SLO 1.4.

1: Discuss the events that led to Lahore Resolution (Pakistan Resolution) 1940;
• Jinnah’s Fourteen Points (1929)
• Allahabad Address (1930)
• Round Table Conferences (1930-32)
• Government of India Act 1935
• Congress Rule (1937-39)
JINNAH’S FOURTEEN POINTS (1929)
Like that of other political parties of India, the league also attended the meetings called by the Nehru
committee concerning future constitutional reforms. Mr. Jinnah represented the All-Indian Muslim
League in the Nehru Committee.

Jinnah opposed the anti-Muslim proposals concerning a future constitution of India. Instead of giving
serious attention to its views, the committee members made fun of Jinnah as if his views did not
carry any weight. Mr. Jinnah boycotted the Nehru committee’s meetings and when the committee
published its report, he called it parting ways with the Congress.

Jinnah presented 14 important proposals for the future constitution of India as a substitute for the
Nehru Report. These points insisted that no scheme for the future constitution of the government of
India will be satisfactory to the Muslims until their interests were safeguarded. We call these 14
proposals as Fourteen Points of Jinnah.

The following is the list of the Fourteen points of Mr. Jinnah:

1. The future constitution of India should be federal in nature with strong provinces.

2. All provinces, small or big, should enjoy equal and same autonomy.

3. The central and provincial assemblies have adequate representation of minorities.

4. Muslims should have one-third representation in the assemblies.

5. Government should hold future elections for the councils on basis of separate electorates.

6. Any future territorial changes that the government may bring about in the future should not affect
Muslim majority status in NWFP, Punjab, and Bengal.

7. All communities should enjoy complete liberty of faith and worship.

8. The assemblies would not pass any act if three fourth of any community members in the council
opposed it.

9. Sindh should be separated from the Bombay Presidency.

10. The government should introduce reforms in NWFP and Balochistan to bring them to par with
other provinces.

11. The government should provide a quota for government jobs.

12. The constitution should provide guarantees for the protection of Muslim culture, education,
language, religion, and charities.
13. Muslims should enjoy one-third representation both in the central and provincial cabinets.

14. There should not be any change/s in the laws without taking the consent from provinces.

ALLAHABAD ADDRESS (1930)

Speech presented by Allama Iqbal during the 21st annual session of the all-india muslim league.

Basic points

● Narrated the basic principles of Islam and loyalties of the Muslims to their faith.

● Idea and concept of a separate homeland

● Two-nation theory

● Criticism of western democracy

● Vision of Islamic state

● Rejection of Indian nationalism

Importance: In this address Iqbal outlined a vision of independent states for the great Muslim-
majority provinces in northwestern India, thus becoming the first politician to articulate what would
become known as the Two-nation theory—that Muslims are a distinct nation and thus deserve
political independence from other regions and communities of India.

The fourteen points had infused a new political insight in the great Indian Muslims creating great
confidence amongst Muslims who had gathered behind their leaders. The Muslims of the sub-
continent were fully aware of their distinct national character and identity. They were convinced that
Hindus and Muslims were two different nations which could not be welded together by any political
system.

ROUND TABLE CONFERENCES (1930-1932)

The Round Table Conferences were a series of peace conferences organized by the British
government to discuss constitutional reforms in India. These conferences were held in London and
were attended by representatives from various Indian political parties, including the Indian National
Congress, the Muslim League, and other minority groups.

KEY POINTS OF THE CONFERENCES:

1. First Round Table Conference (November 1930 - January 1931):

The British government held the first Round Table Conference in London in November 1930.

The political parties attending the conference included the league, the Congress, the liberals, and the
princes.

Moreover, the largest political party of India the Indian National Congress boycotted the conference
thus making the developments made in this conference less effective.

The princes conditionally accepted to join a future federation of India if the British guaranteed them
their internal autonomy.

Last but not the least, the British agreed to introduce a representative government in provinces.
This conference was inaugurated by His Majesty George V and chaired by the British Prime Minister
Ramsay MacDonald. The main focus was on the federal principle and dominion status for India.
However, the Indian National Congress boycotted this conference due to their ongoing civil
disobedience movement

2. Second Round Table Conference (September - December 1931):

The Second Round Table Conference took place in London in September and December 1931
according to the announced schedule.

