Chapter 4
Chapter 4
How did the political Why did the How did the reforms How did nationalism
There are three depth studies for this historical period. landscape of India two-nation theory by the British impact lead to the demand for
For each depth study, there are up to three electives change after become acceptable? the Indians and their a separate homeland
World War I? stance towards for Indian Muslims?
that focus on a particular society, event, movement or British Rule?
development. It is expected that ONE elective will be
studied in detail. A depth study will constitute
approximately 30% of the total teaching time for the
year. The content in each depth study elective is
By the end of this chapter, students will be able to:
designed to allow detailed study of specific aspects of
this historical period. As part of a teaching and Recall the role of Muslims and Hindus in World War I
*
learning program, depth study content can be * Describe the importance of the Lucknow Pact of 1916 for
integrated with the overview content and/or other Hindu Muslim unity
Describe some main points of the Montague-Chelmsford
*
Overview 10% Reforms and why they were introduced
» Describe the incident of Jallianwala Bagh in 1919
Depth Study 1 30%
» Identify some contributions of the founding leaders of the
Depth Study 2 30% Khilafat Movement in the subcontinent
Depth Study 3 30% Describe main features of the Nehru Report in 1928
*
Total 1OOO/o * Identify the most important demand made in Jinnah’s
14 points
CHAPTER CONTENT
Unit 1 ‘Snapshot’ helps students to understand the major events leading up to and during World
War I. Unit 2 ‘The Hindu-Muslim Unity’ investigates Congress and the Muslim League agreement
to present common demands to the British government. Unit 3 ‘Communal and Political
Awakening’ explores the chain of events facilitating partition. Unit 4 ‘Conferences, Reforms and
Elections investigates Round table conferences, elections, and the reorganisation of Muslim
League. Unit 5 ‘Significant People’ looks at the prominent political figures in the Indian
subcontinent.
IN A NUTSHELL
During the early 20th century, key events like the
Lucknow Pact (1916) fostered Hindu-Muslim unity,
While the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms aimed to
introduce limited self-governance.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) intensified the
Indian struggle for independence.
The Khilafat Movement, Nehru Report (1928), Jinnah’s
14 Points, and Allama Iqbal’s 1930 address highlighted
the Muslim League's demands for political
representation.
The Communal Awards and the Day of Deliverance
(1939) underscored communal tensions. The
reorganization of the Muslim League and the Pirpur
Report bolstered Muslim unity, paving the way for
Pakistan's creation.
Deviously— In a manner that is deceitful or underhanded, often involving indirect or dishonest tactics
to achieve a goal.
Oppressive-Harsh and unfair treatment or control that limits freedom, often characterized by
excessive authority or power.
Incite-To provoke or encourage someone to take action, especially to stir up violence, anger, or
harmful behaviour.
Tenure— The period during which someone holds a position, office, or title. It can also refer to the
guaranteed permanent employment, especially for teachers or professors after a probationary period.
Persistent— Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action despite difficulties, opposition, or
failures. It also refers to something that lasts for a long time or is consistently repeated.
Ardently-With intense enthusiasm, passion, or fervor. It describes a strong, eager, and enthusiastic
manner or attitude.
Pact— A formal agreement or treaty between two or more parties, often nations or organizations, to
cooperate for mutual benefit.
Ambassador-A diplomatic official who represents their country abroad typically in a foreign country,
responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations.
Escalating-Increasing or intensifying, often referring to a situation, conflict, or problem that becomes
more severe or extreme over time.
Autonomy-The state of being self-governing or independent. It refers to the freedom of a region,
organization, or individual to make decisions and govern themselves without external control.
61
* CURRICULUM STUDY
HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE
CONTENT DESCRIPTOR
• Post-War conditions in the subcontinent
• Features of politics in India
HISTORICAL SKILLS
CHRONOLOGY, TERMS AND CONCEPTS
• Sequence historical events and periods
• Use historical terms and concepts
’ TEACHING AND
LEARNING STRATEGIES
SKILLS ACTIVITY
ANALYSIS AND USE OF SOURCES
Ml: visual-spatial, verbal-linguistic
1 Students examine Source 1.1, the map of India and
then answer the following questions.
Who created the 1922 Map of India in the Imperial
Gazetteer of India?
The 1922 Map of India in the Imperial Gazetteer of India
was created by the cartographer John Bartholomew.
What kind of information does the 1922 Map of
India in the Imperial Gazetteer of India provide?
The map provides geographical and political
information, including the boundaries of provinces,
princely states, and other administrative divisions during
THE INDIM EMPIRE
British rule.
How is the 1922 Map of India by Bartholomew
historically significant?
