In the year 1906, the formation of the Muslim League was the most profound reason, which births the concept of the two-nation theory, and eventually, it paved the path for the formation of Pakistan. Apart from this, there were also some other reasons, which eventually created tension between Hindus and Muslims. Leaders of the Muslim League took advantage of the situation and proposed the idea of a separate nation.
Role of the Muslim League
Muslim League, also known as the All-India Muslim League, was a political group, which was formed in the year 1906. The group called itself the political representation of Muslims in British India. The group played a decisive role in the formation of Pakistan. Muslim League proposed the Two-Nation theory, according to which, the majority of Muslims demanded a separate Nation. Which, ultimately paved the path for the formation of Pakistan.
The Two-Nation Theory
The Two-Nation theory was considered the founding principle, which led to the creation of Pakistan. Basically, the theory proposes that Hindus and Muslims are two different communities, and are different in culture, religion, and political means.
It led to the rise of two different political ideologies, and eventually, Hindus and Muslims became two different community groups. For the Pakistan movement, this theory was implied as the founding principle. Which caused the Partition and formation of Pakistan in 1947.
Provincial elections of 1937
In the year 1936-37, the provincial elections were held in British India. The elections were held in eleven provinces, namely Assam, Bengal, Punjab, Sindh, Bombay Orissa, Madras, Bihar, NWFP, United Provinces, and Central Provinces. The result was declared in February 1937, according to which, the Indian National Congress emerged in power in eight provinces. but on the other hand, Muslim League failed to form a government in any of these provinces.
The result created the misconception among leaders of the Muslim League, that since the Muslims are the minority in comparison with Hindus in the country, they will always be second fiddle in the democratic structures of the nation. They feared that the Muslims will always be unrepresented in the nation. As a result, the demand for separate nations among Muslims grew stronger.
A rift between Congress and Muslim League
After the general elections to Provincial Assemblies in 1937, a rift occurred between the Congress and the Muslim League. The most prominent reason for the rift was that the Muslim League’s proposal for a joint Congress League government in the United Provinces was rejected by Congress. This angered the Muslim League.
Massive support from Muslims
The lack of mobilization of the Muslim masses in the actions of Congress in 1930 was also the reason, which created the tension between Hindus and Muslims. Making these issues a base, the Muslim League took the initiative to increase its social support.
As a result, during the early 1940s, when the majority of the Congressmen were behind bars, Muslim League took advantage of the situation and tried to broaden its support.
The failure of Negotiation
In the year 1945, following the end of the Second World War, The British began discussions for India’s independence with the Congress. During the meeting, Muslim League represented itself as the sole Spokesperson of the Muslims of India, which was not acceptable for the Congress as there were still many Muslims, who were in the support of Congress. As a result, the talk Failed.
Provincial elections of 1946
In January 1946, an election was held in British India in order to select the legislative councils of British Provinces. During the process, the minor political groups got eliminated, and now there were only two influential parties, the Indian national congress, and the Muslim League. Just like before, Congress won 90 percent of the seats in general and non-Muslim categories. On the other, the Muslim League also won the majority of Muslim seats. This time, it validated the claim of the Muslim League being the sole representative of Muslims. Which paved the path for Pakistan.
Another failure in negotiation
In March 1946, the British cabinet sent a three-member council in order to examine the situation in India and suggest the right framework for a free India. The committee proposed the idea of a loose confederation, where India will remain united, but the Muslim-majority areas will get some autonomy. however, the talk failed, as neither Congress nor the Muslim League agreed on the proposal. So partition was inevitable this time.
Riots and widespread agitation
Following the fall of the Cabinet Mission, the Muslim League intended to launch a public campaign in order to ensure the security of their Pakistan demand. They declared August 16, 1946, as “Direct Action Day.” Violence erupted in Calcutta on this day, which lasted for several days and killed millions of civilians. By the time of March 1947, the violence was spread to all other parts of Northern India.
Partition
Finally, after a bloody war between Hindus and Muslims, the demand for partition was finalized. And now, Pakistan was formed as a separate nation of Muslims.
Related Links
- Impact of Partition on the Indian Economy
- Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence
- Development in India After Independence
FAQs on Developments of 1937-47 that Led to Creation of Pakistan
Q 1. What were the developments between 1937-1947 which led to the creation of Pakistan?
Answer-
The proposal which was made of forming a joint Congress League in the case of the United Provinces in the year 1937 was rejected by the Congress and this annoyed the Muslim League. Widening of support was possible by Muslim League due to the failure on the part of Congress to mobilize the Muslim masses in the 1930s.
Q 2. Which were the developments that led to the creation of Pakistan?
Answer-
Few important developments which led to creation of Pakistan include the Aligarh movement and later the formation of All-India Muslim League, which mostly marked the beginning of Pakistan movement.
Q 3. What led to the creation of Pakistan?
Answer-
The partition was enacted by the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
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