to become independent, but remain a member of the Commonwealth. It would be a
federation with a two-chamber parliament, protection of minorities, and the vote for all adult men and women. It would also
have a system of reserving seats in the two chambers.

Q. Why did the British introduce the Cabinet Mission Plan in 1946? [5] 2009 Q. Write what you know about the Cabinet
Mission Plan and its failure. [5] 2011
Ans. The 1946 cabinet Mission Plan involved Sir Stafford Cripps, AV Alexander and Lord Pethick-Lawrence. The British sent a
three-man delegation to India to try to find a settlement acceptable to all. They met representatives of the Muslim League,
Congress, Sikhs and Hindu Mahasabha, but found little common ground. The Cabinet Mission proposed an interim
government to rule India while the British withdrawal was organized. The idea that there would be three separate parts to
post-British India (Hindu majority; western Muslim; Bengal and Assam) was difficult because of the lack of precisely defined
religious boundaries.

Q. What were the aims of the All-India Muslim League? [5] 2016
Ans. The aims of the All-India Muslim League were:
* To protect and advance the political rights and interests of Muslims in India.
* To represent Muslim needs and aspirations to the government of India.
* To promote feelings of loyalty to the British.
* To remove misunderstandings amongst Muslims as to the intentions of any government measure.
* To prevent the rise of hostility in Muslims towards other communities in India.

Q. Describe the system of dyarchy as established in the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms of 1919. [5] 2016
Ans. The government proposed an elected Legislative Assembly with separate electorates for Muslims and Sikhs, with 32
seats reserved for Muslims. In the provinces, a new system of dyarchy was introduced, with areas of responsibility divided
into two lists: Reserved subjects (Justice, Police, Revenue, Power Resources, Press and Publication) and transferred subjects
(Local government Education, Public Health, Public Works, Forests). Reserved subjects were controlled by the provincial
governor and his Executive Council and transferred subjects were entrusted to ministers responsible to provincial Legislative
Councils.
Q. Write what you know about the Swarajya Party. [5] 2012
Ans. C R Das formed a faction called Swarajya Party and became popular within a short period. In December 1923, he held
discussions with prominent Muslim leaders and came to an agreement with them, which became known as the Bengal Pact.
The Bengal Pact was a bold attempt to unite the Hindu-Muslim communities in Bengal. It was started by C R Das, a man of
vision who believed in sharing political power with the majority Muslim community.

Q. Why was there resentment among many Muslims in India against Hindu leaders in the years 1920–40? [5] 2012
Ans. Congress did not support Muslim demands for separate electorates and Jinnah felt that the agreements made in the
1916 Lucknow Pact had not been kept. Nehru did not agree to cooperate with the Muslim League in elections resulting from
the Government of India Act. Muslims felt threatened when Congress formed governments in eight provinces in 1937-38.
The singing of the nationalist Hindu song Vande Matram was made compulsory before the start of work in the assemblies,
which many Muslims found offensive. Educational grievances such as the Wardha Scheme alienated Muslims. Local
provocations such as Hindu extremists in some areas issued sectarian regulations against the slaughter of cows, music in
Hindu processions took place near Mosques, and minor provocations were defended by Hindu rulers. By 1939, Hindu- Muslim
relations were at a low ebb and membership of the Muslim League had increased.

Q. Explain why each of the following was important in the development of the demand for a separate Muslim state. 2012
• The Partition of Bengal
• The failure of the Khilafat movement
• The Lahore Resolution [8]

Ans. The Partition of Bengal: The partition of Bengal had resulted in a feeling of outrage in the Hindu community. Muslims
had not objected as they thought that a separate East Bengal would help the social and economic development of their
region. This had reinforced the division between Muslim and Hindu and had led Muslim leaders to establish their own political
organization.

The failure of the Khilafat movement :The decision of Gandhi to call off the civil disobedience campaign weakened the Hindu-
Muslim unity.The Muslims were determined to carry on with the Khilafat Movement. Unfortunately, they cared more about
the fate of the Khalifa than did the new rulers of Turkey. The Turks themselves had abolished the Khilafat. Consequently the
Khilafat Movement in India also came to an end.

The Lahore Resolution : Fazl-ul-Haq, the premier of Bengal, proposed a resolution at the annual session of the Muslim League
in Lahore in 1940, which called for regions with a majority of Muslims to be grouped into independent states with
autonomous and sovereign units. This resolution was passed unanimously and became known as the Lahore Resolution.

Q. Explain which one of these was the most important, and why. [2] 2012
Ans. The partition of Bengal is the most important for this led to the establishment of the Muslim League which was the most
important organization in securing an independent Muslim state and representing Muslims. Without this the Lahore
Resolution could not have been passed.

Q. Which do you think was the most important factor in the emergence of an independent Pakistan in 1947? Explain your
answer by writing about all three choices. [10] 2011
• The rule of Congress 1937–9
• The growth of the Muslim League 1939–45
• The political developments of 1946–7

Q. Explain the political importance of the following after 1937. 2015

• AK Fazlul Huq and the KPP [8]
• The Muslim League after 1937

Ans. AK Fazlul Huq and the KPP: The Krishak Praja Party (KPP) was founded in 1936 by A K Fazlul Huq. Its programme included
abolition of the Permanent Settlement system of revenue, making peasants the absolute proprietors of land, reduction of
rent rate, freeing the indebted peasantry from the bondage of the mahajan class, creating irrigation facilities giving interest
free loans to peasants, creating irrigation facilities, and introducing free primary education. Fazlul Huq's oratory was attractive
to the peasantry and his approach was non-communal, gaining respect from the scheduled caste Hindu peasantry.