The map is historically significant as it reflects the
territorial and administrative landscape of British India,
which was instrumental in understanding the colonial
governance structure and the subsequent partition of 1922 Map of India by Bartholomew in Imperial
Gazetteer of India
India.
What is the Imperial Gazetteer of India? 62 PEARSON hiStoryBook3
POST-WAR CONDITIONS
The subcontinent was the largest British colony
during World War I. Both the Muslims and the Hindus
pledged loyalty to the British in this war. Thousands of
Muslim and Hindu soldiers sacrificed their lives and a
large number of them were wounded. The British had
deviously promised to deliver progressive self-rule to the Liberation: The act of setting someone free from
subcontinent at the end of the war. When the war ended
with British victory, instead of keeping the pledge, the imprisonment, slavery, or oppression; the state of
British diverted the Indians' attention through reforms being freed.
and imposed the oppressive Rowlatt Act. Disheartened Memorial: Something, especially a structure or event,
Indians had no other choice and started different
established to remind people of a person or event,
movements against the British Crown.
often to honor the memory of someone who has died.
During the war, the British had also promised the Muslim
soldiers fighting on their behalf against the Ottomans
Progressive: Favoring or promoting change or
that they would not mistreat the Caliphate as it had a innovation, especially in social, political, or economic
religious value to the Muslims. However, the Caliphate matters; often associated with support for reforms and
was abolished after the War and so was the trust improvements.
in the British.
Deviously: In a manner that is dishonest or indirect;
POLITICS IN INDIA using deceit or underhanded tactics to achieve
While all the Indians shared the same goal of liberation something.
from the British government, both Muslims and Hindus
had different aims as well that were far from mutual.
Moreover, even the British were having a hard time
HELPFUL HINTS
governing India as their reforms could not make
India Gate in New Delhi is a significant war memorial
SOURCE India Gate in New Delhi, stands as a memorial to
everyone happy at the same time and led to protests by 1.2 70 000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the honouring the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died during
the local leaders and the civil masses. The British, in First World War World War I. It's a prominent symbol of sacrifice and
response became stricter with their policies, that would
bravery.
in turn incite more protests and movements by either the
Congress or the Muslim League, or sometimes, both.
63
* study
curriculum
HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE
CONTENT DESCRIPTOR
• The features of the Hindu-Muslim Unity
• The significant beliefs, values and practices of
Hindu- Muslim Unity, with a particular emphasis on
ONE of the following area: Jinnah's Struggle for Jinnah’s success in bringing Hindus and Muslims
JINNAH’S-STRUGGLE FOR
Muslim-Hindu Unity, The Lucknow pact, The MUSLIM-HINDU UNITY onto a common platform earned him the title of the
Amritsar Massacre, The Montague-Chelmsford “Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity."
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was an active member
Reforms, The Khilafat Movement, The longevity of of the Congress and stayed in the party even when
Muslim League was formed. During his tenure within THE ROWLATT ACT, MARCH 1919
Hindu-Muslim Unity.
the Congress, Jinnah ardently championed the After World War I, a committee was formed under
cause of Muslim rights. However, as he observed the Justice Rowlatt to investigate revolutionary activity in
HISTORICAL SKILLS persistent disregard for the concerns of Muslims within the subcontinent. The committee reported that Bengal,
the Congress and the growing divide between the two Bombay and Punjab had become areas of revolutionary
CHRONOLOGY, TERMS AND CONCEPTS communities, he realised the importance to secure distinct activity which had to be controlled. Thus, the Rowlatt
Act was passed and enforced in March, 1919. Some of
• Sequence historical events and periods political representation for Muslims. Feeling increasingly
marginalised within the Congress due to the dominance the emergency measures of this Act included arrest without
• Use historical terms and concepts of majority interests, Jinnah juw made the decision to warrant, detention without bail, house arrest of suspects,
part ways with the party in 1920. right of the British government to order people where to live
ANALYSIS AND USE OF SOURCES and strict restrictions on political meetings and processions.
While being a member of the Congress, Jinnah also
• Identify the origin and purpose of primary and joined the Muslim League in 1913, and for several years, CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACT
secondary sources he hoped that both Congress and the League could Indians found this act against the freedom of individuals
• Locate, select and use information from a range of collaborate to find common solutions to the problems to stand up for liberty of thought and actions. As a
sources as evidence faced by Indians. Both parties held their annual sessions result, Jinnah resigned from the Imperial Legislative
concurrently and at the same location in 1915 and 1916. Council in protest and Gandhi, the political leader of the
• Draw conclusions about the usefulness of sources The most significant outcome of these joint sessions was Congress, launched a strike against the Act. The Viceroy
the Lucknow Pact of 1916. ignored the opposition’s strikes and demonstrations,
PERSPECTIVES AND INTERPRETATIONS banned anti-government publications and forbade public
• Identify and describe points of view, attitudes and THE LUCKNOW PACT, 1916 meetings. The escalating tension reached a tragic climax
values in primary and secondary sources with the Amritsar Massacre in April 1919.
