Evolution of Two Nation Theory

Allama Iqbal Address 1930

Congress Ministries 1937-1939
Lahore resolution 1940
Assignment
For
Ideology and consitution of Pakistan
Course Code: GE-202
By
Azan Javeed (23011561-085)
Zaryab Hassan (23011561-093)
Muhammad Anas (23011561-078)
Fahad Hussnain Munir (23011561-070)
3rd Semester (B)
Submitted to
Ms. Syeda Tahira
BS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

University of Gujrat
Session 2023 - 2027
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Evolution of Two Nation Theory

1.1. The basis of creation of Pakistan.................................................................................
1.2. Detail...........................................................................................................................
1.3. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Two Nation Theory.......................................................
1.4. Allama Iqbal view on Two Nation Theory................................................................
1.5. Quaid-e-Azam on Two Nation Theory......................................................................

Allama Iqbal address 1930

2.1, Main points.................................................................................................................
2.2. Importance...................................................................................................................
2.3. Conclusive Sentences..................................................................................................

Congress Ministries 1937-1939

3.1. Introduction..................................................................................................................
3.2.Detail...............................................................................................................................

Lahore Resolution
4.1. Background of Lahore Resolution..............................................................................
4.2. Main points................................................................................................................
4.3. Importance..................................................................................................................

Reference
 https://www.asianonlinejournals.com

 https://historypak.com › lahore-reso...

 https://historypak.com › congress-m...

 https://iqbalcyberlibrary.net › NSM-...
 Evolution of Two-Nation Theory
The Two Nation Theory in its simplest way means the cultural,political,religious,economic and
social dissimilarities between the two major communities.Hindus and Muslims of the Sub
Continent.These difference of out look ,in fact,were greatly instrumental in giving rise to two
distinct political ideologies which were responsible for the partition of India into two
independent states.

The basis of Pakistan creation

The Two Nation Theory was the basis of the struggle for creation of Pakistan which held that
Hindus and Muslims are two separate Nations.They in spite of living together for centuries
could not forget their individual cultures and civilization.Al-Beruni recorded his ideas in 1001
A.D in his famous book "Kitab-ul-Hind" as:
"The Hindus society maintained this peculiar character over the centuries.The two
socities,Hindus and Muslims,like two streams have sometimes touched but never merged,each
following its separate course." There are a few factors which split the inhabitants of the Sub
Continent into two Nations.Let us examine each of them separately.

Religious Differences
The Hindus and Muslims belong to different religions.Islam preaches Tawheed (oneness of
Allah) and believes in equality of man before law.Muslims are the believers of God,The Holy
Prophet (P.B.U.H) the Holy Book Quran and hold a cohesive approach towards life.
Hinduism,on the other hand is based on the concept of multiple Gods.Their society follows a
caste system and is divided into four classes and have a very narrow approach towards life.

Hindu Nationalism
A number of Hindu nationalist movements,which emerged from time to time in the Indian
history ,added fuel to the fire by playing up the tension and antagonism which already existed
between the two communities. The Hindu nationalist leaders totally ignored the great
contribution made by the Muslims in the indian society by way of promoting education and
other social activities.Their writings and ideas flared up the communal discord between Hindus
and Muslims to further pollute the political condition.

Cultural Differences
Muslim followed the Islamic culture while Hindus inherited a self build culture.The Hindus
burnt their dead bodies while Muslims burred them.Hindus considered the 'Mother cow' as a
sacred animal and worshiped it while Muslims slaughtered it.they performed 'sati' while
Muslims abhorred this tradition .The Hindus and Muslims did not intermarry nor they inter-
dine.

Social Differences
The two communities of the Sub Continent differ in their social life as well.The clothes,the
foods,the household utensils,the layout of homes,the words of salutation,the gestures and every
thing about them was different and immediately pointed to their distinctive origin.

Economics Differences
After 1857,the Muslim economic was crushed and all trade policies were framed in such a way
so as to determent the Muslim condition .They were thrown out of Government services and
the their estates and properties were confiscated,while the Hindus were provided with ample
opportunities to progress economically.

