Question

What role did each of the following play in the formation of the Muslim League?
(a) Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan.
(b) Principal Beck.
(c) Lord Minto.

Answer 1

Sir Sayyid Ahmad believed that since the Hindus formed the majority of the Indian population, they would dominate the Muslims in case of a withdrawal of the British rule. He felt if he supported British, they would secure their rights and be rewarded with government jobs and other special favors.

Theodore Beck was invited by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to serve as the Principal of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh. He identified with the Indian Muslims and made a systematic effort to alienate them from the Hindus. His objective was to protect the political rights of the Muslims and to strengthen the British rule in India. His idea was that Anglo Muslim unity was possible, but Hindu-Muslim unity was impossible.

Simla Deputation or the Muslim deputation organized by the Indian Muslim leaders met the Governor General and Viceroy Lord Minto in Simla on 1 October 1906. Some of its demands were as below:

1. Separate electoral constituencies for Muslims in the provincial council and imperial legislative council.

2. Preference should be given to Muslim community while nominating members to the Viceroy's council.

The viceroy Minto expressed his sympathy with their aspirations. He assured them that their political rights and interests as a community would be safeguarded.