The Founding of the Muslim League (1906)
December 3rd, 2007 | by Ahmed Arbab |The demand for separate electorate which was indeed a singular initiative of Mohsinul Mulk was conceded. The acceptance of their principle for the Indian Muslims helped him move a little further. He ventured to set up a political organization to safeguard the rights of Indian Muslims, when political reforms were introduced under a Westminster type of democratic constitution.
In pursuance of this resolve the Muslim leaders met at Dacca in December 1906 on the occasion of the annual meeting of the All Indian Mohammedan Education Conference. In the meeting that took place at Shah bag (Dacca) under the presidency of Nawab Vaqarul Mulk, Sir Salimullah, the Nawab of Dacca moved a resolution for establishing a Muslim organization to be called the All Indian Muslim League. Muhammad Ali Johar, Hakim Ajmal Khan and Maulana Zafar Ali Khan supported the resolution. The League adopted as its objects.
- To promote among the Muslims of India feeling of loyalty to the British Government and to remove any misconceptions that may arise as to the intentions of Government with regard to any of its measures.
- To protect and advance the political rights and interest of Muslims of India and respectfully to represent their needs and aspirations to Government.
- To prevent the rise among Muslims of India of any feeling of hostility towards other communities without prejudice to other objects of the league.
The origin of the Muslim League can easily be explained. Two factors went into its establishment:
- Hindu attitude towards Muslim interests; the Bengal agitation had exposed Hindu feelings beyond any doubt
- Incubation of the Minto-Morley Reforms.
On one hand the Hindu majority had alienated the Muslim minority. On the other hand, a representative system of government was soon to be introduced in India. It was not enough to keep away from the Congress. It was also important that separate Muslim organization should be created to safeguard their interests. After Monto’s acceptance of the demand for separate representation it was ordinary common sense to have a political party to fight the elections.