The Lucknow Pact represented the first formal agreement
signed between the Indian National Congress and the
EXPLANATION AND COMMUNICATION All India Muslim League. It was a crucial moment in the
• Develop historical texts, particularly descriptions subcontinent’s history. Due to Jinnah’s persistent
efforts, Congress, for the first time, acknowledged the
and explanations that use evidence from a range of
Muslim League as the representative of the Indian
sources Muslim community and agreed that Muslims should have
• Use a range of communication forms (oral, graphic, separate electorates in any elections. Both Congress and
written) and digital technologies the League agreed to present common demands to the
British government.
65
^^gsANSWRRS I The right to vote was severely restricted.
The system of communal electorates was
introduced. Reserved seats in all the provincial
Despite its failure, this Movement inspired the Muslims of
the subcontinent to continue their struggle for their rights
which gave rise to the Pakistan Movement in later years.
REMEMBERING AND UNDERSTANDING legislatures for religious groups, i.e. Muslims,
1 Amritsar Massacre: This was a tragic event that Sikhs and Christians. ROLE OF THE KHILAFAT MOVEMENT IN
HINDU-MUSLIM UNITY
occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar. British After every ten years a commission would update
the reforms. The British’s rejection of the Muslims’ demands resulted
troops under the command of General Dyer opened in the formation of the Khilafat committee which directed
fire on a large crowd of unarmed Indian civilians REACTION OF THE INDIANS Muslims all over India to protest and boycott the British
who had gathered in a public garden to protest government. Under great anger and distress, the Muslims
The reforms came with widespread discontent in the
of the subcontinent rose against British Rule. The Hindus
British colonial policies. The massacre resulted in country. The Indians rejected the reforms as the actual
accompanied them against their common enemy. The
power still rested with the British. They demanded
significant loss of life and injuries, sparking Khilafat Movement helped bring both the nations closer
effective self-governance and described these reforms
widespread outrage becoming a pivotal moment in to each other. They forgot their differences temporarily.
as ‘inadequate, unsatisfactory and disappointing’.
the Indian independence movement. As a result, Congress did not take part in the first
elections held under the Act of 1919. THE NON-COOPERATION MOVEMENT,
Autonomy: Autonomy refers to the right or 1920-1922
condition of self-government or self-rule, in a , THE KHILAFAT MOVEMENT, 1919-24 The Non-cooperation Movement was actually a reaction
political context, it means the ability of a region or i During World War I, Muslims helped the British on towards the oppressive policies of the British government
group to govern itself independently from a the condition that the holy places of Islam would not such as the Rowlatt Act and the incident at Jallianwala Bagh.
central authority, often with its own be attacked and the institution of Caliphate would not This movement of ‘non-violence’ and ‘non-cooperation’
be harmed. The British government had promised that meant that the Indians would give up the titles and
administrative and legislative powers. despite the Ottoman defeat, the Caliph (Khalifa) held in positions given to them by the British government and
Bicameral Legislature: A bicameral legislature is a high esteem by all Muslims worldwide as their leader, boycott British schools, colleges, courts and councils.
legislative body that has two separate chambers or ] would retain his position. Many Congress leaders also
Gandhi collaborated with Muslims in the cause of the
supported the stand of Indian Muslims on the question
house. Each chamber may have different powers of the Caliphate. In this regard, a Khilafat delegation
Khilafat, and launched this political campaign at the
and responsibilities. For example, in India, the same time to strengthen the cause of Indian independence
including Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Maulana
from Britain. Though intended to be non-violent, the
Parliament bicameral, consisted of the Lok Sabha Shaukat Ali, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad and Gandhi
movement was eventually called off by Gandhi in
(House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha met the Viceroy in Delhi. The Viceroy expressed his
February 1922 following the Chauri Chaura incident.
inability to do anything himself and suggested sending a
(Council of States). deputation to London to present Muslims’ point of view
Communal Electorates: This refers to a system before the British government.
where electoral representation is divided along The leaders went to England to persuade the British
communal or religious lines. In such a system, government to prevent the removal of the Sultan of Turkey, Abolition of the Caliphate, The Last Caliph, Le Petit
who was also the Caliph of Islam and considered the Journal illustre, 16 March 1924
specific communities or religious groups have
leader of Islamic nations at that time.
designated seats or special representation in However, the British government did not
legislative bodies, often to that their interests are । support this effort, and as a result, the
safeguarded. Allied victors, including Britain, France,
Italy, and the USA, divided the territories
Diarchy: Diarchy is a system of government where ( of Ottoman Turkey among themselves.
two individuals or bodies share power In the
context of British India, the Diarchy system was THE END OF THE KHILAFAT
introduced by the Government of India Act 1919, MOVEMENT
In 1924, the new Turkish leader
where executive powers were divided between Kemal Ataturk abolished the Khilafat
elected Indian ministers and British officials in the i
and exiled the Muslim Caliph.
provinces. > It made no difference what Indian
Hunter Committee: The Hunter Committee, Muslims or British politicians wanted.
