Question

Identify the person in the picture and answer the following questions:

1. What were his views regarding Hindu-Muslim unity?
2. What role did he play in the formation of the Muslim League?
3. State the impact of the Muslim League on the National Movement.

Answer 1

1. Sir Sayyid Ahmad believed that since Hindus were the majority in India, they would dominate the Muslims if the British left. He felt that British rule was important for the welfare and progress of the Muslim community. He said that if educated Muslims supported the British, they would be rewarded with government jobs and other benefits.
2. Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan thought of forming a separate body for Muslims to protect their rights and improve their economic condition. The Mohamedan Civil Rights Association was set up to demand higher posts for Muslims and to keep them away from the Congress and Hindus. It also encouraged Muslims to stay loyal to the British. Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan's influence eventually led to the formation of the Muslim League in 1906.
3. Impact of the Muslim League on the national movement: The Muslim League's impact on the National Movement was discouraging. Their policies weakened the movement as they differed from those of the Hindus. The Muslim League did not support the Swadeshi and Boycott movements and supported British policies, believing these would bring benefits to Muslims. Despite Gandhiji's efforts, the Muslim League played a key role in the division of India into India and Pakistan.