Formation of the All India Muslim League (1906) [14]

Question 1

When was the All India Muslim League formed, and what was its main reason for formation?

Answer 1

• The All India Muslim League was formed on 30th December 1906.
• The main reason for its formation was that the Indian National Congress (INC) was making attempts to undermine the Muslims.
• Despite claiming to represent all Indians, the INC favored Hindus.
• An example of this was in 1867 when they demanded that Hindi replace Urdu as the court language.
• Additionally, the Swadeshi Movement was launched to reverse the partition of Bengal, which further convinced Muslims that the INC had anti-Muslim intentions.
• Realizing that Hindus could not be trusted, Muslims decided to form their own political party.

Question 2

How did the success of the Simla Deputation contribute to the formation of the All India Muslim League?

Answer 2

The success of the Simla Deputation in 1906 played a key role in the formation of the All-India Muslim League.

• The viceroy, Lord Minto, gave an encouraging response to the Muslim leaders who demanded separate electorates and greater political representation.
• This success showed the Muslims that joint and organized confrontations were effective in dealing with the British.
• Realizing the need for a permanent platform to represent their interests, they decided to form a political party specifically for Muslims.

Question 3

What role did Hindu extremist movements play in the formation of the All India Muslim League?

Answer 3

• Hindu extremist movements, such as Arya Samaj, became more active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Arya Samaj believed that all Indians were originally Hindus and sought to convert non-Hindus back to Hinduism.
• They even resorted to violence in their efforts, which made the Muslims feel threatened.
• Fearing religious suppression and forced conversions, Muslims realized that only a political party could protect their rights and interests.
• This further pushed them towards forming the All India Muslim League.

Question 4

How did the 1906 British elections influence the formation of the All India Muslim League?

Answer 4

• In February 1906, the Liberal Party won the elections in Britain.
• The Liberals were known to be more sympathetic toward Indians, especially Indian Muslims.
• This increased the chances of the British government considering political concessions for Indians.
• Muslims felt the need for their political platform to take advantage of this opportunity and communicate effectively with the British.
• This further motivated them to establish the All India Muslim League.

Question 5

How did the acceptance of separate electorates lead to the creation of the All India Muslim League?

Answer 5

• Lord Minto accepted the demand for separate electorates for Muslims in 1906.
• Since separate electorates meant that Muslims would vote for their representatives, they needed a political party to participate in elections.
• To create an organized political movement, Muslim leaders gathered at the residence of Nawab Salim Ullah Khan in Dhaka during the 20th Muhammadan Educational Conference.
• They decided to transform this platform into a political party, originally named the All India Muslim Conference, which was later renamed the All India Muslim League.

Question 6

What was the conclusion about the main reason for the formation of the All India Muslim League?

Answer 6

• The formation of the All India Muslim League was influenced by several factors, including Hindu political dominance, the success of the Simla Deputation, the rise of Hindu extremist groups, the victory of the British Liberal Party, and the acceptance of separate electorates.
• However, the most significant reason was the presence of the Indian National Congress, which Muslims saw as a Hindu-dominated party that did not protect their interests.
• To counter Hindu political advances and ensure Muslim representation, they felt the need for their political party.