The Turks themselves had abolished the
formally known as the Hunter Commission, was i
Caliphate. Consequently, the Khilafat
established in 1920 to investigate the causes and । Movement in the subcontinent also
consequences of the Amritsar Massacre. Its came to an end.
findings were intended to address the grievances . 66 pearson historyBook3
67
* study
curriculum
HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE
CONTENT DESCRIPTOR
• The significant beliefs, values and practices of COMMUNAL AND POLITICAL
Communal and political awakening with a particular
emphasis on ONE of The following area: The Simon
AWAKENING
Commission, The Nehru Report, The fourteen points
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? THE NEHRU REPORT, 1928
of Jinnah, Civil Disobedience Movement, Allahabad The next eight years in the subcontinent were marked by The Nehru Report, formulated
Address various political uprisings and communal tension. It all in 1928 during the All Parties
started when the British formed a commission comprising Conference held in Delhi,
HISTORICAL SKILLS only British members, headed by Sir John Simon, to
investigate the political opinion and reforms in India. Both
represented India’s struggle
for self-governance. At this
the Indian parties considered it offensive and the aftermath conference, Motilal Nehru
CHRONOLOGY, TERMS AND CONCEPTS
led to a chain of events facilitating partition. took the lead in drafting a
• Identify and locate relevant sources, using ICT and proposed constitution for
other methods THE SIMON COMMISSION, 1927 India, which became known
as the Nehru Report. This
The Government of India
ANALYSIS AND USE OF SOURCES Act of 1919 had stated
document outlined several key
principles and demands aimed
• Identify the origin and purpose of primary and that a commission was
at shaping India’s future.
secondary sources to be set up after ten
years to enquire into the
• Locate, select and use information from a range of
workings of the reforms.
The Nehru Report had some
important ideas:
sources as evidence Therefore, in 1927 the
It wanted India to have more control over its own affairs
• Draw conclusions about the usefulness of sources Simon Commission was
sent to the subcontinent It opposed the idea of minorities having
EXPLANATION AND COMMUNICATION to find out the views of separate electorates
the main political parties.
• Use a range of communication forms (oral, graphic, All seven members
It said that because Hindus were the majority, they
should have more say in the government
written) and digital technologies of the Commission It suggested Hindi as the official language of
belonged to the British the country
parliament, no Indians
were included. The It gave Muslims one-fourth representation at the
commission was strongly opposed by the Muslim League central legislature.
and the Indian National Congress, including the prominent One of the central demands of the Nehru Report was
Indian leaders such as Nehru, Gandhi, and Jinnah the immediate grant of dominion status to India. This
Its members were confronted by mobs of protesters. A strike envisioned a united political entity in which both the
began and many people turned out to greet the commission princely states and British India would come together in a
• Communal tension and political upheaval in with black flags on which was written ‘Simon Go Back’. federal structure. Within this federation, all powers would
be vested at the federal level, with the goal of creating a
the Indian Subcontinent, triggered by the
AFTERMATH united and self-governing India.
formation of a British-only commission to The Simon Commission Report was abandoned even before The Report had a very notable stance on communal
investigate Indian political opinions and it was published in 1930. In September 1928, ahead of the representation. It firmly opposed the idea of separate
reforms. commission’s release, Motilal Nehru who was affiliated with electorates for any religious or community groups
Congress, presented his ‘Nehru Report'. This report advocated
• The strong opposition of Indian political that India be given dominion status with complete internal
and rejected the concept of weightage for minorities.
This meant that there would not be reserved seats or
parties, including the Indian National self-government. Jinnah 4^ declared the report as a preferential treatment for any specific community.
Congress and the Muslim League, against the biased document in favour of Hindus and presented his own Instead, the report emphasised the importance of equal
Simon Commission due to its composition ‘Fourteen Points’ in response to the Nehru Report. political representation and citizenship rights for all
solely of British parliamentarians and the Indians. While this point was beneficial for Hindus who
were the majority, it posed a risk for the Muslims to
absence of Indian representation, which accept it as it was.
sparked widespread protests and demands for 68 PEARSON hiStoryBook3
self-governance.