Unlike the First conference, all of the Indian political parties attended the conference i.e. the Indian
National Congress, the All India Muslim League, the National Liberal Foundation, and members of
the Sikh Central League.

Mahatma Gandhi attended this session as the Congress representative. The discussions revolved
around constitutional reforms and communal representation, but no consensus was reached

3. Third Round Table Conference (November - December 1932):

This session was shorter and less significant, with neither the Congress nor the British Labour Party
attending The main outcome was the Government of India Act 1935, which established provincial
autonomy and a federal system, although the federal system was never fully implemented

The profound differences between the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress were
brought to light by the Round Table Conferences. The call for a distinct Muslim state was further
bolstered by the inability to come to an agreement on constitutional amendments and communal
representation. The seminars emphasized the necessity of providing Muslims with political
protections, which ultimately resulted in the 1940 Lahore Resolution.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT (1935)

The Government of India Act 1935 was a significant piece of legislation enacted by the British
Parliament to introduce constitutional reforms in British India. It was the longest act that the British
Parliament ever enacted until the Greater London Authority Act 1999 surpassed it

Key Features of the Government of India Act 1935

1. Provincial Autonomy: The Act provided for the establishment of provincial governments with
elected legislatures, giving provinces more control over their own affairs

2. Federal Structure: It proposed the creation of an All-India Federation consisting of British Indian
provinces and princely states However, this federation never came into existence due to the lack of
participation from the princely states.

3. Separate Electorates: The Act continued the system of separate electorates for Muslims, Sikhs,
and other minorities, ensuring their political representation

4. Responsible Government: It introduced a system of responsible government at the provincial

level, with ministers responsible to the elected legislatures.

The Government of India Act of 1935 converted the government form of India into a federal form.
The powers of the central and state were separated, and the state would run under the central
government. This feature was strongly opposed for fear that the states would become slaves to the
centre and the states’ powers reduced. Nevertheless, the Act became the basis for negotiation
between the Indians and the British for independence.

CONGRESS RULE (1937-1939)

Background

Government of India Act 1935 provided for representative government at the provincial level. In light
of this act, the Government held elections at the provincial level in 1937 on basis of separate
electorates.

Congress won most of the seats reserved for Muslims, Hindus, Scheduled castes, etc. in the elections
and formed its government in 8 provinces. It formed coalition governments in 3 provinces where
other parties had won majority seats.

Congress-rule started in 1937 and ended on 22nd December 1939 with its resignation in protest
against the unilateral decision of the British declaring India at war with Germany.

With their overwhelming support, the Muslims expected Congress government will demonstrate
fairness and religious impartiality. Disappointingly, the new government instead dealt Muslims with
tyranny and brutality. Congress committed this gross mistake and miscalculated its after-effects
which appeared in the form of Muslim alienation from the congress.

Mistreatment of Muslims and its impact

The mistreatment of Muslims during the Congress Rule, 1937-39 and its impact are as follows:

1. Introduction of Bande Matram

Band e Matram was a nationalist Hindu song that Muslims thought encouraged their expulsion from
Hindustan. For Muslims, this novel considered Muslim aliens who had made mother India impure.
Hence to purify India of this impurity, the expulsion of Muslims was a necessity.

Although expulsion of Muslims was not an official policy of the congress its introduction as the
national anthem in provincial assemblies, schools, and other institutions worried and offended
Muslims.

2. The Wardha Scheme

As per the views of Gandhi, the Congress government introduced the Wardha Scheme, an
educational program, in schools throughout India.

According to Wardha Scheme, the medium of instruction in the schools would be Hindi. The students
would be taught to spin cotton by hand. Moreover, there would be no religious education in the
schools. Lastly, students would bow their heads before a portrait of Gandhi hung in the schools.

Muslims saw these measures as an attempt to divert the attention away from their faith. They
considered religious education in schools important for which they had their own schools. The
Wardha scheme would have banned religious teaching in those schools.

