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This document provides a synopsis of the political process leading to the creation of Pakistan in 1947. It explores the historical context, including the two-nation theory and British colonial rule in India. It briefly discusses the factors that contributed to the partition.
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Group - 04 Synopsis About The Brife Of Political Process In The Creation Of Pakistan – INTRODUCTION – 1. The creation of Pakistan in 1947 was an extraordinary event in world history, rooted in long...
Group - 04 Synopsis About The Brife Of Political Process In The Creation Of Pakistan – INTRODUCTION – 1. The creation of Pakistan in 1947 was an extraordinary event in world history, rooted in long-standing ideological, political, and social struggles. During British colonial rule in India, cultural and religious differences between Hindus and Muslims deepened, leading Muslims to feel marginalized in a Hindu-dominated society. The "Two-Nation Theory," promoted by leaders like Allama Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, argued that Hindus and Muslims were distinct nations with unique identities and aspirations. Jinnah, as the leader of the All India Muslim League, advocated for a separate Muslim state to protect their rights. The 1940 Lahore Resolution formalized the demand for independent Muslim-majority states. Following World War II, the weakened British Empire proposed partition, resulting in Pakistan's creation on August 14, 1947. This marked a historic shift, fulfilling the aspirations of South Asia’s Muslims but also leading to mass migrations, communal violence, and social upheaval. 2. Summary of the political journey that led to the formation of Pakistan.Reflection on the legacy and significance of partition for Pakistan and South Asia.The role of leadership, ideology, and political negotiation in achieving the creation of Pakistan. – AIM -- This outline breaks down the complex political process into manageable sections that cover significant events, ideologies, and leaders involved in the creation of Pakistan The Ideological Foundation of the Concept of Two Nation Theory The 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson Decision 4.The Historic Case of 1896 Plessy vs Ferguson Decision : In 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision by the U.S. Supreme Court upheld racial segregation, establishing the "separate but equal" doctrine. Homer Plessy, a mixed-race man, challenged Louisiana’s segregation law by sitting in a "whites-only" railroad car, arguing it violated the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. The Court ruled 7-1 against Plessy, stating that as long as separate facilities were "equal," segregation was permissible. This decision legalized racial segregation across the U.S., particularly in the South, and led to decades of systemic inequality. It wasn’t until Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 that this doctrine was overturned, paving the way for the Civil Rights Movement. 5.How this Case Shaped Two Nation Theory? : The Plessy v. Ferguson decision reinforced the concept of institutionalized separation based on identity, which indirectly influenced the Two- Nation Theory in British India. This U.S. case established that "separate but equal" segregation was legally permissible, a notion that resonated in colonial societies like India, where British policies encouraged religious distinctions. Inspired by such ideas of division, leaders argued that Hindus and Muslims had separate identities requiring distinct political structures, laying the foundation for the Two-Nation Theory and ultimately leading to the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Divide & Rule Policy 6. The Policy : Here, the deliberate adoption of divide and rule policy may be refereed as a tool to keep the Hindu-Muslim divided to lessen the perceived threat emanating from the rebellion. 7.Application/examples : Partition of Bengal (1905),Separate Electorates (1909),Communal Award (1932) etc Historical Roots of Hindu-Muslim Separatism in India Hindu-Muslim Relation before1900 8.Before 1900, Hindu-Muslim relations in India were shaped by centuries of complex interactions.Many rulers, like Akbar, promoted policies of religious tolerance, fostering a blend of cultures, including the emergence of syncretic practices like the Bhakti and Sufism movements.However, relations were not always peaceful. The Mughal decline Page 1 in the 18th century, the rise of regional powers, and the arrival of the British East India Company led to political instability, fueling religious identity politics. 9.British colonialism exacerbated tensions, as the British often played divide-and-rule by emphasizing religious differences. This period saw the growth of communalism, culminating in events like the 1857 revolt, which was perceived by many as a Hindu-Muslim uprising against British rule, though it also highlighted divisions.By the 19th century, as both groups became more aware of their religious identities;both communities increasingly viewing each other through the lens of their distinct religious identities. Reasons of Muslim Timidity until start of 19th Centrury 10.After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the Mughal Empire, which had been a dominant force in India, began to weaken. This decline allowed regional powers to emerge, diminishing the political and military strength of Muslims in India. 