• Salt March (Dandi March) led by Mahatma
Gandhi as a pivotal act of nonviolent protest
against British colonial salt taxes.
• The Nehru Report, Jinnah's 14 Points, and key TERMS
other significant proposals.
Commission— A group of people officially appointed to perform a task or investigate a
matter.
Legislatures—Bodies of government responsible for making laws.
Amalgamated— Combined or united to form a single entity.
Consolidated—Strengthened, unified, or brought together into a coherent whole.
Aftermath— Consequences or results following a significant event, often implying a period
of recovery or adjustment.
Communal— Relating to a community or group sharing common characteristics or interests,
often used to describe shared responsibilities or resources within a community.
civil disobedience.
iWactmtiesanswers Satyagrahis: Individuals who practice
"satyagraha," a form of nonviolent resistance or
civil disobedience developed by Mahatma
REMEMBERING AND UNDERSTANDING Gandhi, based on the principle of truth and
1 Amendments: Changes or additions made to a nonviolence in the struggle for justice and
legal document, law, or constitution to alter or political change.
improve its provisions. 2 Indians opposed the Simon Commission strongly
Federal: Relating to a system of government in for several key reasons:
which power is divided between a central Lack of Indian Representation: The Simon
authority and constituent political units (such as Commission, established in 1927 to review the
states or provinces), each with its own governing Government of India Act of 1919, consisted
powers. entirely of British members of Parliament with
Political uprisings: Revolts or rebellions by no Indian representatives. This exclusion was
groups of people against established political seen as a disregard for Indian political
authorities or governments, often aimed at aspirations and contributions, leading to
seeking political change or redress of grievances. widespread dissatisfaction.
Salt March: A significant nonviolent protest led Preceding Promises: The 1919 Act had promised
by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 against British that a commission would be set up to evaluate
colonial salt taxes, involving a 240-mile march the reforms after ten years. The expectation was
to the sea to produce salt illegally as an act of that this commission would include Indian
69
^^ANSWERS ALLAHABAD ADDRESS, 1930
The 25th annual meeting of All India Muslim League Remembering
was held at Allahabad in December 1930. Historians and understanding
members, reflecting the growing demand for consider this event as a profound moment for Define the terms below.
Indian Muslims when Allama Muhammad Iqbal
greater Indian participation in governance. delivered his presidential address. In his address, • amendments federal
Perceived Bias: Many Indians felt that the he presented an outlined vision of an ‘Independent State’ • Political uprisings Salt March
commission was biased and unlikely to address for provinces with Muslim majority. • satyagrahis
2 Why did the Indians oppose the Simon
Indian concerns fairly. This perception was fueled Commission so strongly?
by the history of British colonial policies, which Personally, I would go farther than the demands
3 Compare and contrast the Nehru Report of 1928
had often ignored or marginalized Indian embodied in it. I would like to see the Punjab,
and Jinnah's Fourteen Points of 1929 in terms
North-West Frontier Province, Sind and Baluchistan
intrests. of their demands and significance in India's
amalgamated into a single State. Self-government within struggle for independence.
Symbolic Gesture: The arrival of the Simon the British Empire, or without the British Empire, the
Commission was seen as an insult and a symbol formation of a consolidated North-West Indian Muslim Analysing and applying
of British disdain for Indian political maturity State appears to me to be the final destiny of the 4 Evaluate the impact of the Salt March on the
and demands for self-governance. The Muslims, at least of North-West India.... Indian freedom movement and its role in
mobilising the masses against British colonial
commission's visit was met with protests, and SOURCE Excerpt from Sir Muhammad Iqbal's presidential rule.
"Simon Go Back" slogans were widely used to 3.4 address in 1930, at Allahabad: Speeches, Writings, 5 Do you think that Gandhi's approach of peaceful
and Statements of Iqbal, compiled and edited by Latif
express discontent. Ahmed Sherwani. or nonviolent protests was the right call against
These factors combined to create a strong and The most impactful outcome of Allama Iqbal’s Allahabad the British? How can the idea of peaceful protests
be replicated in today's world?
unified opposition to the Simon address was that it cleared a political confusion from all
minds and provided a solution to the identity crisis of the 6 Read Section 'The fourteen points of Jinnah,
Commission, reflecting broader frustrations with
Indian Muslims who were uncertain about how to defend 1929'.
