How far did

Pakistan
Movement
Develop During
the Early 19th
century?
BY SIR ZAIN AHMED
 Timeline
Years Events Years Events
1877 Queen Victoria proclaimed Empress of India 1915 Congress and the League meet in Bombay

1883 First conference if INC 1916 Lucknow Pact

1905 Partition of Bengal 1919 Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
1906 Simla Deputation, Formation of Muslim League 1919 Rowlatt act
1908 Press Act Passed 1919 Amritsar Massacre
1909 Morley-Minto Reforms 1922 Non cooperation campaign called for
1911 George V announce reversal of Partition of Bengal 1923 Hindu Mahasabha founded

1912 Outbreak of Balkan war Swaraj party wins the seats in Election
1914 Outbreak of ir 1927 The Delhi proposal
 The Indian National Congress
Allan Octavian Hume, wrote letters to all graduates of Calcutta University calling them to set up a national political
organization.

Viceroy, Lord Dufferin, saw this organization as a "safety valve" to channel growing Indian frustration. On 28 December
1885, the Indian National Congress was founded at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay, with 72 delegates in
attendance. Hume assumed office as the General Secretary, and Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee of Calcutta was elected
president.

Despite limited success, including the Indian Councils Act of 1892, which increased Indian representation in councils,
the British largely ignored Congress and dismissed it as representing a minority opinion. "Moderates" within Congress
believed in peaceful protest and gradual change, trusting that British rule had brought benefits like political stability,
justice, and education to India.

However, a radical form of nationalism emerged among some Indians, desiring quicker progress and challenging British
control.
 Partition of Bengal
At the end of the nineteenth century, Bengal was the largest province in India, comprising
Western Bengal (54 million people) and East Bengal and Assam (31 million people). The
British claimed it was too vast to govern efficiently as one unit and viceroy Curzon
proposed its partition in 1903. In 1905, Bengal was divided into West Bengal and East
Bengal, sparking tensions between Hindus and Muslims.
Muslim View:
Muslims welcomed partition, perceiving it as an elevation of their status. They believed
British policies favored Hindus, denying Muslims education and recognition. Partition
offered a province where they were the majority, a relief from perceived Hindu oppression.
Hindu View:
Hindus saw partition as a "divide and rule" tactic by the British. They thought East Bengal's
Muslim-majority setup aimed to weaken Hindu unity and curb their influence, including
within Congress and reform movements.
 Hindu Protests and British’s
Reaction
Immediate Reactions and Protests:
Hindus mourned the partition on October 16, 1905, with
protest meetings and petitions.
There was an attempted assassination of the future
Viceroy, Lord Minto.
The Swadeshi Movement emerged, urging a boycott of
British goods and promoting Indian-made products.
Bonfires of British cloth were held, and wearing locally
produced clothing became a matter of pride.
Strikes by Indian workers, especially in Calcutta,
showcased their opposition.
Sales of British goods plummeted due to the boycott.
Brittain’s Response
1. Suppression of Dissent:
Imposed restrictions on newspapers and public gatherings. Editors
were prosecuted, imprisoned, and newspapers faced greater
government control. Tilak, a prominent leader, was arrested in 1908
and imprisoned for six years.
- Radical leaders fled to avoid arrest, and suspects were
sometimes deported without trial.
2. Shift to Reforms:
Recognized that harsh measures alone wouldn't suffice. Focused on
gaining support from moderate Hindus through reforms.
3. Morley-Minto Reforms:
Lord Minto, the new Viceroy, collaborated with the Secretary of
State for India on the Morley-Minto Reforms. -Designed to appease
Hindus and win their support.
 The Simla Deputation
Winning the support of Muslims
Muslims were alarmed by Hindu protests against the Bengal Partition. They lacked
similar unity and feared losing the Partition's benefits.
With the Liberal government's election in Britain (1905), Muslim fears grew as it
promised increased local governance via elections, dominated by Hindus.
On October 8, 1906, the Simla Deputation led by Aga Khan presented demands to
Viceroy Minto, advocating:
- Muslim representatives in local elections, chosen solely by Muslim voters.
- Higher council representation for Muslims than their population share.
- A new Muslim University in Aligarh and more governmental jobs for them.
Muslims justified this due to their societal importance - as landowners and in the
British army - and to prevent communal violence. Viceroy Minto accepted the
proposal for separate Muslim representation.
Importance of Simla deputation
The British acceptance of the Simla Deputation marked a pivotal moment in Pakistan's history. It
signaled successful efforts by Sir Syed and others to mend Muslim-British relations and secure
concessions.

