Formation of Muslim League and its Objectives

The partition of Bengal created a communal divide. On December 30, 1906, Muslim league was formed under the leadership of Aga Khan, the Nawab of Dhaka and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk to the notion to safeguard the rights of Indian Muslims. Initially, it gets great support from the British but when it adopted the notion of Self-rule then they get destitution from them. The Amritsar session of the League, held in 1908, under the presidentship of Sir Syed Ali Imam, demanding a separate electorate for the Muslims, this was conceded to them by his Morley-Minto Reform 1909. Maulana Muhammad Ali started an English Journal ‘Comrade’ and an Urdu Paper ‘Hamdard’ to propagate his anti-league views. He also started ‘Al-Hilal ‘which served as a mouthpiece of his Nationalist views.

Factor promoting the Muslim league

• British Plan- Dividing Indian on communal lines and adhered separatist attitude in Indian politics. For example- Separate electorate, Played caste politics between non- Brahmins and Brahmins.
• Lacks of Education- Muslims were isolated from western and technical education.
• Loss Sovereignty by Muslims- 1857 revolt makes British to think that Muslims are dangerous for their colonial policy. As they were established their rule after dethroning the Mughal rule.
• Expression of Religious Colour-Most of the historians and radical nationalists glorified India’s one side of our composite culture. They praises were biased because Shivaji, Rana Pratap etc were paraises but they remained silent on Akbar, Sher Shah Suri, Allauddin Khalji, Tipu Sultan  etc.
• Economic backwardness of India- Lack of Industrialisation causes acute unemployment and British attitude towards cottage industry was pathetic.

Objectives of the formation of league

• To promote loyalty of Indian Muslims towards the British government.
• To protect the political and other rights of the Indian Muslims and to place their needs and aspirations before the Government.
• To overcome on the feeling of hostility among Muslims towards other communities.

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