Formation of All India Muslim League

• The need for organization arose after the success of the Simla Deputation.

• Muslim leaders aimed to create a permanent political forum to project Muslim interests.

• Consultations among leaders followed a meeting with the Viceroy regarding forming a political association.

Historical Context

• The All India Muslim Educational Conference in 1906 at Dacca was pivotal, gathering prominent Muslim leaders.

• Following the conference, a significant meeting was called by Nawab Saleem Ullah Khan to discuss a new political organization.

Key Leaders and Actions

• The meeting on December 30, 1906, was presided over by Nawab Viqar-ul-Malik.

• Viqar-ul-Malik emphasized the dangers of Congress activities to Muslims, referencing Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's advice.

• He highlighted that Muslims represented only one-fourth of India's population.

Foundation of the League

• Nawab Saleem Ullah Khan proposed the Muslim League, which was supported by several leaders, including Hakim Ajmal Khan and Maulana Zafar Ali Khan.

• Nawab Mohsin-ul-Malik and Nawab Viqar-ul-Malik were elected as Joint Secretaries.

• A 60-member Committee was established to draft the League's constitution, including members from the Simla Deputation.

• Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar was responsible for drafting the rules and regulations.

Initial Sessions

• The first regular session took place in Karachi on December 29-30, 1907, led by Sir Adamjee Pirbhai.

• The draft Constitution was approved, leading to the adjournment of the session.

• The session resumed on March 18, 1908, in Aligarh, where Aga Khan was elected President and Major Hassan Bilgrami Secretary.

London Branch and Objectives

• In May 1908, Justice Amir Ali Syed established a London branch to address misunderstandings against Muslims.

Objectives and Goals of the Muslim League

1. Protection and promotion of political rights and interests of Muslims.

2. Cooperation with other communities without compromising Muslim interests.

3. Fostering loyalty among Muslims towards the government.

Change in Goals of the Muslim League in 1913

• The League actively protected Muslim interests, succeeding in demands such as the separate electorate in the Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909.

• The separate electorate marked a step towards self-rule in India.

Challenges Faced

• Despite early successes, the Muslim League struggled to match the Congress's political importance.

• The British government's lack of sympathy for the League compared to Congress contributed to this struggle.

• Significant events like the annulment of the Partition of Bengal and global aggression against Muslim countries weakened faith in the British.

Policy Shift

• In 1913, the Muslim League shifted its goals towards:

  • Self-government under the British Crown, considering India's unique circumstances.

  • Improved relations and cooperation with other communities.

• This policy shift initiated a period of cooperation between Hindus and Muslims, notably influenced by Quaid-i-Azam joining the Muslim League in 1913.