11.With the rise of the British East India Company and their eventual control over India, the Muslim elite lost much of their political and military power. The British employed a divide-and-rule strategy, fostering divisions between Hindus and Muslims. The loss of political influence and the changing economic landscape contributed to a sense of timidity and decline within the Muslim community until the early 19th century. Partition of Bengal in 1905 & Muslim’s Awakening Strong Hindu Resistance Unmasked their Real Motive 12.Hindu resistance often arose from the threat posed by British colonial rule to traditional cultural, religious, and social practices. The British not only imposed foreign policies but also attempted to reshape Indian society.Hindu leaders resisted these changes as they saw them as an attack on their heritage, values, and way of life. The resistance was not only a political struggle but also a defense of Hindu identity, which was deeply intertwined with their religious and cultural practices. 13.The British economic policies, which included heavy taxes, the destruction of traditional industries, and the exploitation of resources for the benefit of the British Empire, caused widespread economic hardship in India. The strong resistance against the British was therefore driven by a desire to reclaim economic independence and protect the livelihoods of the local population. This economic exploitation served as a catalyst for broader nationalistic sentiments, ultimately shaping the independence movement. Muslim’s Insecurity Originating from Lieutenant Governor Fullers Resignation 14.Relatively sympathetic figure towards the Muslim elite and had worked to maintain their political influence within the colonial administration. His resignation led to fears among Muslims that their position in the new British colonial order would be weakened. This increased insecurity as they felt marginalized by the shifting power dynamics and the rise of British policies that favored the Hindu community in many areas. 15.Fearing British efforts to undermine their status and influence. With his departure, the relationship between the British and the Muslim community became more strained, as Muslims felt they were increasingly being viewed with suspicion and distrust by the colonial authorities. This event marked a turning point, contributing to a growing sense of insecurity within the Muslim community as they anticipated harsher policies and further alienation in the wake of Fuller’s resignation. Shimla Delegation & the Birth of Muslim League 1906 16.The Shimla Delegation, which consisted of prominent Muslim leaders, met with the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto, in 1906 to express concerns about the political future of Muslims under British rule. The delegation sought separate political representation for Muslims in the legislative councils, fearing that their interests would be overshadowed by the Hindu majority in a united political system. This demand for separate electorates was a critical moment, as it set the stage for the creation of the All-India Muslim League, which aimed to protect Muslim political Page 2 rights and ensure their influence in Indian politics. 17.Following the Shimla Delegation's meeting with Lord Minto, the All-India Muslim League was formally established in 1906 at a meeting in Dhaka. The League was founded as a political platform to represent Muslim interests, marking the beginning of organized Muslim political activity in India. The League's formation was motivated by the desire to safeguard Muslim rights, particularly in the face of growing Hindu nationalism and the increasing influence of the Indian National Congress, which was predominantly Hindu. The League would later play a crucial role in the demand for the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Jinnah’s Idea of Hindu-Muslim Unity Crumbled Jinnah’s Disagreement on the Relevance of Khilafat Movement & Boycotting the Orthodox Muslims 18.Jinnah disagreed with the Khilafat Movement, which was launched by Indian Muslims in the 1920s to protect the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I.He argued that focusing on a foreign cause, like the preservation of the Caliphate, distracted from addressing the more pressing political and social issues facing Muslims in India, such as securing their rights within the colonial context. Jinnah's pragmatic approach emphasized the importance of local, Indian issues over global religious concerns. 19.Jinnah, who was a modernist and believed in constitutional reforms, became increasingly disillusioned with the orthodox Muslim leaders who supported the Khilafat Movement. He felt that these leaders were often too entrenched in religious orthodoxy and lacked the vision for a progressive, united Muslim community in India. Gandhi’s Alliance with Khilafat Movement & Its Abandonment. 20.In the early 1920s, Mahatma Gandhi aligned himself with the Khilafat Movement to gain the support of Indian Muslims in the broader struggle for Indian independence.The movement, which aimed to protect the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I, resonated with Indian Muslims, and Gandhi believed that supporting it would foster Hindu-Muslim unity. He saw it as a way to strengthen the non-violent, non-cooperation movement against British colonial rule. 21.Gandhi eventually abandoned his support for the Khilafat Movement in 1924.This decision left the Khilafat leaders without a central cause. Gandhi, who prioritized the larger goal of Indian independence, distanced himself from the movement, as it no longer served the political objectives of Hindu-Muslim unity or the broader nationalist struggle. The abandonment also reflected Gandhi's focus on local, Indian issues over external matters, and it led to a rift between him and many Muslim leaders who had hoped for continued support. Congress’s Refusal to the Agreed Demands stuck during Lucknow Pact 22.One of the key provisions of the Lucknow Pact (1916) was the agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League to allow separate electorates for Muslims, which had been a contentious issue for both communities. However, after the pact, the Congress, which had initially agreed to the demand for separate electorates, became hesitant to fully implement it. The Congress, which was primarily Hindu-dominated, began to question the long-term political implications of separate electorates, fearing that it might create permanent divisions between Hindus and Muslims and undermine the unity of the Indian national movement. 