Educational Differences
The Hindus had advanced in the educational field because they quickly and readily took the
english education.While Muslims did not receive modern education which heavily affected
their economic conditions.

Political Differences
The political differences between the Hindus and Muslims have played an important role in the
developement and evolution of Two Nation Theory.

Hindi Urdu Controversy

In 1867,Hindus demande that Urdu should be written in Hindi Script instead of Persian
script.This created another gap between Hindus and Muslims.

Congress Attitude
The Indian national Congress was founded in 1885.It claimed to represent all communities of
India but oppressed all Muslim ideas and supported the Hindus.

Partition of Bengal
In 1905,the partition of Bengal ensured a number of political benefits for the Muslims,but the
Hindus launched an agitation against the partition and partition was annulled in 1911.

Language
The Muslimsand Hindus wrote and spoke two different languages .The language of the former
was Urdu and it was written in Arabic Script.On the other hand ,the Hindi language was spoken
by Hindus and it was written in Sanskrit.Urdu and Hindi language had the difference in
writing,thoughts of poetry,arts,painting and words of music.Even this small difference lead to
a stirring conflict between the two nations.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan-The Pioneer of Two Nation Theory

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan,the pioneer of two nation theory,used the word 'two nation' for Hindus
and Muslims after being concinced of the Hindus and Congress hatred,hostility and prejudice
for the Muslims. The entire freedom movement revolved around the two nation theory which
was introduced by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.He considered all those lived in India as one nation
and was a great advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity.Speaking at the meeting of Indian Association
he said:
"I look to both Hindus and Muslims with the same eyes and consider them as my own eyes.By
the word 'Nation' I mean only Hindus and Muslims and nothing else,We,Hindus and Muslims
live together on the same soil under the same government.Our intrests and problems are
common,and therfore,I consider the two factions as one nation."
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan did his best to make the Muslims realize their differences ewith the
Hindus with regard to religions,social and language national and international identity and for
this purpose he diverted attention of the Indian Muslims towards a new idea of "Two Nation"
or "Two entities." After Hindi-Urdu controversy Sir Syed felt that it was not possible for
Hindus and Muslims to progress as a single nation.He said:
" I am convinced now that Hindus and Muslims could never become one nation as their religion
and way of life was quite distinct from each other."

Two Nation Theory on the view of Allama Iqbal

Allama Iqbal was the first important figure who propounded the idea of separate homeland on
the basis of two nation theory.He firmly believed in the separate identity of the Muslims as a
nation and suggested that there would be no possibility of peace in the country unless and untill
they were recognized as a nation.In the annual session of Muslim League at Allahabad in
1930,he said:
"India is a continent of human beings belonging to different languages and professing different
religions...I,therefore,demand the formation of a consolidated Muslim state in the best interests
of the Muslims of India and Islam."

Quaid-e-Azam statement on Two Nation Theory

The most clear and emphatic exposition is found in Jinnah's statement and speeches.He
expounded the two nation theory in such detail that most Muslims and even some Hindus came
to believe in its truth.He declared:
" Muslims are not a minority,They are one nation by every definition of the word nation.By all
canons of international law we are a nation."
Quaid-e-Azam reiterated that Hindus and Muslims could ever evolve a common nationality
was on idle dream.They are a totally different nation .They have an unbridgeable gulf between
them and they stand miles apart in regards to their ideals,culture and religion.In 1973,he said:
"Hindustan is neither one country,nor its inhabitants one nation.This is Sub Continent which
consist of many nations of which the Hindus and Muslims are two major nations."

Allama Iqbal Address 1930

"I would like to see the Punjab, North-West Frontier Province, Sind and Baluchistan
amalgamated into a single State. Self-government within the British Empire, or without the
British Empire, the formation of a consolidated North-West Indian Muslim State appears to me
to be the final destiny of the Muslims, at least of North-West India."
On December 30,1930 the annual meeting of the All India Muslim League was held at
Allahabad, Allama Iqbal presided over the meeting .On this occasion he delivered his famous
historical address which proved to be a milestone in the proceeding to make a demand for an
independent Muslim State.

