The Lucknow Pact(1916)

Question 1

Introduction/Background

Answer 1

• Due To The Events Of The World War, And The British’ Failure To Grant More Rights The Congress And Muslim League Gravitated Towards One Another
• In 1915, Thanks To MAJ, The 2 Organisations Held Their Annual Meetings In Bombay, And Joint Councils Were Set Up To Improve Relations

Question 2

British Retaliation

Answer 2

• They Anticipated The Threat And Proposed That;

1) 1/2 Of The Members Of The Executive Will Be Elected And The Legislative Council Will Have A Majority Of Elected Members
They Indians Agreed To This And Realised That They Had To Keep Working Together To Gain Further Concessions

Question 3

Lucknow Pact

Answer 3

• In 1916, The Indians Held Their Annual Session In Lucknow
• Due To The Support From MAJ & Mahajan From The Congress, The Lucknow Pact Was Drawn Up
• In It The Congress Were Prepared To Make Concessions To Earn The League’s Support

Question 4

Congress’ Stance/Terms

Answer 4

• The Following Concession Show How Eager They Were To Gain The League’s Support

• Muslims Had The Right To
  Separate In Electing Representatives To The Council
• Muslims Were To Be Given 1/3 Seats In The Councils
• No New Law Affecting A Community Would Be Passed Without The Consent Of 3/4 Of That Community’s Members

Question 5

Additional Terms

Answer 5

• The Pact Also Included Common Demands To The British On How India Should Be Rules;

1) The Number Of Elected Council Seats Should Be Increased
2) Largely Supported Motions Must Be Accepted By The British
3) Minorities Must Be Protected
4) There Should Be Provincial Autonomy

Question 6

Importance

Answer 6

• It Was The First Time Hindus And Muslims Cooperated To Make A Joint Demand To The British
• It Should The Muslims’ Acknowledgment That Were Better If Fighting For Their Rights Alongside The Hindu Congress
• It Led To Belief In The Creation Of India
• It Marked The Zenith Of Hindu Muslim Cooperation, Before Things Went Downhill
• Hindus Accepted That A Degree Of Partition Was Necessary