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Ideological basis of Pakistan: Class 9 Pakistan Studies
The meaning of ideology, the two-nation theory, the thinkers and leaders who shaped the idea of Pakistan, the Lahore Resolution of 1940, and the Objectives Resolution of 1949.
Key points
An ideology is a set of beliefs and ideas that guide the life of a nation. Pakistan came into being on the basis of the belief that the Muslims of the subcontinent were a separate nation with their own religion, culture and way of life, and that they should be free to live according to Islam.
The two-nation theory says that Hindus and Muslims of the subcontinent are two different nations, not one. They differ in religion, social customs, laws, language, history and heroes. Muslims believe in one God and follow the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), while the beliefs and customs of the Hindu majority were different. For this reason the Muslim leaders demanded a separate homeland.
Important thinkers and leaders:
- Shah Waliullah (1703 to 1762) worked for the revival of Islamic teachings and the unity of the Muslims when their rule was weakening.
- Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817 to 1898) urged Muslims to take up modern education and founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh in 1875.
- Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877 to 1938) presented the idea of a Muslim state in the north-west of India in his address at Allahabad on 29 December 1930.
- Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876 to 1948) led the All-India Muslim League and the struggle for Pakistan by constitutional means.
Some events on the road to Pakistan:
- 1906: the All-India Muslim League was founded at Dhaka.
- 1916: the Lucknow Pact between the Muslim League and the Congress.
- 1930: Allama Iqbal's Allahabad Address.
- 1940: the Lahore Resolution.
- 1946: elections in which the Muslim League won nearly all the Muslim seats.
- 14 August 1947: Pakistan came into being.
The Lahore Resolution was passed at the annual session of the All-India Muslim League held at Minto Park in Lahore on 23 March 1940. It was moved by A. K. Fazlul Huq, the Chief Minister of Bengal, and seconded by Chaudhry Khaliquzzaman. It demanded that the areas in which Muslims were in a majority should be grouped to form independent states. It later became known as the Pakistan Resolution, and 23 March is celebrated as Pakistan Day.
The Objectives Resolution was passed by the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on 12 March 1949. It stated that sovereignty over the whole universe belongs to Allah alone, that the state would exercise its powers through the chosen representatives of the people, that democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice as taught by Islam would be observed, and that minorities would be free to practise their religions and develop their cultures. It became the guiding principle for the constitutions of Pakistan.
Study tip: Make a timeline of 1906, 1916, 1930, 1940, 1946 and 1947 with one line for each event. It helps with almost every question in this chapter.
Definitions and flashcards
Say the meaning first, then open the card to check.
Ideology
A set of beliefs and ideas that guide the life of a nation.
Two-nation theory
The idea that Hindus and Muslims of the subcontinent are two separate nations.
Allahabad Address
The speech of Allama Iqbal on 29 December 1930 that proposed a Muslim state in the north-west of India.
Lahore Resolution
The resolution of 23 March 1940 demanding independent states for the Muslim majority areas.
Objectives Resolution
The resolution of 12 March 1949 that set out the principles of the state.
Constituent Assembly
A body elected to make the constitution of a country.
Sovereignty
The supreme authority of a state.
Short questions with model answers
These are the kind of questions asked for 2, 3 and 5 marks. Try each one before opening the answer.
Define the term ideology. (2 marks)
An ideology is a set of beliefs and ideas that guide the life of a nation. The ideology of Pakistan is based on Islam.
What is meant by the two-nation theory? (3 marks)
It is the idea that Hindus and Muslims of the subcontinent are two separate nations because they differ in religion, culture, social customs, language and history. This idea was the basis of the demand for Pakistan.
What did Allama Iqbal propose in his Allahabad Address? (3 marks)
In his address on 29 December 1930 he proposed that the Muslim majority areas in the north-west of India should be joined together to form a single Muslim state within or outside the Indian federation.
When and where was the Lahore Resolution passed? Who moved it? (3 marks)
It was passed on 23 March 1940 at Minto Park, Lahore, during the annual session of the All-India Muslim League. A. K. Fazlul Huq moved the resolution and Chaudhry Khaliquzzaman seconded it.
State two principles of the Objectives Resolution. (2 marks)
Sovereignty belongs to Allah, and the state will exercise its authority through the chosen representatives of the people. The principles of democracy, equality, tolerance and social justice will be observed, and minorities will be free to practise their religions.
Describe the role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in the awakening of the Muslims. (5 marks)
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan saw that Muslims were falling behind because they did not take up modern education. He urged them to learn English and the modern sciences while keeping their faith. He founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh in 1875, which later became a university. He also started the Scientific Society and wrote books and articles to explain the Muslim point of view. His efforts gave Muslims confidence and prepared them for political life.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Allahabad Address of 1930 with the Lahore Resolution of 1940.
- Writing the wrong year or place for the Muslim League's founding. It was 1906 at Dhaka.
- Saying that Allama Iqbal moved the Lahore Resolution. It was moved by A. K. Fazlul Huq.
- Mixing the Objectives Resolution of 1949 with the constitutions that came later.