Main Points of address

 N.W.F.P Sind, Punjab and Baluchistan should be combined in one state.
 The Muslims are entirely a different nation from Hindus .Their way of living and social
manners are totally different from the Hindus. Their religion is entirely different in
nature from other relations. Thus the Muslims should get a state of their own in the area
of Muslim majority where they may be able to cultivate their own religious and moral
traditions.

Importance of address
Iqbal's speech at the League session created a mild flutter but generally it was not taken
seriously. Though he had, in detail explained the basis leading to demand a separate homeland.
He mentioned that Islam was not simply the name of a few creeds, the oral reorganization of
which would make our ideal Muslim. It had given its followers, the concept of a particular and
unique political society which covered all the phases of their life.
Even though the Muslims of South Asia were disorganized and lay scattered in different parts
of the region, yet their central position was the same. They had the same culture, the same
history and same civilization. These elements gave similarity and agreement to all the Muslims
of the Sub Continent on the one hand and made them quite distinct from the Hindus on the
other.
In his Presidential address, Allama Iqbal said:
"I would like to see the Punjab, North West Frontier Province, Sind and Baluchistan
amalgamated into a single state. Self government within the British empire without the British
empire, the formation of a consolidated North West Indian Muslim State appears to me to be
the final destiny of the Muslims at least of North West India."

Conclusive sentence
It is on his Allahabad address that Allama Iqbal is known as the dreamer of Pakistan. His
address proved to be a milestone in the history of the Sub Continent and the creation of
Pakistan.

Congress Ministries 1937-1939

Even though Muslim League and Congress were against the Government of India Act 1935,
yet it was implemented in the winter of 1937. Now, what lay before them was the task of
persuading their concerned masses to support them in the upcoming elections. But Muslim
League, which stood for separate electorates, was unfortunately divided in several factions
owing to personal and ideological differences. Congress, on the other hand, was raising slogans
of joint electorates. Congress also wanted Hindi to be declared as the official language in the
Deva Nagri script, while Muslims were in favour of Urdu in Persian script to be officially
declared as the national language of the Indian sub-continent.
The result of elections came as a huge shock to both the parties. Congress, who claimed to be
representing 95% of the total Indian population, could not even secure 40% of the seats. It won
almost 750 seats out of 1,771 in 8 out of 11 provinces. Its success was restricted to Hindu-
majority provinces only. As for the results for the Muslim League, they were greatly
disappointing. Out of 491 Muslim seats, it could only capture 106 and 26 of them were taken
by Congress. Hence, the final success of the elections was named in the favour of Congress,
which gained majority in Bihar, Orissa, Madras and U.P and other regions.
The Congress didn’t set up ministries for about four months demanding British government to
not interfere in its legislative affairs. Discussions between them took place, and at last, the
British agreed without making any formal amendment to the Government of India Act 1935.
As a result of which, Congress ministries were formed in July 1937 but with bitter policy
against Muslims: Hindi became the national language, Congress flag became the national flag,
and Bande Matram became the national anthem. A strict prohibition was laid on cow slaughter
and singing of Bande Matram, taken from the novel of Chandra Chatterji, was started in
schools. Construction of new mosques was banned and Muslims were harassed while they
offered prayers.
Twenty-seven months of Congress rule were characterized by rising political Hinduism, which
seemed to be working only for the welfare of Hindu community and revenging the previous
700-year Muslim rule over them, as stated by some Congress leaders. Educational reforms
were introduced that were purely anti-Muslim in spirit. The purpose of Warda Taleemi Scheme
was to displace the idea of two nation theory from minds of Muslim children, while Vidya
Mandar Scheme aimed at promoting Hindu culture by making Mandar education necessary at
elementary level. Muslims were also kept back in economic circle. They were expelled from
government offices and career opportunities were closed for them. Their trade and agriculture
was a target of Hindu’s harm, and they couldn’t appeal justice which already had Hindu
imprints upon it. As a result, and to nobody’s surprise but huge dismay, massive Hindu-Muslim
riots took place. Several reports such as “Pirpur Report”, “Muslim Sufferings under Congress
Rule”, and “The Sharif Report” were issued by Muslims leaders to give word and voice to the
injustice and cruelty they were receiving under Congress reign, and they found expression in
newspapers. When World War II started in 1939, the British were fighting against the Axis
Powers. The Viceroy of India announced India’s involvement without consulting its
representative political leaders. Congress asked for transfer of power in repayment of their
cooperation in war, which the British government denied. As a result, Congress ministries
resigned. Thus came to an end the nightmarish rule which had terrorized Muslim community
beyond imagination. Quaid-i-Azam asked the Muslims to observe it as a ‘Day of Deliverance’
with peace and without any harmful intent towards any other nation. Prayers of thanksgiving
and gratitude were offered and Muslims took a sigh of relief from the atrocities committed
against them in the two-year Congress rule.