The Deputation highlighted Muslims' resolve to secure their constitutional place through distinct
means, reflecting the emerging Hindu-Muslim divide. This shift paved the way for a separate Muslim
party and ultimately contributed to Pakistan's formation, marking a significant step toward the nation's
creation.
All India Muslim League
Foundation, Aims & Objectives

Aims:

1. Equal Influence: Muslims, despite the partition of Bengal and Muslim-majority East Bengal's
creation, felt overshadowed by Hindu dominance in the Indian National Congress. The League aimed
to counter Congress's influence.

2. Representation: Hindu outrage over Bengal's partition heightened Hindu-Muslim divisions.

Muslims believed their own political entity was vital to represent their views to the British
government.

3. British Support: While some Hindus suspected British involvement, Muslims independently
founded the League. The British welcomed it as a moderate counterbalance to Hindu protests,
particularly post-Bengal partition.
Formation and Objectives:

- In 1906, Muslim leaders met at the Muhammadan Educational Conference in Dhaka, where the idea of forming the
All-India Muslim League was discussed.

- The League's objectives included protecting and advancing the political rights of Muslims, representing Muslim needs
to the Indian government, promoting loyalty to the British government, clarifying government intentions to prevent
misunderstandings among Muslims, and fostering harmonious relations between Muslim and other communities.

Impact and Differences:

- The League was led by moderate landowners and princes who aimed to counter Hindu protests after the Bengal
partition.

- The League and Congress had differing views on key policy areas, setting the stage for political opposition between
the two organizations in Indian politics for the next generation.
Morley-Minto Reforms
The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 aimed to secure Indian support for
increased governance participation. These reforms, also known as the
Indian Councils Act, were devised by Lord Minto and Secretary of State
John Morley. The key provisions included:
Expanding the Imperial Council to 60 members, with more 'non-official
members,' though the majority remained 'official' (appointed by the British).
Adding 60 members to the Central Executive Council, which could
discuss vital matters and advise on policies, including the budget.
Enlarging Provincial Councils to 50 members (larger provinces) and 30
members (smaller provinces).
Importance of Reforms
- The Morley-Minto reforms of 1909 increased Indian representation on Councils, but these bodies held
advisory roles without actual power.

- British response to Hindu and Muslim demands aimed at stability, not democracy, by making minimal
concessions.

- Introduction of a separate Muslim electorate was a significant outcome, leading to Hindu objections and
persistent Congress calls to end it.

- Despite appearance of giving Indians a voice, British focus was on stability; Morley stated reforms
weren't a move towards establishing an Indian parliament.

