📚 Pakistan Studies (SSH-302) — Full

Notes (Weeks 1–8)

Week 1: Introduction to South Asia (Pakistan)

South Asia is one of the most historically rich and culturally diverse regions of the world. It
includes countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the
Maldives. It is a region where ancient civilizations such as the Indus Valley Civilization
developed, especially in areas that are today part of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s geographical position is extremely important. It lies at the crossroads of South

Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This strategic location has always made Pakistan
significant for trade, politics, and military reasons. Its landscape includes towering mountains
like the Himalayas and Karakoram Range, fertile plains like Punjab, deserts like the Thar
Desert, and coastal areas along the Arabian Sea.

Culturally, Pakistan reflects the diverse traditions of South Asia. The people of Pakistan
belong to different ethnic groups such as Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, Pashtuns, and Muhajirs.
Islam is the dominant religion, but the society carries influences from pre-Islamic
civilizations as well. Pakistan's culture is a blend of Islamic traditions with local customs, art,
music, and languages, making it vibrant and varied.

Week 2: Arrival of Britishers and Beginning of Hindu-

Muslim Tensions in India (1857-1914)
The British first came to India as traders through the East India Company. Gradually, by
using diplomacy, wars, and deceit, they took control of vast areas. Their dominance grew
stronger after the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Battle of Buxar (1764).

One of the most significant events during British rule was the War of Independence of
1857. Indian soldiers (sepoys) rebelled against the British due to various reasons: disrespect
toward their religious beliefs (cartridges rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat),
economic exploitation, political domination, and social discrimination. The rebellion,
however, was brutally crushed, and India came under direct rule of the British Crown from
1858 onwards.

The British then adopted a "Divide and Rule" policy to prevent unity among Indians. They
created mistrust between Hindus and Muslims by favoring one group over the other at
different times. Over the years, the educational and employment opportunities were given
more to Hindus, leaving Muslims backward and frustrated. This sowed seeds of Hindu-
Muslim tensions, which later became more serious with time.

The Colonial Legacy left by the British included a centralized bureaucratic system, a
Western education model, the English language, legal and administrative systems, railways,
and communication networks. However, it also left deep divisions among the people of India.

Week 3: Struggle for Freedom from Britishers / Hindu-

Muslim Unity (1916-1940)
During this period, the Indians made several efforts to get freedom from the British. A major
development in Hindu-Muslim unity was the Lucknow Pact of 1916, where both the
Congress and the Muslim League agreed on political reforms and constitutional demands.

The Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) was another major event. It was launched by Muslims
to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, and the Indian National Congress also supported it, which
brought temporary Hindu-Muslim unity. Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement
also strengthened this cooperation.

However, soon differences started to appear between Hindus and Muslims. The Nehru
Report (1928) disappointed Muslims because it ignored their separate identity demands. The
Allama Iqbal’s Allahabad Address (1930) proposed the idea of a separate Muslim
homeland, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah emerged as a strong advocate for Muslim rights.

By 1940, Muslim leaders realized that their political, religious, and cultural rights could not
be protected under Hindu majority rule, leading them towards the demand for a separate
country.

Week 4:
a. The Lahore Resolution and the Emergence of Pakistan (1940-47)

The Lahore Resolution, passed on 23rd March 1940 during the All-India Muslim League’s
annual session at Minto Park, Lahore, was a turning point. It demanded independent states for
Muslims in north-western and eastern zones of India, where Muslims were in majority.

This resolution formally presented the idea of a separate homeland for Muslims, which later
evolved into the demand for Pakistan. The movement for Pakistan gained momentum under
the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

From 1940 to 1947, several critical events happened — including the Second World War, the
Cripps Mission, the Quit India Movement by the Congress, and negotiations between the
British government and Indian leaders. Finally, after years of political struggle and communal
riots, the British decided to partition India.
On 14th August 1947, Pakistan emerged as an independent sovereign state.

b. The Creation of Pakistan: Different Perspectives

The creation of Pakistan is viewed differently by historians and scholars:

 Muslim Perspective: Pakistan was necessary to protect Muslim identity, culture, and
political rights.
 British Perspective: Partition was a solution to communal tensions and was a
peaceful way to end British rule.
 Congress Perspective: Some Congress leaders considered Pakistan as a division of
Indian unity caused by British manipulation.
 Revisionist Scholars: Some modern scholars argue that social, political, and
economic reasons, besides religious differences, led to partition.

In short, Pakistan’s creation was not the result of one single reason but a combination of
political, religious, social, and historical factors.

Week 5: Two Nation Theory: Origin, Evolution, and

Critiques
The Two Nation Theory was the ideological basis for the creation of Pakistan. It stated that
Muslims and Hindus were two separate nations with different religions, philosophies,
customs, traditions, and moral codes.

Origin: The roots of the Two Nation Theory can be traced back to Muslim reformers like Sir
Syed Ahmed Khan and thinkers like Allama Iqbal, who realized that Muslims could not live
securely under Hindu domination.

Evolution: Over time, Muslim political organizations such as the Muslim League adopted
this theory to push for a separate homeland.

Critiques:

 Some critics say that the Two Nation Theory failed when East Pakistan separated in
1971 (Bangladesh formation).
 Others argue that it divided people unnecessarily based on religion.

However, supporters believe that it was essential for the survival and development of Muslim
culture and political freedom.

Week 6: Pakistan: A Secular State or Religious State

There has been an ongoing debate about whether Pakistan was meant to be a secular or
religious state.

Secular Viewpoint:

 Some scholars argue that Quaid-e-Azam wanted a secular state where religion would
not interfere in government affairs.
 His famous speech of 11th August 1947 suggested that religion would be the personal
matter of individuals.

Religious Viewpoint:

 Others argue that Pakistan was created for Muslims, hence it should be based on
Islamic principles.
 Many leaders and scholars emphasized that Islam would guide the laws and
governance of Pakistan.

In practice, Pakistan adopted Islamic principles in various laws, but it also maintains
elements of a modern state system. The balance between religion and state continues to be a
sensitive and evolving topic.

Week 7: Islamic Reformers and Thinkers

a. Shah Waliullah (1703-1762)

 A great Islamic scholar who realized the decline of Muslims in India.

 Focused on the unity of Muslims and the revival of Islamic teachings.
 Translated the Quran into Persian for better understanding among common people.
 Worked to bridge differences among Muslim sects and called for moral and social
reforms.

b. Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi (1564-1624)

 Known as Mujaddid Alf Sani (the Reformer of the Second Millennium).

 Opposed Akbar’s religious innovations like Din-e-Ilahi.
 Worked for the revival of Sunni Islam and emphasized strict adherence to Islamic
teachings.
 Strengthened the two-nation concept by stressing Muslim identity separate from
Hindus.

c. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (1817-1898)

 A visionary leader who worked for Muslim education and political upliftment.
 Founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim
University).
 Promoted modern scientific education while preserving Islamic identity.
  Advocated for Muslim loyalty to the British and realization of their separate political
interests.

Week 8: Muslim League: Its Role and Organization

The All-India Muslim League was founded in 1906 at Dhaka to protect Muslim interests.

Role:

 Provided a political platform for Muslims to demand constitutional safeguards and

rights.
 Played a key role in negotiating with the British and Congress.
 After the 1930s, under Jinnah’s leadership, it transformed into the main vehicle for
demanding Pakistan.

Organization:

 It had a hierarchical structure with provincial branches, working committees, and

annual sessions.
 Mobilized Muslim masses across India through meetings, resolutions, and political
campaigns.
 Successfully led the Pakistan Movement, resulting in the creation of Pakistan in 1947.