The foundation of the Muslim League in 1906 had great repercussions on the later history of India. In this context, answer the following :

(a) Main objectives of the Muslim League.

(b) Main impact of the Muslim League on the National Movement.

(a) The main objectives of the Muslim League were declared as follows :

1. Promotion of the feelings of loyalty to the British Government.
2. Protection and advancement of the political rights and interests of the Muslims of India by checking the growing influence of the Congress, and
3. Prevention of the rise of hostility towards other communities.

(b) The formation of the Muslim League weakened the National Movement.

1. The Muslim League's political activities were directed against the Hindus and the National Congress, hence they began to oppose every nationalist and democratic demand of the Congress.
2. It strengthened the policy of 'Divide and Rule'.
3. Demand for separate electorates for Muslims was only accepted by the Congress after the Lucknow Pact was signed. This added to the communal bitterness.

Hence, formation of the Muslim League weakened the united struggle against the British rule, thus delaying the achievement of independence.