British colonial rule and the demand for greater their religion and culture. a. Do you think that the fourteen points
self-representation and political rights. covered all the basic demands of the
3 The Nehru Report of 1928 and Jinnah's Fourteen Muslims of India?
Points of 1929 were two significant documents b. Which points in your opinion were not
in India's struggle for independence, reflecting supported by the Congress? Explain why
might Congress not have supported them.
differing visions and demands for the future
Read Source 3.4.Trace the outline of the map in
political structure of India. Here's a comparison Source 1.1 and shade the regions mentioned in
and contrast of these two key documents: the Allahabad Address. Compare the shaded area
Comparison and Contrast: with today's map of Pakistan and note down the
Focus and Perspective: The Nehru Report similarities and differences.
key CONcppyc
*
71
• teaching and
learning strategies 3. MUMBERSTONE ROAD.
CAMBRIDGE.
Ml: verbal-linguistic 28th January. 1933.
Communal Award led to the making of the Government 4.3 circulation during the Third Round Table Conference.
Pakistan Movement Historical Documents, Department
Direct students to look at Source 4.2 on page 72 in order to of India Act of 1935 by the British as the Indians, once of International Relations, University of Karachi, Pakistan
more, had failed to come to an agreement.
answer the following question:
What was the significance of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and !
NOW OR NEVER THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT,
Allama Iqbal being seated together At the Round Table . The 'Pakistan Declaration' (titled Now or Never; Are We 1935
Conference? . to Live or Perish Forever?) was a pamphlet written and In March 1933, the British government unveiled its
The significance of Jinnah and Iqbal sitting together at the । published by four students studying at the Cambridge proposals for governing India. Two years later, the
। University in Britain, led by Chaudhry Rehmat Ali, on Government of India Act was passed which was a
Round Table Conference lay in their prominent roles in
। 28 January 1933, in which the word PAKSTAN was used legislative proposal with two aims. Firstly, India was to
representing Muslim interests and discussing constitutional । for the ftrst time. The pamphlet was circulated to the become a federation consisting of a central government
reforms for India. Their presence underscored the unity and I delegates of the Third Round Table Conference. It said: and separate provincial assemblies. Secondly, provincial
collaboration between key Muslim leaders in advocating for autonomy was to be granted and more Indians were to be
given the right to vote. However, during emergencies and
their demands and shaping the future political landscape of . "At this solemn hour in the history of India, breakdown of law and order, British governors could
the country. I when British and Indian statesmen are laying the take over.
I foundations of a Federal Constitution for that land,
However, both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim
we address this appeal to you, in the name of our League rejected this Act. The Muslim League rejected it
common heritage, on behalf of our thirty million due to concerns about insufficient autonomy for Muslims
Muslim brethren who live in PAKSTAN— by which in provincial matters, while Congress criticised it for
. we mean the five Northern units of India, Viz: being another British plot to divide and rule.
I Punjab, North-West Frontier Province (Afghan
I Province), Kashmir, Sindh and Baluchistan.”
_ __________________ _
I
I It was, therefore, Chaudhry Rehmat Ali who had the
l honour of devising the name of the future Muslim nation.
L
72 PEARSON hiStoryBook3
^ACTIVITIESANSWERS
REMEMBERING AND UNDERSTANDING
1 • Communal Award: Announced by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald in 1932, the Communal
Award was a decree that granted separate electorates to various religious and social communities in
India, including Muslims, Sikhs, and untouchables (Depressed Classes). It aimed to address the
concerns of minority groups but was controversial as it was seen to further entrench communal
divisions.
• Round Table Conferences: A series of meetings held between 1930 and 1932 in London, where British
officials and Indian leaders discussed constitutional reforms and the future governance of India. The
conferences aimed to address political demands and grievances of different Indian communities and
explore ways to increase Indian self-government.
• Untouchables: A term historically used to refer to individuals belonging to the lowest social strata in
the traditional Hindu caste system, who were marginalized and subjected to severe social
discrimination. The term is now considered derogatory, and efforts have been made to improve their
social status and rights.
• Wardha Scheme: Introduced in 1937 by the Indian National Congress under Mahatma Gandhi's
leadership, the Wardha Scheme aimed to reform and improve the education system in India. It
emphasized the promotion of basic education in vernacular languages, focusing on rural and practical
education to uplift the masses.
73
REORGANISATION OF
MUSLIM LEAGUE 1937-1939 Remembering and
understanding
The elections of 1937 highlighted the League’s weaknesses
1 Define the terms below.
2 Jinnah's shift from advocating Hindu-Muslim in terms of representation and influence, especially
compared to the Indian National Congress. • Communal Award
unity to supporting partition was driven by his Jinnah recognising the need to strengthen the party, • RoundTable Conferences
disillusionment with Congress's approach, rising began to restructure its strategies and priorities so its • Untouchables
communal tensions, failure of negotiations, and could articulate the concerns of Muslims effectively. • Wardha Scheme
a growing belief that Muslims required a He reduced the membership fee by eight times so 2 What made Jinnah shift his stance from
that more people from different socio-economic Hindu-Muslim unity to partition?
separate state to protect their identity and
background could join the party. 3 What were the outcomes of the RoundTable
interests.
