PAK-STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 9th

Chapter # 2 – Historical Background (1857-1935)

2.1.3 Describe the Aims and Objectives of All India Muslim League in 1906

Aims
The Muslims were encouraged by their success in convincing Lord Minto to allow separate elections and felt that the time was suitable to establish their own political party. This decision was driven by several factors:

• Despite the British acceptance of the Simla Deputation and the partition of Bengal, creating a Muslim-dominated East Bengal, Muslims still perceived a lack of influence compared to the Hindu-dominated Indian National Congress. One of the primary objectives of the new organization was to counter the growing influence of the Congress.
• The partition of Bengal had sparked outrage among the Hindu community, further deepening the divide between Muslims and Hindus. This reinforced the belief among Muslim leaders that it was crucial to establish their own political organization. Thus, another aim of the Muslim League was to ensure that Muslim perspectives were effectively communicated to the British.
• While some Hindus alleged that the British were behind the formation of the Muslim League as a counterbalance to Congress, it was the Muslims themselves who initiated the establishment of the new organization. With Lord Minto’s acceptance of separate electorates, Congress becoming predominantly Hindu, and Hindus organizing opposition to the partition of Bengal, it became inevitable for Muslims to form their own party to ensure that their views were heard by the British.

Formation
In 1906, Muslim leaders convened at the twentieth session of the Muhammadan Educational Conference in Dhaka. Following the conclusion of the conference, a meeting chaired by Nawab Waqar-ul-Mulk was convened to discuss the establishment of an organization called the ‘All-India Muslim League’.

Objectives

At the inaugural meeting of this new organization in December 1906, the league outlined its objectives as follows:

• To promote among Muslims a feeling of loyalty to the British government and to remove any misconception that might exist regarding British policy towards Muslims.
• To protect the political rights and interests of Muslims and to represent their needs and aspirations to the government.
• To prevent the rise of hostility or antagonism between Muslims and other communities, particularly Hindus, and to work towards communal harmony.
• Clear any misunderstanding concerning administrative measures for the development.