Lahore Resolution 1940

The Lahore resolution is an important event in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The
Lahore Resolution was a formal statement, which sought the creation of a separate Muslim
state. At the Lahore session of the Muslim League on 23 March 1940, Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul
Huq, proposed the establishment of several independent states in the Muslim-dominated areas
of northwestern and northeastern India, known in history as the Lahore Proposal. That’s why
Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Haque is called the proponent of the Lahore resolution. The Lahore
resolution is also called the first constructive resolution of the Muslim League to solve the
Indian problem. However, later it became the Pakistan Proposal and in 1947 the state of
Pakistan was created on the basis of religion.

Background of Lahore Resolution:

The prospect of Hindu-Muslim unity of the Bengal Pact was failed. The efforts suggested by
Nehru to make negotiations between the Hindus and the Muslims also failed in 1928 on the
issue of election for the minorities. Failing in his efforts to establish a Hindu-Muslim harmony
Jinnah presented his famous 14 point formula in 1929, where Muslim interests had special
priority. Under these circumstances all political parties refused the Symon Commission report
in 1930. Three consecutive roundtable conferences in London between 1930 to 1932 ended
without any decision. This time leaders of different communities created pressure on the British
Prime Minister to solve this crisis. In this context, the British Prime Minister Ramsey
Macdonald declared the "Communal Award" to solve the crisis. Afterwards the British
parliament accepted the India Rule Act in 1935 which included federal system of government
and provincial autonomy. Though the Act was an important document in the administrative
history of India, the federal government system could not be enacted according to it. Both the
parties demanded extended legislative and political reforms. On the other hand, Hindu
Mohasova opposed the Act. In 1938 in a meeting of the provincial Muslim League in Sindh
Jinnah termed the Muslims and the Hindus two different nations. Thus before the Lahore
resolution was presented, the view that the Muslims and the Hindus were two different nations
created the idea of creating two separate states for them. The practical example of this view
was the Lahore Resolution.

The Principal features of the Lahore Resolution:

 Independent states to be formed with the Muslim majority regions
in the North Western and North Eastern India.
 These independent states will be autonomous and sovereign.
 Sufficient measures must be taken in the constitution to ensure the
rights and interests of the minority groups after discussing with them.
 Powers on defense, foreign affairs, communication would be
bestowed upon the concerned subsidiary states.

Reaction to Lahore proposal:

Muslim League welcomed the Lahore proposal. But the Congress opposed the Lahore
proposal. Gandhi called the partition of India a crime or sin. The Hindu newspapers in Calcutta
criticized the Lahore resolution and referred to it as the Pakistan resolution. On the other hand,
the British government took a neutral position.
Importance of Lahore Resolution :
 The Lahore resolution destroyed communal harmony. It created
mistrust and suspicion between Hindus and Muslims. As a result,
the Hindu-Muslim communal harmony was destroyed forever.
 Inspired by the Lahore resolution, the election of United Front
was in 1954 and the United Front won the election.
 The six-point demand raised by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1966
was based on the Lahore resolution.
 The Lahore resolution also played a role in the 1971 war of
liberation and independence.