- Reversal of Bengal Partition due to Hindu protests strained British-Muslim relations, undermining
goodwill formed since 1905.
Bengal Partition Reversed
In 1911, the British decision to reverse the Bengal Partition
highlighted the Muslims' need for their own political
organization. Lord Harding, the new Viceroy, agreed to this
change due to intense opposition from Bengali Hindus, not
as part of a governance policy. King George V announced
the decision in Delhi. The British also moved the capital to
Delhi to show their authority. Despite Muslim opposition,
the British remained steadfast. This event underscored the
importance of the Muslim League's success for fair
treatment of Muslims in India.
 India Before World War I
The reversal of the Bengal Partition strained British-Muslim relations pre-World
War I:
- Muslims felt betrayed as the reversal went back on British promises.
- Morley-Minto reforms offered no real political influence, eroding Muslims' trust
in the British.
During 1912-13:
- British supported Balkan states against Turkey in Balkan Wars.
- Turkey, a key Islamic state, didn't impact Muslim rights perception.
January 1913:
- Muslim League, distrustful of British rule, called for "suitable self-government
for India."
- First-time alignment with Congress's demand for self-government.
- This resolution improved League-Congress relations, proving the League's
independence from British influence.
Impact of World War I on Subcontinent
The First World War's impact on the Indian subcontinent:
- Indians had mixed views on the war; many sympathized with the British due to the empire's
ties.
- Over a million Indians joined the British army, contributing significantly to the war effort.
- Some Indians believed British victory would lead to reforms for greater Indian governance
participation.
However:
- Some Indians viewed Britain's difficulties as an opportunity to press for self-government.
- Lala Hardayal's Mutiny Party attempted armed opposition from exile but faced betrayal and
defeat.
- Planned uprisings in Punjab and mutinies in Singapore were suppressed by the British.
- 'Silk Letter Conspiracy,' a Muslim plot for a general uprising, failed to materialize.
- British discontent prompted the Defense of India Act, granting extraordinary powers to
quell unrest.
- Hundreds of alleged revolutionaries were exiled or imprisoned without proper trial.
What was Lucknow Pact (1916)
The Lucknow Pact, a 1916 agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League during British
rule, marked a significant Indian political development. Key aspects:
1. Joint Demands: Congress and Muslim League collaborated to demand constitutional reforms from the British
2. Muslim Representation: Notably, the pact introduced separate electorates for Muslims, securing reserved seats for their
representation.
3. Reserved Seats: The pact mandated one-third of legislative council seats for Muslims, even in non-Muslim majority areas.
4. Joint Councils: Collaboration improved through joint councils addressing important issues.
5. Shared Goals: Both parties aimed for more elected seats, binding motions, and protection for minority communities.
6. Acceptance of Partition: The pact hinted at the mutual acceptance of separate electorates, influencing later political
discussions.
7. Hindu-Muslim Unity: The pact showcased unprecedented Hindu-Muslim collaboration for constitutional reform, a
departure from earlier conflicts.
 Significance of Lucknow Pact
First joint demand for political reform by Hindus and Muslims to the
British.
Jinnah (RA) emphasized cooperation for the betterment of the nation.
Hindus accepted the idea of partition in self-governing India.
Muslims recognized working with Congress for rights protection.
Created belief in the real possibility of Home Rule (self-government).
In 1917, Home Rule Leagues led by Tilak and Annie Besant campaigned.
Annie Besant's imprisonment and release sparked public outcry.
Montagu's announcement in British House of Commons indicated
increased Indian involvement in administration.
The Pact marked the peak of Hindu-Muslim unity.
Later, Amritsar Massacre and Khilafat Movement led to communal
politics shift.
 Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
◦ The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, proposed in July 1919 after a fact-finding tour of
India, aimed to introduce a measure of responsibility to elected representatives. Key
points:
◦ - Legislative Council renamed Legislative Assembly with 145 members; 103 elected
for 3 years.
◦ - Separate electorates for Muslims and Sikhs, with 32 seats for Muslims.
◦ - Council of State with 60 members, 33 elected; Council of Princes introduced with no
real power.
◦ - Viceroy retained significant power, including the authority to pass laws deemed
necessary for India's safety.
◦ - Executive Council composed of nominated members, with three Indians added.
◦ - Provinces saw 'diarchy,' divided responsibilities into reserved and transferred subjects.
◦ - Governor-controlled reserved subjects, ministers managed transferred subjects.
◦ - Although transferred subjects seemed locally controlled, ministers chosen by Viceroy,
giving him actual power.
◦ - Voting rights extended, yet only 2% of India's population could vote.
Reaction of Indian People
The Indian response to the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms (1919) was disappointing, as many expected more
concessions after their wartime contributions. Congress and the League, recently united for self-rule, found the new
structure inadequate.

A 1918 special Congress session criticized the reforms as unsatisfactory. Local people gained influence, but the
Viceroy retained control.

Unintended, the acceptance of separate electorates for Muslims led non-Brahmins, Sikhs, and Eurasians to demand
similar concessions, revealing societal divisions.
 Rowlatt Act
The Rowlatt Act - Britain's effort to counter Indian opposition:

- Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms aimed at gaining Indian support.

- Intent to suppress anti-British elements led to Rowlatt Act.
- Committee led by Justice Rowlatt formed in December 1917.
- Committee reported growth of revolutionary activity in India, proposed urgent action.
- Recommendations included retention of emergency measures from the Defense of India Act.
- Controversial provisions: arrest without warrant, detention without bail, government's
power to dictate residence.
- Uproar in India due to violation of British justice principles: trial by jury, safeguards against
illegal imprisonment.
- Jinnah (RA) resigned in protest, Gandhi initiated hartal.
- Nationwide strikes and demonstrations in April 1919.
- Viceroy disregarded opposition, Rowlatt Act passed in 1919.
 Amritsar Massacre - A British
Outrage
The Amritsar Massacre - British Outrage:

- Unrest, strikes, and demonstrations led to anti-government publication bans and public
meeting prohibitions by the British.

- Punjab saw significant unrest; nationalist leaders Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Kitchlew were
deported.

- Rioting in Amritsar on April 10, 1919; General Dyer aimed to restore order.

- At Jallianwala Bagh, he fired on an unarmed crowd, causing estimated 400 deaths and 1200
injuries.

- Dyer's intent was to enforce British rule; subsequent measures included flogging and
bombings.

- Hunter Committee investigated; Dyer was removed from service but faced no further
punishment.

- Indians were offended by the lack of punishment; Gandhi denounced cooperation with
British rule.