23.The Lucknow Pact also aimed to secure greater political representation and constitutional reforms for both Hindus and Muslims.However, after the pact, Congress’s leadership was reluctant to push for or accept some of the demands that would grant Muslims more autonomy in political representation. This refusal to fully support the terms of the agreement caused frustration within the Muslim League, leading to a growing sense of distrust between the two parties. The Congress’s lack of commitment to the terms of the pact contributed to the eventual weakening of Hindu-Muslim unity and set the stage for further divisions within the Indian nationalist movement. Round Table Conference & the Historic Communal Award Jinnah Left for RTC to Stay back in London Page 3 24. Decline in Jinnah’s Political & Personal life : Despite his initial efforts for Hindu-Muslim unity, he faced growing isolation within the Congress, especially as it shifted towards more Hindu-centric policies. The failure to reconcile with the Congress and the lack of progress on Muslim political rights led Jinnah to distance himself from the broader nationalist movement and increasingly focus on the political needs of Muslims.Jinnah's personal life also experienced significant challenges. His wife,passed away in 1929 and this emotional loss deeply affected him. His health deteriorated over the years.Jinnah’s physical frailty and the pressures of leadership contributed to his declining health and ability to effectively manage the political and personal challenges he faced during the final years of his life. 25. Jinnah Planned to Stay in London to Persue Legal Business : IN the early 1900s, Jinnah planned to stay in London to pursue a legal career after facing political frustration in India. He had developed a keen interest in law and had already established himself as a successful barrister in London. His plan to remain in London was partly driven by his desire to further his legal expertise and his disillusionment with the political climate in India at the time. Jinnah's decision was also influenced by the challenging political conditions in India, where he felt that his efforts to bridge the gap between Hindus and Muslims were not yielding the desired outcomes. However, his stay in London was brief, as he soon returned to India, where he re-engaged in politics and eventually became a prominent leader of the All-India Muslim League. Ramsey MacDonald’s Communal Award 26.Historic Communal Award : The Communal Award was a significant political development in British India, announced by the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald in 1932. It aimed to address the demands of various communities for separate political representation and safeguards in the legislative process. 27.Ushered the path of Two Nation Theory : Two Nation Theory, which argued that Hindus and Muslims were distinct nations with their own religions, cultures, and political interests, and thus should have separate political status. Muslim League Reinforced by joining of the Abandoned Khilafatists & Jinnah. 28.Khilafatists Joined the Muslim League : Many Khilafatists, who had been mobilizing Indian Muslims in support of the Ottoman Caliphate, joined the All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This shift occurred after the collapse of the Caliphate in 1924, which ended the Khilafat Movement's main cause. Jinnah, seeking to unite Muslims under a political platform that would safeguard their rights, welcomed the Khilafatists into the Muslim League. This alliance helped the League gain greater influence among Indian Muslims, and it marked a turning point in the League’s transformation into a major political force advocating for Muslim interests, ultimately contributing to the demand for the creation of Pakistan. 29.Jinnah’s Self-Realization & Return to India to lead Muslim League : Jinnah’s self-realization occurred after his time in London, where he had distanced himself from active politics and pursued a successful legal career. During this period, he came to the conclusion that the Hindu-Muslim divide in India was deepening, and that Muslims needed a political voice distinct from the Congress, which was dominated by Hindus.He recognized that Muslims, underrepresented in the political landscape, needed their own platform to protect their rights. Jinnah's return marked the beginning of his leadership of the League, where he shifted its focus towards advocating for a separate nation for Muslims, culminating in the demand for Pakistan. Consolidation of the Idea Two Nation Theory Jinnah Rallied the Muslim Population behind his Concept of Two Nation Theory 30.Jinnah emphasized that Hindus and Muslims were two distinct nations, with different cultures, religions, and political interests. He argued that Muslims needed their own separate nation to safeguard their political, cultural, and religious rights, which could not be preserved in a united India dominated by Hindu majorities. 