3. Hindrances in the way of religious practices

During the Congress Rule 1937-39, Muslims of India felt Congress and its supporters attempted to
erase their identity as Muslims. Some anti-Muslim activities and inaction of the congress
government further fuelled such fears.
Some of the anti-Muslim activities as per one of the textbooks, “History and Culture of Pakistan
authored by Nigel Kelly are as follows:

 Ban on the slaughter of cows and harsh punishment for violation of the ban are cited as some of
the anti-Muslim incidents.

 With Congress assuming power, Muslims witnessed the ban from thugs was on Azaan. They
attacked Mosques in case of a violation.

 The anti-social elements without any fear created noise and disturbance outside mosques during
prayer time. As result, Muslims increasingly felt insecure to practice their faith.

 Authorities did not bother to stop this new trend of anti-Muslim activities. It rather turned down
any complaint made by Muslims. To make things worse, decisions always came against the
complainants.

 During its two years rule, Congress kept mum over deliberate anti-Muslim riots, e.g. attacks on
houses and setting the property on fire.

Impact on the Lahore Resolution

The Congress rule from 1937 to 1939 highlighted the need for political safeguards for Muslims. The
failure of the Congress to address Muslim concerns and the perceived bias against Muslims led to the
demand for a separate Muslim state. The Lahore Resolution, adopted on March 23, 1940, called for
the creation of independent states for Muslims in regions where they were in a majority. This
resolution laid the foundation for the demand for Pakistan, which was eventually realized in 1947

SLO 1.4.2: Analyse the significance of Lahore Resolution (Pakistan Resolution) in terms of its
demand and its impact on the politics of the subcontinent

SIGNIFICANCE IN TERMS OF DEMAND:

The premier of Bengal, Maulvi Fazl-ul-Haq put forward a resolution demanding that 'Regions in which
the Muslims are numerically a majority, as in the north-western and eastern zone of India, should be
grouped to constitute independent states in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and
sovereign'.

1. The demand for autonomy focused on creating a separate homeland for Muslims, highlighting
their unique political, cultural, and religious identity.

2. The resolution united the Muslim community under the Muslim League, creating a strong political
front to effectively challenge both the Indian National Congress and British rule.

IMPACT ON THE POLITICS OF THE SUB CONTINENT:

1. It provided a clear ideological basis for the demand for a separate nation, which ultimately
materialized in 1947.

2. The resolution solidified the Muslim League's position as the primary representative of Muslim
interests, enabling it to gain political leverage and support among Muslims across India.

3. The Lahore Resolution's principles shaped Pakistan's political structure after independence,
emphasizing the protection of Muslim rights and interests in constitutional discussions.
4. The resolution increased communal tensions and created a divided environment before partition,
causing violence and the displacement of millions.

SLO 1.4.3: Discuss the major events that took place between 1940 and 1946.
• Cripps Mission (1942),
• Gandhi-Jinnah Talks (1944)
• Simla Conference (1945)
• General Elections (1945-46)
• Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)
CRIPPS MISSION (1942)
The Cripps Mission was a significant event in Indian history that took place in 1942 during World War
II. Here’s a brief overview of the major events surrounding it and its context:

1. Background: By 1942, World War II was in full swing, and British India was heavily involved in the
war effort. The British government was facing pressure to address Indian demands for greater self-
governance while also needing support from India for the war.

2. The Cripps Mission: In March 1942, the British government sent Sir Stafford Cripps to India with a
proposal to gain Indian support for the war. The Cripps Mission aimed to negotiate with Indian
leaders and offer them a deal that included the promise of greater autonomy after the war. The
proposal included the establishment of a constituent assembly to frame a new constitution for India.

3. Reactions: The Cripps proposal was met with disappointment and rejection by key Indian leaders,
including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. They felt that the offer did not go far enough in
granting immediate self-rule and was merely a way to gain support for the British war effort. Gandhi
famously called it a "post-dated cheque."

4. Consequences: The failure of the Cripps Mission led to increased disillusionment among Indians
regarding British rule. It also contributed to the rise of the Quit India Movement, which was launched
later that year in August 1942, demanding an end to British rule in India. This movement saw
widespread protests and was met with severe repression by the British government.

5. Impact on Post-War India: The events of 1942 set the stage for further political developments in
India, leading to increased demands for independence and ultimately contributing to the end of
British colonial rule in 1947.

