The Indian National Movement is divided into three phases. With reference to the Second Phase of the Indian National Movement, answer the following questions:
In which year was the Muslim League formed? Mention any three objectives of the Muslim League.
Topic: Formation and objectives of the Muslim League
Answer
The All India Muslim League was formed in 1906, at Dhaka, under the leadership of Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka.
Three objectives: (1) To promote among the Muslims of India feelings of LOYALTY towards the British Government and to remove any misconception about the intentions of that Government. (2) To protect and advance the POLITICAL RIGHTS AND INTERESTS of the Muslims of India and to place their needs and aspirations before the Government. (3) To prevent the growth of hostility among the Muslims towards other communities, without prejudice to the other objects of the League.
Four marks: one for the year and one for each objective. Give the objectives as the League itself framed them in 1906 — and note that LOYALTY to the British comes first. That is the point the examiner is testing, because it explains why the British encouraged the League as a counterweight to the Congress. Do not read the demand for Pakistan back into 1906; that came with the Lahore Resolution of 1940, thirty-four years later.