Allama Muhammad Iqbal Flashcards
Who was Allama Muhammad Iqbal?
Allama Muhammad Iqbal was a philosopher and thinker who played a significant role in guiding the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent towards independence.
What did Allama Muhammad Iqbal do with the support of Mr Jinnah?
He guided the Muslims on the road towards independence.
What idea did Iqbal propose in his famous ‘Allahabad Address’?
In his ‘Allahabad Address’ at a Muslim League session in 1930, Iqbal proposed the idea of a Muslim nation-state. He suggested that it should include the four provinces of north-west India: Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and North-West Frontier Province.
What was the historical significance of Iqbal’s Allahabad Address?
The Allahabad Address provided clarity to the political vision of the Muslims during that time. The national sprit that emerged from this address eventually became the foundation for the ideology of Pakistan.
Who supported Iqbal in his efforts to guide the Muslims towards independence?
Allama Muhammad Iqbal was supported by Mr Jinnah, who later became the leader of the All-India Muslim League and played a pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan.
“The unity of an Indian nation, therefore, must be sought not in the negation, but in the mutual harmony and cooperation, of the many… If an effective principle of cooperation is discovered in India, it will bring peace and mutual goodwill to this ancient land which has suffered so long, more because of her situation in historic space than because of any inherent incapacity of her people. And it will at the same time solve the entire political problem of Asia.’
Explain this.
This quote emphasizes that the unity of India should be achieved through cooperation and harmony among its diverse communities, rather than by ignoring or negating their differences. The speaker suggests that if India can find a way for its different groups to work together effectively, it will bring peace and goodwill to the country. Additionally, they believe that solving India’s internal unity issues could also have broader positive impacts across Asia. The challenges faced by India, according to this perspective, have been more about its complex historical context rather than any inherent shortcomings of its people.
What does Allama Muhammad Iqbal say about how the unity of an Indian nation must be sought in his Allahabad Adress?
The unity of an Indian nation, therefore, must be sought not in the negation, but in the mutual harmony and cooperation, of the many.
What does Allama Muhammad Iqbal say about what will happen if an effective principle of cooperation is discovered in India in his Allahabad Adress?
If an effective principle of cooperation is discovered in India, it will bring peace and mutual goodwill to this ancient land which has suffered so long. And it will at the same time solve the entire political problem of Asia
What does Allama Muhammad Iqbal say about why India has suffered in his Allahabad Adress?
India has suffered more because of her situation in historic space than because of any inherent incapacity of her people.
‘It is, however, painful to observe that our attempts to discover such a principle of internal harmony have so far failed. Why have they failed? Perhaps we suspect each other’s intentions and inwardly aim at dominating each other. Perhaps, in the higher interests of mutual cooperation, we cannot afford to part with the monopolies which circumstances have placed in our hands, and [thus we] conceal our egoism under the cloak of nationalism, outwardly simulating a large-hearted patriotism, but inwardly as narrow-minded as a caste or tribe. Perhaps we are unwilling to recognize that each group has a right to free development according to its own cultural traditions. But whatever may be the causes of our failure, I still feel hopeful. Events seem to be tending in the direction of some sort of internal harmony.
Explain this.
In this passage, the speaker reflects on the challenges India faces in achieving internal harmony among its diverse groups. They suggest that past attempts have failed possibly because of suspicions among different communities, with each group secretly desiring to dominate the others. Additionally, they imply that some individuals or groups may be reluctant to give up privileges or monopolies they hold, hiding their self-interest behind a facade of nationalism. This behavior, they argue, undermines true patriotism and reflects a narrow-mindedness akin to that of caste or tribal loyalties.
The speaker also points out a reluctance to accept the right of each group to develop freely according to its own cultural traditions, which further complicates efforts towards unity. Despite these obstacles, the speaker remains hopeful as they see events moving towards a potential resolution or a path to internal harmony.
In simpler terms, the passage highlights the difficulties India faces due to suspicions, hidden agendas, and unwillingness to share power or recognize cultural diversity. The speaker, however, maintains optimism that despite these challenges, progress towards internal harmony is underway.
What does Allama Muhammad Iqbal say about why our attempts to discover such a principle of internal harmony have so far failed in his Allahabad Adress?
It is painful to observe that our attempts to discover such a principle of internal harmony have so far failed. Why have they failed? Perhaps we suspect each other’s intentions and inwardly aim at dominating each other. Perhaps, in the higher interests of mutual cooperation, we cannot afford to part with the monopolies which circumstances have placed in our hands, and [thus we] conceal our egoism under the cloak of nationalism, outwardly simulating a large-hearted patriotism, but inwardly as narrow-minded as a caste or tribe. Perhaps we are unwilling to recognize that each group has a right to free development according to its own cultural traditions.
The best course would have been to start with a British Indian Federation only. A federal scheme born of an unholy union between democracy and despotism keeps British India in a vicious circle of a unitary Central Government. Such a form benefits the British, the majority community, and the Indian Princes but offers no advantage to the Muslims unless they have majority rights in five provinces, significant representation in the Federal Assembly, and full residuary powers. It’s not just about Muslim representation in a British Indian Assembly, but about their representation in an All-India Federal Assembly.
Explain this.
This passage reflects a perspective on the political structure of British India, particularly from the viewpoint of Muslim representation and interests. Let’s break it down:
- British Indian Federation: The speaker suggests that the best approach would have been to establish a British Indian Federation from the outset. This would involve a federal system that combines elements of democracy and authoritarian rule, which they refer to as an “unholy union.”
- Central Government: The speaker criticizes the existing system in British India, describing it as a unitary Central Government. They argue that this setup benefits the British rulers, the majority community (presumably Hindus), and the Indian Princes, but not necessarily the Muslim population.
- Muslim Representation: The passage emphasizes the importance of Muslim representation within this federal structure. The speaker highlights that simply having representation in a British Indian Assembly is insufficient; what matters more is ensuring Muslim representation in an All-India Federal Assembly.
- Rights and Powers: The passage outlines specific demands for Muslims within this federal framework, including majority rights in certain provinces, significant representation in the Federal Assembly, and full control over residual powers (likely referring to areas not explicitly assigned to provincial or federal jurisdiction).
In summary, the passage argues that a federal system in British India, designed with careful consideration of Muslim representation and rights within a broader All-India Federal Assembly, would better serve the interests of all communities, especially Muslims, compared to the existing centralized governance structure.