These events between 1940 and 1946 were crucial in shaping modern India and its path to
independence.

GANDHI JINNAH TALKS (1944)

The Gandhi-Jinnah talks in 1944 were a significant moment in the history of India, reflecting the
complexities of the Indian independence movement and the growing divide between Hindus and
Muslims. Here’s an overview of the events surrounding these talks:

1. Context: By the early 1940s, India was deeply involved in World War II, and the demand for
independence was gaining momentum. The Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was
advocating for complete independence, while the All-India Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali
Jinnah, was increasingly focused on the rights of Muslims in a post-colonial India.

2. Initiation of Talks: In 1944, Gandhi and Jinnah agreed to meet to discuss the future of India and
the relationship between Hindus and Muslims. The talks were initiated after Jinnah had expressed
the Muslim League's concerns about the Congress's approach to Indian unity and representation.

3. Key Issues Discussed: The discussions centered around the demand for a separate nation for
Muslims, which Jinnah was advocating, and Gandhi’s vision of a united India. Gandhi emphasized the
need for Hindu-Muslim unity and sought to address the concerns of Muslims within a united India.
However, Jinnah remained firm on the idea of a separate nation for Muslims, which he believed was
necessary to protect their rights and identity.

4. Outcome: The talks ultimately failed to reach a consensus. Gandhi’s insistence on a united India
clashed with Jinnah’s demand for a separate Muslim state. The failure of these talks highlighted the
growing rift between the two communities and set the stage for further political developments,
including the eventual partition of India in 1947.

5. Legacy: The Gandhi-Jinnah talks are often seen as a missed opportunity for reconciliation between
Hindus and Muslims. The inability to find common ground during these discussions contributed to
the communal tensions that would later culminate in the partition of India.

SIMLA CONFERENCE (1945)

The Simla Conference of 1945 was a pivotal meeting between Lord Wavell, the Viceroy of India, and
British India's major political leaders to determine India's future as Britain's exit loomed. However,
talks stalled over Muslim representation, with the All-India Muslim League insisting on being the sole
representative of Indian Muslims and refusing any plan where the Indian National Congress
appointed Muslim representatives.

This stalemate scuttled the conference, potentially ending the last chance for a united, independent
India. The conference's failure led to the Cabinet Mission the following year, where the Indian
National Congress became less receptive to the Muslim League's demands, despite Jinnah's approval
of the British plan.

Lord Wavell proposed an Executive Council with all Indian members, except the Viceroy and
Commander-in-Chief, to be a temporary measure until a permanent constitution was agreed upon.
All portfolios, except Defense, would be held by Indian members.

The conference's failure marked the end of efforts for a united, independent India, strengthening the
Pakistan movement and contributing to increased tensions between the Indian National Congress
and the Muslim League, ultimately leading to the partition of India.

GENERAL ELECTIONS (1945-46)

On 19 September 1945, the Viceroy Lord Wavell announced that elections to the central and
provincial legislatures would be held in December 1945 to January 1946. It was also announced that
an executive council would be formed and a constitution-making body would be convened after
these elections.

General elections were held in British India in December 1945 to elect members of the Central
Legislative Assembly and the Council of State. The Indian National Congress emerged as the largest
party, winning 57 of the 102 elected seats. The Muslim League won all Muslim constituencies, but
failed to win any other seats. Of the 13 remaining seats, 8 went to Europeans, 3 to independents,
and 2 to Akali candidates in the Sikh constituencies of Punjab. This election coupled with the
provincial one in 1946 proved to be a strategic victory for Jinnah and the partitionists. Even though
Congress won, the League had united the Muslim vote and as such it gained the negotiating power
to seek a separate Muslim homeland as it became clear that a united India would prove highly
unstable. The elected members later formed the Constituent Assembly of India.

CABINET MISSION (1946)

A bureau mission went to India on 24 March 1946 to examine the exchange of force from the English
government to the Indian political initiative determined to save India's solidarity and giving its
freedom. Framed at the drive of English State head Lenient Attlee, the mission contained as its
individuals, Ruler Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India), Sir Stafford Cripps (Leader of the
Leading body of Exchange), and A. V. Alexander (First Master of the Office of the chief naval officer).
The Emissary of India Master Wavell partook in a portion of the conversations.