Parliamentary Boards were set up (Central and Conferences of 1930-32 in reaching a consensus
3 The Round Table Conferences of 1930-32 made on constitutional reforms for India?
Provincial) for better administration.
notable contributions to the discourse on 4 Why were the Muslims and the Hindus against
He formed and outlined a constitution for clarity
constitutional reforms for India by recognizing of the goal of the party.
the Communal Award?
diverse community interests and proposing Analysing and applying
He introduced Muslim League National Guards to
changes to the governance structure. However, help maintain discipline during sessions. 5 Read Source 4.3. Why do you think that Rehmat
they did not achieve a full consensus on many Ali titled the pamphlet 'Now or Never: Are we to
A donation was set up to improve the financial
issues due to disagreements among Indian live or Perish forever'?
position of the party.
political groups and the British government. The 6 Why do you think Gandhi did not show interest
The Muslim League had been an elite Indian Muslim
in the RoundTable Conferences?
outcomes of the conferences were reflected in organisation until 1937. Following the leadership of
Jinnah, the party gained popularity among the Muslim "7 Read Section 'The Government of India Act, 1935'.
the Government of India Act 1935, which
masses in the 1940s. It attracted almost two million a. What did the Act propose?
introduced significant but partial reforms members under Jinnah’s direction. Initially, Jinnah
towards Indian self-governance. b. Do you think that the Congress and Muslim
worked closely with local politicians from Uttar Pradesh,
League should have accepted the proposals?
4 The Communal Award faced opposition from where the League’s first base was located. From 1937
onwards, the Muslim League and Jinnah drew large c. This Act, while rejected by the League, still
both Muslims and Hindus due to concerns about served as the basic legal document for
audiences throughout India for their processions
the impact of separate electorates on political and strikes. the state of Pakistan until 1956. Research
unity and representation. Muslims were worried the latest constitution of the country and
The years of Congress rule proved to be a difficult compare how the Act differs from the
that it would weaken their political influence struggle for the Muslims of India and their only hope was constitution.
and divide their own community's unity. Hindus to rely on the Muslim League for their political rebirth.
8 How did Congress and Muslim League
Therefore, League members had completely shifted their
opposed the Award because it further entrenched respond to the Elections of 1937? How did each
goal towards establishing a new state for the Muslims of
communal divisions and was seen as a barrier to India. After the Day of Deliverance, this goal of building party spend the years 1937 - 1939 during the
achieving a more unified political framework in Pakistan became inevitable. Congress rule?
India. Both communities were concerned that 9 Explain why the Muslim League needed to be
reorganised.
the Award would perpetuate and exacerbate
communal tensions rather than resolve them.
ANALYSING AND APPLYING
5 Chaudhry Rehmat Ali titled the pamphlet "Now
or Never: Are We to Live or Perish Forever?" to
underscore the urgency of establishing a
separate Muslim state. The title reflects the
critical nature of the time, the need for
immediate action, and the belief that without SOURCEJinnah (front, left) with the Working Committee of the
such a state, Muslims might face dire 4.5 Muslim League after a meeting in Lucknow, October
1937. Held at the British Library
consequences for their identity and future.
6 Mahatma Gandhi's lack of interest in the Round 74 PEARSON hiStoryBook3
Table Conferences was due to his exclusion from
the first conference, skepticism about the
effectiveness of the reforms discussed, a
preference for nonviolent struggle and grassroots
movements, distrust of British intentions, >■©
I
differences in political strategy with the control, while the Muslim League felt it did not provide sufficient autonomy and protection for
Congress, and focus on other significant Muslims. Accepting the proposals might have compromised their core goals and demands.
struggles. Gandhi believed that meaningful c Answer will vary.
progress towards Indian self-rule required direct 8 In the 1937 elections, Congress formed provincial governments and focused on social reform and
action and a more comprehensive approach than economic development but faced challenges such as political opposition and communal tensions. The
what the conferences offered. Muslim League, performing poorly in the elections, criticized Congress and intensified demands for a
7 a Both parties had significant reasons for their separate Muslim state, leading to increased calls for partition. During 1937-1939, Congress continued
rejection. The Congress aimed for complete implementing reforms and addressing communal issues, while the Muslim League worked on mobilizing
independence and perceived the Act as a support for Pakistan and criticizing Congress policies.
means to perpetuate British control. The 9 The Muslim League needed to be reorganized to strengthen its political influence, address the growing
Muslim League was focused on securing concerns of Muslims in India, and effectively advocate for a separate Muslim state, especially after its
adequate autonomy and representation for poor performance in the 1937 elections.
