ICSE Class 10 Answered

1. Following three factors were responsible for the formation of the Muslim League in India:

Loss of Sovereignty by Mughal Rulers - The British established their absolute rule over the Indian peninsula when they dethroned the Mughal rulers. Since the Mughal throne had a symbolic importance and emotional value for common Muslims in India it was seen as an attack on Muslim identity itself. As a result, Muslims became bitter critics of British rule and vigorously participated in the 1857 rebellion. The British in response persecuted Muslims after quelling the rebellion. However, after 1870 there was a sea change in their attitude as there was a realisation that dividing Hindus and Muslims was necessary in order to quell the rising tide of nationalism. As a result, the colonial government adopted a policy of appeasement towards the Muslims and encouraged them to form their own political associations.

British Policy of Divide and Rule - In order to maintain their hold over India, the British government began to follow their infamous policy of ‘Divide and Rule’. In 1871, the government adopted a resolution which made Urdu the medium of instruction for Muslims in primary and secondary schools and increased the government aid to Muslim education institutions. Muslim rulers were portrayed as plunderers and Hindu rulers as cruel to their Muslim subjects. The partition of Bengal was also publicized as a move in the interest of Muslims. Caste and religion faultlines were magnified on purpose through the Press, posters, literature, etc, and communal leaders were accepted as authentic representatives of their communities.

Relative Backwardness of Muslim Community - The communal and separatist trend of thinking grew among the Muslims because of their then relative backwardness in education, trade and industry. Because of the hostility of upper class Muslim zamindars and aristocrats towards the British, Muslim largely remained aloof from modern western education. Since the British also regarded them as responsible for the 1857 rebellion, they were discriminated against. Muslims were not very involved in the growth of any organised industry and didn’t take advantage of western education to enter government services. As a result, they did not get influenced with liberalism as the Hindus of that time did.

2. The Muslim Deputation presented Lord Minto with the following three demands:

1. Representation for the Muslim community in elected bodies on the basis of its political preeminence rather than its supposed numerical strength.
2. Separate electorates for Muslims in the Provincial and the Imperial Legislative Council.
3. Preference for Muslim candidates in nominations to the Viceroy’s Council.

3. The aims and objectives of the Muslim League were as follows:

1. To promote among the Indian Muslims, support for the British government and to remove any misconceptions regarding the intention of the government in relation to Indian Muslims.
2. To protect and further the political interests and rights of the Muslim community and to represent their needs and aspirations to the government in mild and moderate language.
3. To prevent the rise of hostile feelings between the Muslim community and other communities in India.