Ideology of Pakistan & Historical Context

• Ideology is a set of beliefs, values, and ideals shared by a group or nation.
• Ideology gives a nation a sense of shared purpose and identity, creating cohesion.
• Pakistan was founded on the basis of the ideology of Islam.
• Nations with a strong ideology are often more organized and integrated.
• Pakistan's creation was driven by the desire of Muslims to have their interests included.
• The aim to create Pakistan was to separate Muslims from Hindus, because differences already existed between the two nations.
• Pakistan began with Muhammad Bin Qasim, who formed a strong Islamic state lasting 300 years, known as Sindh.

Historical Context of Pakistan's Creation (1857-1947)

• The War of Independence in 1857 began on May 10th.
• The immediate catalyst was the use of cartridges made from cow and pig skin.
• The Indian uprising stemmed from grievances including British social reforms, land taxes, and treatment of landowners.
• This war was centered in northwestern and central India.
• Muslims wanted to liberate India from foreign rule through this war.
• The loss in this war led to India's transfer to the British Crown.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

• Believed Muslims should learn English, western sciences, and disciplines.
• In his view, this was the only way to successfully compete with Hindus and the British.
• He created educational institutions, including schools in Muradabad, Aligarh, and Ghazipur, with Aligarh later becoming a university.
• Sir Syed established a scientific society to review contemporary western literature.
• Sir Syed believed in accepting British rule due to a perceived lack of alternatives.
• Advocated Muslims should gain western education before engaging in politics.

Aligarh Movement

• Known as the biggest political achievement of Sir Syed.
• Aligarh University was a major advocate for Pakistan, working to shape public opinion.

Anti-Muslim Movements

• With the establishment of British rule, Hindus sided with the British and pushed for a British system in India.
• A campaign against the Urdu language began and movements to revitalize ancient Hindu civilizations were initiated, which opposed Muslims intellectually.
• Hindus began organizing politically leading to the emergence of leaders and organization among Muslims to protect interests.

Reasons for Failure of the Indian Revolution

• Lack of Central System: The greatest reason for failure was the lack of a central command where gorilla groups were active, but each was under its own local officer or general with no connection or coordination between these groups.
• Lack of Funds, Equipment, and Training: The fighters didn't have enough money, weapons, or training, and soldiers that joined brought their own personal weapons.
• Spy Network of the British: Since most Muslims/Indians were neutral, they were used as spies giving the British a strong spy system.
• Differences in Indian Muslim Groups: The freedom movement was stronger in the Northwest.

Weaknesses of Muslims After 1857 War and Failures

• Targeting by the British: People who supported the freedom fighters were easily found through the spy network.
• After the war, the British used the spy network to hunt down those who helped or were involved including sympathizers.
• Although Muslims faced targeting, they didn't lose hope.

Sir Syed's Early Views and Work

• The East India Company had full control over the subcontinent when he was born.
• He learned English as a teenager, facing criticism for it.
• He joined the East India Company, where there were only a few other Muslims.
• He criticized the 1857 war, believing Muslims had little chance of winning.
• In "Reasons of Indian Revolt," he stated Muslims should be loyal to the British Empire.
• Sir Syed believed Muslims should discuss issues with the British rulers.
• Ulama of Deoband declared learning English as "Haram" (forbidden).

Sir Syed's Motivation and Understanding

• Sir Syed's mission was political, focusing on Muslims' progress due to fearing Hindus taking over.
• He believed the political downfall of Muslims was due to conservative religious thinking.
• He wanted Muslims to progress through modern education.
• Sir Syed felt religious limitations were hindering Muslims but valued for Muslims and worked hard for their improvement, even if they didn't understand his approach at the time.

Key Concepts of Ideology

• Ideology consists of two Greek words "ideo" and "logos" which means "the science or study of ideas."
• French thinker Antoine Destutt used this ideology during the French Revolution and defined ideology word as the Science of Ideas concerning with social and political life.
• The word ideology can be defined as a set of opinions, principles or beliefs of a group or an individual. Very often ideology refers to a set of political beliefs.
• Ideology is a motivational and very significant force behind the development of a nation.
• Ideology gives a right direction and a sense of purpose to a nation.
• The creation of Pakistan is unique in a sense that it is based on the philosophy of Islam and not on the western concept of nation state.

The War of Independence and Muslims

• The Indian Muslims' renaissance, leading to political awareness and Pakistan's birth, stemmed from their failed struggle for independence in 1857.
• Properties of many Muslims were seized, and they faced harsh treatment as Hindu were favored during this time.
• Sir Syed Ahmad Khan aimed to uplift Muslim morale, ensure political stability, and improve their social, economic, and educational standing.
• He established that Muslims could live peacefully under English rule if their religious, social, and economic matters were respected.
• He focused on education, initiating an educational movement in Aligarh to equip Muslims with modern education and secure government jobs.
• Sir Syed established a school that later become Aligarh College in 1877.

Sir Syed and Anti-Muslim Movement

• The English were pleased with the Hindus, seeking their cooperation due to their majority.
• Hindus began demanding English-style political institutions and movements for the revival of Hinduism, intending an establishment of "Ram Raj" in India.
• An anti-Urdu campaign arose, pushing for its replacement by Hindi in Devanagari script in government offices and courts.
• This led to anxiety among Muslims and political organization among educated Hindus.
• The "Indian National Congress" was launched in 1885 to establish British-style institutions in India.
• Sir Syed advised Muslims to keep separate political domination due to the the belief that the Congress stood for political domination of India by the Hindus.
• Syed was of the view that Hindus and Muslims should have the right to separate electoral lists to elect their representatives but Hindus were against this proposal.
• The Muslims remained separate from Congress because of this advice from Sir Syed.
• As a result, the British Government divided the province to separate for each group.
• A deputation of Muslims met the Viceroy, Lord Minto, in Simla, in October 1906, to plead for the right of the Muslims to elect their own representatives through "Separate Electorates" in all the Legislative Councils because they had cultural differences between the Muslims and the Hindus.
• Deputation was a sign of Muslim political awakening that had a special bearing in the history in India.