Muslims, which they felt the Act did not
sufficiently address. Given these concerns,
their rejection of the Act can be seen as a
response to their broader political goals and
aspirations.
b The Congress and Muslim League had valid
reasons for rejecting the proposals. The
Congress sought complete independence and
viewed the Act as perpetuating British
key terms
75
• teaching and
learning strategies Bl AMMA
Ali Brothers were too
young when their
SKILLS ACTIVITY father, Abdul Ali Khan,
passed away. Their
ANALYSIS AND USE OF SOURCES mother, popularly
Ml: verbal-linguistic known as ‘Bi Amma'
brought them up. She
Students examine Source 5.3 and answer the following was a strong lady who
questions. had a great influence
on their lives. She 1
SOURCE Abadi Bano Begum or
Who was Abadi Bano Begum, also known as Bi was adamant that her 5.3 Bi Amma (1850-1924). (centre, bottom row)
Pakistan Postal Services SOURCEAllama Muhammad Iqbal
Amma? sons were properly issued a commemorative 5.4 with his students and colleagues at Government
Abadi Bano Begum, commonly known as Bi Amma, was a educated. She felt stamp for her in its College, Lahore in 1910
that they must learn 'Pioneers of Freedom'
prominent figure in Indian history, born in 1850 and passing English in order to series His notable works include “Bang-e-Dara,”
away in 1924. She was notable for her contributions to understand the British “ Asrar-e-Khudi," and “Payam-e-Mashriq," among others,
social and political causes, particularly in the context of mindset and recognise their weaknesses. This culminated which not only showcased his literary genius but also
in Muhammad Ali Jauhar receiving a degree in Law and encapsulated his vision for a separate Muslim state where
Indian freedom movements. History from Oxford, England after graduating from the Muslims could live in accordance with their distinct
What recognition did Abadi Bano Begum receive from local Aligarh Muslim University. cultural and religious ethos. Iqbal’s tireless struggle for
Muslim nationalism aimed at awakening the Muslims’
Pakistan Postal Services? Bi Amma herself took part in the freedom struggle of the consciousness and advocating for their rights within the
Pakistan Postal Services issued a commemorative stamp for subcontinent. She played an important part in fundraising broader framework of India’s diverse society. His work,
for the Khilafat Movement and the Indian Independence particularly his poems in Persian and Urdu, has left an
Abadi Bano Begum in its 'Pioneers of Freedom' series, Movement. When both her sons were put in jail, she enduring legacy and remains a source of inspiration for
honoring her contributions and legacy in the context of the addressed a large gathering on their behalf and gave a many today.
freedom movement. motivational speech. It was, in fact, the first time that a
Muslim woman was recorded to have addressed a political
In which series was the commemorative stamp of Bi gathering wearing a veil (burqa). This bold woman toured CHAUDHRY REHMATALI
Amma issued? the country and addressed large gatherings of people. Chaudhry Rehmat Ali, a notable figure in the quest for
Pakistan’s creation, was bom in 1897 in British India and
The commemorative stamp of Bi Amma was issued in the became a fervent advocate for a separate homeland for
'Pioneers of Freedom' series by Pakistan Postal Services. ALLAMA IQBAL
Muslims in the Indian subcontinent.
Sir Allama Muhammad Iqbal, hailed as the “Spiritual
Father of Pakistan," was a distinguished poet,
philosopher, and a visionary thinker of the 20th century.
Bom in Sialkot, British India (now in Pakistan) in 1877,
Iqbal is celebrated for his profound poetry, which not
only mesmerised readers with its lyrical beauty but also
ignited the flames of nationalism and inspired socio¬
political awakening among the Muslims of the India.
His poetic verses, deeply rooted in Islamic thought
and philosophy, called upon the Muslims to rekindle
their spiritual identity and revive their glorious past to
confront the challenges of the modem world. Iqbal’s
philosophy centred on the idea of "Khudi" (selfhood)
and emphasised self-discovery, self-respect, and Educated at Cambridge University in the 20th century,
empowerment as the means for individual and Rehmat Ali is best known for coining the term “Pakistan"
collective resurgence. in 1933. His most renowned work, the “Nou> or Never"
pamphlet published in 1933, boldly outlined his proposal
for a separate Muslim nation named Pakistan.
This publication was helpful in propagating the idea of
a distinct Muslim state in the subcontinent and gained
significant attention within political circles.
76 PEARSON hlStoryBook3
#2
*
Khilafat Movement, Non-
Cooperation, and unity
amid struggle
individual inquiry task.
• Provide rubric evaluation criteria to students at
the start of the research process.