The year 1940 marked a decisive turning point in Indian politics with the formal articulation of the Two-Nation Theory by the Muslim League and the adoption of the Lahore Resolution, laying the foundation for the creation of Pakistan.
Two-Nation Theory
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Propounded by Muhammad Iqbal (1930 Allahabad Address) and later championed by Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
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It argued that Hindus and Muslims were two distinct nations with separate religions, cultures, laws, and traditions.
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The theory rejected the idea of a united Indian nationalism and instead claimed that Muslims required a separate homeland to safeguard their political, cultural, and religious identity.
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Jinnah declared that Hindus and Muslims could never evolve into a single nation and that power-sharing would always keep Muslims politically weak.
Lahore Resolution (23rd March 1940)
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Adopted during the annual session of the Muslim League at Lahore, presided over by Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
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Stated that Muslims in India were not a minority but a separate nation.
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Demanded that Muslim-majority areas in the North-Western and Eastern zones of India should be grouped into independent states.
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Though the resolution did not explicitly mention the word “Pakistan”, it laid the groundwork for the demand for a separate Muslim homeland.
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This came to be popularly known as the Pakistan Resolution.
Impact
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The resolution gave the Muslim League a clear political objective and transformed it into the sole representative body of Indian Muslims.
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It sharpened the communal divide between Hindus and Muslims, making reconciliation increasingly difficult.
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The Congress rejected the theory, insisting on a united India.
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The Lahore Resolution became the basis of Pakistan’s creation in 1947.
Key Takeaway
The Two-Nation Theory and Lahore Resolution of 1940 marked a major ideological shift in Indian politics. By asserting that Hindus and Muslims were separate nations, the Muslim League formally committed itself to the demand for Pakistan, shaping the future partition of India.