The Bureau Mission Plan, formed by the gathering, proposed a three-level regulatory design for
English India, with the Government Association at the top level, individual territories at the base
level and Gatherings of territories as a centre level. Three Gatherings were proposed, considered
Gatherings A, B and C, individually, for Northwest India, eastern India and the leftover focal parts of
India

The Bureau Mission's arrangement fizzled due to the doubt between the Indian Public Congress and
the Muslim Association, and the English government supplanted Ruler Wavell with another emissary,
Master Mountbatten, to track down new arrangements.

SLO 1.4.4: Discuss the important features of 3rd June Plan 1947.
The 3rd June Plan, also known as the 3 June 1947 Plan, was a British proposal for the partition of
India, leading to India's independence from British colonial rule. Key features:

Main Provisions:

1. Two States, India and Pakistan, would be created with the Dominion status on 15 August 1948.

2. The interim constitution of both states would be the 1935 Government of India Act.

3. Each state would have Dominion status and an Executive answerable to a Constituent Assembly.

4. Muslim majority provinces would be asked whether they wanted to stay in India or join Pakistan.

5. Princely states would have the right to either join India or Pakistan or remain independent.

Significant Aspects:

1. Boundary Commission: Established to demarcate borders between India and Pakistan.

2. Partition Council: Formed to oversee the division of assets, resources, and administrative
responsibilities.

3. Transitional Period: British Governor-General to oversee transition until August 15, 1947.

4. Protection of Minorities: Guaranteed rights and protection for minorities in both India and
Pakistan.

Impact and Consequences:

1. Massive Migration: 14-17 million people displaced, leading to widespread violence and loss of life.

2. Communal Riots: Widespread violence between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs.

3. Kashmir Dispute: Princely state's accession to India led to ongoing Indo-Pak conflict.

4. Long-term Consequences: Shaped Indo-Pak relations, influenced regional politics, and impacted
global geopolitics.

Key Players:

1. Lord Louis Mountbatten (British Viceroy)

2. Jawaharlal Nehru (Indian National Congress)

3. Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Muslim League)

4. British Government

The 3rd June Plan marked the beginning of a new era for India and Pakistan, but its implementation
was marred by violence and displacement, leaving lasting scars on the region.

SLO 1.4.5: Discuss the salient features of the Indian Independence Act 1947.
The main provisions of the act are as follows:

1. Indian subcontinent would be divided into two independent states of India and Pakistan on 15
August 1948. Both states would have dominion status.

2. Government of India Act 1935 would be the provisional constitution of both states until they make
their own constitutions.

3. All treaties and agreements between the British and princely states would come to an end on 15
August 1947. The rulers of the princely states would have the right to join either Pakistan or India or
remain independent.

4. People in Muslim majority provinces would be asked whether they wanted to join Pakistan or
India.

5. The new Dominions would have the right to remain part of the British Commonwealth of Nations
or choose to leave it.

6. The civil and army officers and servants would have the right to join either of the states as per
their own wishes.

7. British would appoint Governor-General for Pakistan and India with full power provided in the
Government of India Act 1935.

Regions that became part of Pakistan

Following were the areas that joined Pakistan either through voting in provincial assemblies,
Jirga and referendum.

1. West Punjab (Provincial Assembly unanimously decided to join Pakistan).

2. Sindh (Provincial Assembly unanimously decided to join Pakistan).
3. Balochistan (A Shahi Jirga in Balochistan decided to join Pakistan).
4. NWFP (people decided to join Pakistan in a referendum held in NWFP).
5. East Bengal (Provincial Assembly unanimously decided to join Pakistan)
6. District Sylhet (people decided to join Pakistan in a referendum).