31.Jinnah, through the Muslim League, successfully mobilized Muslims by presenting the League as the sole Page 4 representative of Muslim interests. He capitalized on the growing dissatisfaction with Congress and its Hindu- centric policies, portraying the Muslim League as the protector of Muslim political rights. Election of 1936-1937 & Muslim League in Opposition 32.The League was largely overshadowed by the Congress, and its inability to secure a strong political foothold in these elections showed that it was still not the dominant force among Indian Muslims, despite Jinnah’s growing leadership. 33.The Congress's dominance in the elections and its refusal to address the concerns of Muslims led the League to further distance itself from Congress and reaffirm its stance that Muslims required their own political representation and safeguards, setting the stage for more radical demands in the coming years. Britain Joining in WW II & Change in the Political Situation of India WW II & Its Political Impact 34.Resignation of Congress Ministries & Muslim Leagues Kept Supporting the British : In 1939, Congress ministries resigned in protest against the British decision to involve India in World War II without consulting Indian leaders. In contrast, the Muslim League, under Jinnah’s leadership, chose to support the British during the war. The League saw this as an opportunity to gain political concessions from the British, strengthening its position as the representative of Muslims in India. This support further distanced the League from Congress and helped solidify its role as a key political force advocating for Muslim interests. 35.AK Fazlul Huq’ Pro Peasant Reforms including Bengal Muslim Leagues massive support for Pakistan Movement gained Momentum : A.K. Fazlul Huq, a prominent leader from Bengal, championed pro-peasant reforms, advocating for land rights and social justice for the rural population. His leadership and reforms earned him massive support, particularly from the Muslim peasantry in Bengal. This support for his progressive agenda, combined with his alignment with the Muslim League, helped gain momentum for the Pakistan Movement. Huq’s appeal to the Muslim masses in Bengal played a crucial role in rallying broader Muslim support for the creation of Pakistan in the 1940s. Lahore Resolution 37.Lahore Resolution Passed : The Lahore Resolution, passed by the All-India Muslim League on March 23, 1940, called for the creation of separate states for Muslims in the north-western and eastern zones of India. This resolution, also known as the Pakistan Resolution, formally articulated the demand for Pakistan, marking a turning point in the Indian independence struggle and solidifying the Muslim League's push for a separate Muslim-majority state. 38.Britain Takes Note of Two Nation Theory & Eventually Placed it in the Table : Britain took note of the Two- Nation Theory as the demand for Pakistan grew stronger, particularly after the Lahore Resolution of 1940. Recognizing the rising divide between Hindus and Muslims, the British began to acknowledge the Muslim League’s demand for a separate nation. This led to the Mountbatten Plan and eventually the partition of India in 1947, with the creation of Pakistan, formally placing the Two-Nation Theory on the political agenda. 39. Congress’s Denial to the Proposed Plan Triggered Hindu-Muslim Riot : Britain took note of the Two-Nation Theory as the demand for Pakistan grew stronger, particularly after the Lahore Resolution of 1940. Recognizing the rising divide between Hindus and Muslims, the British began to acknowledge the Muslim League’s demand for a separate nation. This led to the Mountbatten Plan and eventually the partition of India in 1947, with the creation of Pakistan, formally placing the Two-Nation Theory on the political agenda. Learning Out come : Through this study, we learn understanding of political dynamics,Impact of religious Identity Page 5 on politics,role of colonialism in Indian politics,consequences of political decisions,Importance of leadership in social movements Conclusion : The historical events leading to the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan were shaped by a complex interplay of political, social, and religious factors. The Two-Nation Theory, articulated by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and supported by the Muslim League, emphasized the distinctiveness of Hindus and Muslims as separate nations with divergent political, cultural, and religious identities. Key milestones, such as the Lahore Resolution (1940), the Communal Award (1932), and the Mountbatten Plan (1947), marked the growing rift between Hindus and Muslims, leading to the eventual demand for Pakistan.The support for the British during World War II by the Muslim League and the resignation of Congress ministries underscored the growing divide. Ultimately, the creation of Pakistan became the realization of the Two-Nation Theory, formalized through political strategies and support from the Muslim population, particularly in Bengal and other Muslim-majority regions Reference 1. The Pakistan Movement Origins and Early History by K.K. Aziz 2. https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan/History&sa=U&sqi=2&ved=2ahUK Ewje0pD3u96JAxWh3jgGHXgFL8QQFnoECDwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3tO-M44zIiqqRhjTRGUby8 3. Freedom at Midnight by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre 4. A Muslim Homeland and Global Politics by Ayesha Jalal 5. The Partition of India by K.K. Aziz 6. The Sole Spokesman : Jinnah, the Muslim League and the Demand for Pakistan by Agha Shahi 7. https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=Political%20process%20of%20creation%20of%20pakistan%20&source= sh/x/gs/m2/5 8. https://youtu.be/frCpvB61MSA?si=byATffYgQ9Lj_13S 9. https://youtu.be/XgGmzJDu1Oo?si=P2AduovDxbtLJhEZ Page 6