The Foundation of All India Muslim League (1906)

Background

• Simla Deputation

  • Anti-partition riots by Hindus led to Muslim concerns regarding their safety and fair treatment.

  • Muslims feared Hindu dominance in future political arrangements.

  • A delegation of 35 Muslim leaders, led by Sir Agha Khan, met Viceroy Lord Minto on October 1, 1906, at Simla.

  • The draft for the Simla Deputation was created by Syed Ali Bilgrami.

Reasons for Establishment

• Active political involvement of Muslims amidst changing political landscapes.

• Hindus engaged in protests and movements following the partition of Bengal.

• John Morley announced new Constitutional Reforms, indicating a shift towards representative governance.

• Anticipation of a representative system by the British government.

Four Major Factors for Muslim League Establishment

• Belief instilled by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan that Muslims are a distinct entity.

• The Indian National Congress, seen as predominantly Hindu, failed to adequately represent Muslim interests.

• Recent protests from Hindus against Bengal's partition fueled Muslim fears and desires for political representation.

• Muslims sought exclusive electorates in representative institutions.

Demands of the Muslim League

• Key Demands

  • Right to separate electorates for Muslims.

  • Separate representation for Muslims in the imperial legislative council.

  • Allocation of seats to Muslims beyond their population percentage (1/3rd seats formula).

Response from Lord Minto

• Lord Minto responded positively to the Muslim delegation, ensuring that Muslim rights would be protected in future political arrangements.

• He endorsed the notion of separate electorates for Muslims.

Aims of Establishing All India Muslim League

• Following the success with Lord Minto, Muslims were encouraged to form their own political party.

• Main objectives included:

  • Countering the rising influence of the Indian National Congress.

  • Articulating Muslim perspectives to the British government, especially after the dissatisfaction post-Bengal partition.

  • Shielding Muslims from the perceived propaganda of the Hindu-majority Congress.

  • Advocating for Muslim community interests in significant political matters.

Formation of All India Muslim League

• Muslim leaders convened in Decca on December 30, 1906, to establish the organization.

• Nawab Salim Ullah of Decca presented the resolution to form the All India Muslim League.

• Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk delivered the presidential address, and Sir Agha Khan was appointed the first president.

Objectives of the League

• Protect and advance the political rights and interests of Muslims in the Subcontinent.

• Foster loyalty towards the British government.

• Represent Muslim needs and aspirations effectively.

• Mitigate misunderstandings within the Muslim community.

• Counter negative propaganda by the Indian National Congress.

Significance of All India Muslim League

• Established a platform for articulating and advancing Muslim demands.

• Served as a cooperative forum for organized Muslim opposition to both Hindu and British governance.