Historical Context of the Creation of Pakistan (1857–1947)
The creation of Pakistan in 1947 was the result of complex historical, political, and social
developments spanning nearly a century, beginning with the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
1. The War of Independence (1857)
Also called the Indian Revolt or First War of Independence.
Sparked by the introduction of new rifle cartridges rumored to be
greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim
soldiers.
The British brutally suppressed the revolt, ending Mughal rule in
India (Bahadur Shah Zafar exiled).
1858: British Crown took direct control of India (end of East India
Company’s rule).
2. British Raj and Muslim Struggles (1858–1906)
Muslim Decline: British viewed Muslims as responsible for the revolt,
leading to political and economic marginalization.
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s Aligarh Movement (1875): Advocated for
modern education and Muslim rights, founded Muhammadan Anglo
Oriental college and later on Ali Garh University, emphasizing
cooperation with the British.
Urdu-Hindi Controversy (1867): The British preference for Hindi
over Urdu led Muslims to realize their distinct identity.
3. Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885)
Founded by A.O. Hume, initially advocating for Indian representation
in government.
Over time, became dominated by Hindu leadership, creating concerns
among Muslims.
4. Partition of Bengal (1905) & Annulment (1911)
Lord Curzon’s decision (1905) to divide Bengal into Hindu-majority
West Bengal and Muslim-majority East Bengal.
The purpose was to ensure betterment in administration
Hindus strongly opposed it, leading to its annulment in 1911—
disappointing Muslims.
5. Formation of the All India Muslim League (1906)
Established in Dhaka to protect Muslim political and religious
rights.
1909 Morley-Minto Reforms: Introduced separate electorates for
Muslims, recognizing them as a distinct political entity.
6. Lucknow Pact (1916)
Congress & Muslim League unity against British rule.
Muslims gained separate electorates and weightage in representation.
7. Khilafat Movement (1919–1924) & Non-Cooperation Movement
Khilafat Movement: Muslims protested against British policies
harming the Ottoman Empire.
Gandhi-led Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): Initially
supported by Muslims, but later ended due to Hindu-Muslim differences
(especially after Chauri Chaura incident, 1922).
8. Nehru Report (1928) & Jinnah’s 14 Points (1929)
Nehru Report: Rejected separate electorates & Muslim autonomy,
favoring a unitary India.
Jinnah’s 14 Points: A counter-demand ensuring Muslim rights,
religious freedom, and political safeguards.
9. Government of India Act (1935)
Introduced provincial autonomy, but Muslim League lacked
strong representation.
Congress dominated the 1937 elections, marginalizing Muslim
League.
10. Lahore Resolution (23 March 1940)
Passed at Minto Park, Lahore, demanding separate Muslim-
majority states (not explicitly "Pakistan" yet).
Marked the beginning of a clear Muslim demand for an
independent homeland.
11. World War II and Pakistan Movement (1939–1945)
Congress resigned from ministries (1939) to protest British
involvement in WWII without Indian consent.
Muslim League supported British war efforts in return for political
concessions.
12. Cripps Mission (1942) & Quit India Movement
British offered dominion status post-war, but Congress rejected it
and launched the Quit India Movement.
Muslim League stayed neutral, focusing on Pakistan.
13. Gandhi-Jinnah Talks (1944)
Jinnah rejected Gandhi’s proposal for Hindu-Muslim unity, insisting
on Pakistan.
14. Simla Conference (1945)
British attempted a power-sharing agreement, but Jinnah’s demand
for exclusive Muslim representation failed.
15. 1945-46 Elections – Muslim League’s Victory
Muslim League won all Muslim-reserved seats, proving mass Muslim
support for Pakistan.
16. Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) & Direct Action Day
Proposed a united India with Muslim-majority areas having
autonomy—League rejected it.
Direct Action Day (16 Aug 1946): Called by Jinnah, led to communal
riots.
17. Mountbatten Plan & Independence (1947)
June 3, 1947: Finalized partition of India and Pakistan.
14 August 1947: Pakistan was officially created with Jinnah as
Governor-General.
This version includes all major events that shaped the Pakistan Movement. Let me know if
you need further explanations!
