Question

With reference to the Lucknow Pact, answer the following questions:

1. Mention any three factors that led to the signing of the Lucknow Pact in 1916.
2. Mention any three clauses of the Pact.
3. Why was the signing of the Lucknow Pact an important event towards the growth of unity in India?

Answer 1

1. Three factors that led to the signing of the Lucknow Pact in 1916 were:
   1. National Events: Several events changed the attitude of the Muslim League:
      1. The Partition of Bengal was cancelled.
      2. Nationalist Muslims like Abul Kalam Azad and the Ali brothers (Maulana Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali) spread nationalist ideas among Muslims, supporting self-government.
      3. Tilak was released from jail in 1914 after six years.
      4. Under the 'Seditious Meetings Act,' some prominent Muslim leaders were arrested, bringing the Muslim League and Congress closer.
   2. Changes in the Objectives of the Muslim League:
      1. Initially, the League supported the British Government.
      2. In 1913, the League changed its Constitution to include 'a system of self-government under the British Crown.' This brought the League closer to the Congress's political goal.
      3. Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak also helped in bringing the Congress and the League together.
   3. Compromise Between the Two Factions of the Congress:
      1. Annie Besant worked to reunite the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists in Congress.
      2. Tilak rejoined Congress in 1916 and played an important role in resolving differences between Congress and the Muslim League.
2. Three clauses of the Lucknow Pact are:
   1. Abolition of the India Council: The India Council of the Secretary of State, which operated from England, should be abolished. The Secretary of State for India should have two Under-Secretaries, with one of them being Indian.
   2. Minorities in Elected Bodies: Minorities should have proper and separate representation in elected bodies.
   3. Limitation of the Imperial Legislature: The Imperial Legislature would not control defence, foreign affairs, or political matters like declaring war or signing peace treaties.
3. The signing of the Lucknow Pact was an important step towards unity in India for the following reasons:
   1. Hindu-Muslim Unity: The pact symbolised unity between Hindus and Muslims. Both communities made compromises for the greater good. The Congress accepted separate electorates for Muslims, while the Muslim League agreed to the principle of elections and majority rule. As a result, Hindus and Muslims worked together from 1916 to 1922.
   2. Unity Within the Congress: The Lucknow Session and the signing of the Lucknow Pact brought unity between the Assertive Nationalists and the Early Nationalists. After the split in the 1907 Surat Session, both wings of the Congress had been divided. They reunited in 1916, which strengthened the Congress.