SLO 1.4.6: Explain the structure and objectives of the Boundary Commission.
OBJECTIVE:

The commission’s mandate was to draw boundaries in the two regions that would keep intact as
much as possible the most-cohesive Hindu and Muslim populations within Indian and Pakistani
territory, respectively. As the August 15 independence date loomed and with little chance for
agreement in sight between the two sides, however, Radcliffe ultimately made the final
determination on the frontiers. The partition left millions of Muslims on the Indian side and similar
numbers of Hindus in Pakistani sectors and sparked mass migrations by members of each religious
community seeking what they hoped would be safety on the other side of the border. Nonetheless,
in both Punjab and Bengal before and during the transition of power, widespread sectarian violence
left some one million people dead. India and Pakistan have settled some of the boundary issues left
unresolved by the British, but strife has continued in some areas, notably the Kashmir region.

STRUCTURE:

PUNJAB BOUNDARY COMISSION:

1) Justice din Muhammad

2) Justice Muhammad Munir

3) Justice Mehr Chand Mahajan.

4) Justice Teja Singh.

BENGAL BOUNDARY COMISSION:

Chairman: sir Cyril Radcliffe

1) Justice SA Rehman

2) Justice Abu shah M. Akram

3) Justice biwas

4) Justice Mukerjee.

SLO 1.4.7: Analyse the basic instructions given to the Boundary Commission.
Boundary Commission, consultative committee created in July 1947 to recommend how the Punjab
and Bengal regions of the Indian subcontinent were to be divided between India and Pakistan shortly
before each was to become independent from Britain. The commission—appointed by Lord
Mountbatten, the final viceroy of British India—consisted of four members from the Indian National
Congress and four from the Muslim League and was chaired by Sir Cyril Radcliffe.

The commission’s mandate was to draw boundaries in the two regions that would keep intact as
much as possible the most-cohesive Hindu and Muslim populations within Indian and Pakistani
territory, respectively. As the August 15 independence date loomed and with little chance for
agreement in sight between the two sides, however, Radcliffe ultimately made the final
determination on the frontiers. The partition left millions of Muslims on the Indian side and similar
numbers of Hindus in Pakistani sectors and sparked mass migrations by members of each religious
community seeking what they hoped would be safety on the other side of the border. Nonetheless,
in both Punjab and Bengal before and during the transition of power, widespread sectarian violence
left some one million people dead. India and Pakistan have settled some of the boundary issues left
unresolved by the British, but strife has continued in some areas, notably the Kashmir region

SLO 1.4.8: Evaluate the impact of the decisions of the Boundary Commission on Pakistan.
THE OUTCOME OF THE BOUNDARY COMMISSION

Boundary Commission failed to reach any settlement. Radcliffe announced his own decision of
demarcating boundaries in both provinces of Punjab and Bengal. Today we know this announcement
of Radcliffe as Radcliffe Award.

UNJUSTNESS OF THE COMMISSION AND ITS IMPACT ON PAKISTAN

Awarding Calcutta to India

Radcliffe awarded Calcutta to India, even though Muslim majority areas surrounded it. Calcutta was
the capital of Bengal. It was the biggest, commerce and educational centre of the province. The
entire development of Calcutta depended on the toil of the Muslim peasantry of Bengal. East Bengal
produced most of the raw material which had to be sent to Calcutta because all factories and mills
were in Calcutta. Ignoring these all factors Radcliffe awarded Calcutta to India.

Awarding Muslim majority areas to India in Punjab

The Boundary Commission in sheer violation of the Indian Independence Act 1947 awarded Muslim
majority areas of Ferozpur and Gurdaspur in Punjab to India.

Awarding Ferozpur to India

Ferozpur had a Muslim majority and Radcliffe had originally awarded it to Pakistan but Mountbatten
had forced him to change his mind. Ferozpur had canal headworks from where water flew to irrigate
the Indus plain in Pakistan.

India on April 1, 1947, blocked water to Pakistan and diverted the flow of water to the east. Blockage
of water could have threatened the very survival of Pakistan because Pakistan as an agricultural
country depended upon crop farming practiced on Indus

Awarding Gurdaspur to India

Rade Cliffe awarded Gurdaspur to India. With Gurdaspur awarding it to India, the Indians now had a
border with Kashmir and future disputes between India and Pakistan became inevitable. On
27th October 1948, India landed its troops into Kashmir through Gurdaspur. Since then Kashmir is an
issue between Pakistan and India. Wars have been fought between both states causing irreparable
human and economic loss on both sides.