The All India Muslim League was founded in 1906 at Dhaka. It emerged as a political platform for Muslims in India and gradually played a decisive role in shaping communal politics. Its formation was encouraged by the British as part of their “Divide and Rule” policy to counter the growing unity among Hindus and Muslims during the Swadeshi Movement.
Background
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The Partition of Bengal (1905) created religious divisions, as East Bengal was made a Muslim-majority province.
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The success of the Swadeshi Movement alarmed the British, who feared Hindu–Muslim unity.
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British encouraged separate political organizations for Muslims to weaken the nationalist struggle.
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The Simla Deputation (1906), led by Aga Khan, met Lord Minto and demanded separate electorates for Muslims.
Formation of the League
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The Muslim League was formally established on 30 December 1906 at Dhaka during the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference.
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Founders included Aga Khan, Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka, Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk, and Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk.
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Its headquarters were later shifted to Lucknow.
Aims of the Muslim League (initially)
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To promote loyalty among Muslims towards the British government.
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To protect and advance the political rights and interests of Muslims in India.
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To prevent hostility between Muslims and other communities.
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To ensure Muslims had separate representation in legislative councils.
Role of British Government
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The British readily supported the League’s demand for separate electorates, which was accepted in the Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms).
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This deepened communal divisions and weakened the nationalist movement.
Impact of the League
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Introduced communal politics into Indian nationalism.
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Encouraged the idea that Muslims had separate political interests from Hindus.
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Weakened the unity of the Indian National Congress and Swadeshi Movement.
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Over time, the League grew stronger and eventually passed the Pakistan Resolution (1940), leading to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
Key Takeaway
The formation of the Muslim League in 1906 was a turning point in Indian politics. While it began as a moderate body loyal to the British, its demand for separate electorates sowed the seeds of communalism, which ultimately led to the partition of India.