The growth of the Muslim League 1939–45: / The Muslim League after 1937: The Muslim League began to re-organize its
strategy and strength in all-Indian and provincial levels from November 1937. The bulk of the Muslim population was poor,
downtrodden and exploited by both the Hindu and Muslim upper classes. Jinnah proposed the 'two-nation' theory, which
stated that Muslims were divided from Hindus not merely by religion, but also culturally and racially. This was supported by
the cry "Islam is in danger" which secured the support of the Muslim masses.

The Rule of Congress 1937–9: The rule of Congress demonstrated that it would be difficult for the Muslim minority to enjoy
equal rights in a united India due to Hindu extremists, harsh punishments for slaughtering cows and eating beef, noisy
processions near Mosques at prayer times, and religious riots. In addition, the singing of the nationalist Hindu song and the
teaching in Hindi and excessive veneration of Gandhi in schools made it seem that separation was the only option and
political/social accommodation with Congress impossible.

The political developments of 1946–7: Jinnah exploited good election results in December 1945 to remain divided from
Congress. The failure of the Cabinet plan confirmed the lack of agreement on a united India, and communal riots showed the
dangers of trying to achieve independence under Congress majority rule. The announcement of British withdrawal gave hope
and encouragement to plans for a separate Pakistan, as it was clear that Britain wanted to leave quickly and the conditions
for partition would be favourable.

Q. Which of these affected the people of Bengal more? Explain your answer. [2] 2015
Ans. The Muslim League affected the people of Bengal more. The Muslim League had a larger long-term influence as the KPP
declined and by developing the ‘two nation theory’ moved towards the establishment of an independent Muslim state, while
the KPP concentrated more narrowly on peasant grievances.

Q. Which of the following do you think was the most important consequence of the partition of Bengal? Explain your
answer by writing about all three choices provided. 2006
• the formation of the Muslim League
• the ‘Boycott’ and ‘Swadeshi’ programmes
• increased communal tension [10]

Q. Which of the following do you think was the most important in raising the prestige of Muslims in India under British
rule? Explain your answer by writing about all three choices provided. [10] 2009
• The formation of the Muslim League
• The Khilafat Movement
• Direct Action Day 1946

Q. Explain what each of the following demonstrates about the development of Hindu-Muslim relations: 2016
• The Khilafat movement
• The Round Table Conferences 1930–32 [8]

Q. Explain how each of the following affected Muslim-Hindu unity: 2022

• the Lucknow Pact, 1916
• the Khilafat movement, 1919–1924. [8]

Ans. The formation of the Muslim League: The partition of Bengal had resulted in a feeling of outrage in the Hindu
community. This had reinforced the division between Muslim and Hindu and had led Muslim leaders to establish their own
political organization. The Muslims were encouraged by their success in persuading Lord Minto to allow separate electorates
and they decided that the time was now right to form their own political party and formed Muslim League.

The ‘Boycott’ and ‘Swadeshi’ programmes: The Indian leaders started the Swadeshi and Boycott movements to put economic
pressure on the British in order to force them to undo the partition and to promote Indian industry. All over Bengal English
cloth, cigarettes and other goods were bought up and burnt in public.

Increased communal tension: The partition of Bengal created an uproar in the province, and more than two thousand public
meetings were held in protest at the measure. Rabindranath Tagore wrote a song calling for accord and unity between the
Hindu and Muslim Bengalis. The Indian leaders started the Swadeshi and Boycott movements.
Direct Action Day 1946: The Muslim League passed a resolution in July 1946 to prepare for the final struggle against both the
British and Congress. On 16 August, they called for a 'Direct Action Day' to show the strength of Muslim feelings. In Calcutta,
however, the demonstration turned to violence, with up to 4,000 people died in the ‘Great Calcutta Killing’.

The Khilafat Movement: The Khilafat movement started because of the treatment of Turkey by the British after the First
World War.Turkey was a Muslim country, and its ruler, the Sultan, was considered to be the head of the worldwide Islamic
community. When the British threatened to take territory away from the Khalif after World War One, Muslims in India were
outraged and formed the Khilafat Movement to protect the Sultan and their religion. The decision of Gandhi to call off the
civil disobedience campaign weakened the Hindu-Muslim unity.The Muslims were determined to carry on with the Khilafat
Movement.

The Round Table Conferences 1930–32: The British called a Round Table Conference to discuss the Simon Commission’s
report in the light of the Nehru Report and Jinnah’s 14 points.Gandhi did not turn up to the first one – he was not talking
unless promised self-rule, i.e. rule of all of India by Congress.At the second conference, he insisted that he spoke for all of
India and stood by the Nehru Report, denying minority rights. At the third one, Gandhi rejected the Communal Award as it
promised separate electorates for Muslims.

The Lucknow Pact: In 1916, Congress and the Muslim League held their annual sessions and drew up the Lucknow Pact. It
was a significant moment in the movement towards self-rule, as for the first time Hindus and Muslims had made a joint
demand for political reform to the British. The Lucknow pact gave right to the Muslims to separate electorates in electing
representatives, allowed Muslims for one third of the seats in the Imperial and Provincial Legislative Councils and also
mentioned that no Act affecting a community should be passed unless three-quarters of its members supported it. This Pact
marked the high-water mark of Hindu-Muslim unity.

Q. Which do you think had the greater importance for Muslims? Explain your answer. [2] 2016
Ans. The Conferences had the greater importance for Muslims because it showed that Congress wanted to control all of India
and all minorities.

Q. Which of these had the greater impact on Muslim-Hindu unity? Explain your answer. [2] 2022
Ans. The Lucknow pact showed had the greater impact on Muslim-Hindu unity. It also how unity could help the people of the
subcontinent against the British.