What part was played by the following in the creation of the Muslim League?

(a) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

(b) Principal Beck.

(c) Lord Minto.

(a) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan played a crucial role in the foundation of the Muslim League. He believed that the interests of Muslims were different from those of Hindus, and he feared that the growing political consciousness among Indians, especially the rise of the Indian National Congress, might harm the interests of the Muslim community. He advised the Muslims to remain away from the Hindus, the Congress and the National Movement, and to support the British Rule in India and receive Western education. He significantly contributed to the separation of Muslim political interests from the national mainstream and created a feeling of communalism, ultimately leading to the formation of the All India Muslim League.

(b) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College at Aligarh in 1875 to spread education among the Muslims. It's principal Mr Beck, brought about a great change in Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. He tried to instigate the communal sentiments among the Muslims. He advised the Muslims to remain away from the Hindus, the Congress and the National Movement. He also advised them to support the British Rule in India and receive Western education. He began to support communalism and Aligarh became the centre of Muslim communalism. He also made Sir Syed Ahmad Khan think on communal lines, thus spreading the feelings of communalism through him.

(c) Lord Minto contributed to the creation of the Muslim League in the following ways:

1. In 1893, under British encouragement, the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association was formed. Its main aim was to promote loyalty towards the British Government and prevent Muslims from joining nationalist movements.

2. Mr. Archibald, the Principal of MAO College, played a role in promoting communal politics. He advised Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk to demand separate electorates for Muslims, knowing that the British Government, including Lord Minto, favored this approach.

3. On October 1, 1906, a Muslim Deputation led by Agha Khan met Lord Minto at Shimla with the demands of :

   • Separate electorates for Muslims.
   • Representation in High Courts and chief courts.
   • Reserved seats in Provincial Councils.
   • Set-up of a Mohammedan university for religious and intellectual development.

4. Lord Minto agreed to fulfill these demands, promising to grant separate electorates and protect Muslim political rights. This led directly to the formation of the All India Muslim League in December 1906, as Muslims now had British backing for separate political representation.