question_answer

"The Hindu thinks that separate electorates are contrary to the spirit of nationalism because he understands the word 'nation' to mean a kind of universal amalgamation in which no communal entity ought to retain its private individuality. Such a state of things however does not exist. India is land of racial and religious variety. Add to this the general economic inferiority of the Muslims, their enormous debt, especially in the Punjab and their insufficient majorities in some of the provinces as at present constituted and you will begin to see clearly the meaning of our anxiety to retain separate electorates" [Muhamnad Iqbal, 1930].

Read the extract and answer the following questions:

 

(a) In Iqbal's opinion why was Hind opinion about communal electorate not acceptable?

(b) Why did he think that separate electorate was necessary for the Muslims?

 

Answer:

(a) According to Iqbal Hindus view India as a nation without any communal entity nor do they believe in giving any individual freedom to other communities. They feel communal electorate to be contrary to the spirit of nationalism.

(b) Iqbal felt that in reality India is land of racial and religious variety. The condition of the Muslims was much inferior to the Hindus they were living in debt they had no opportunity for development nor did they have sufficient majority in the state to improve their condition. Under these circumstances the Muslims were anxious to have separate electorates so that to get elected and improve their condition in a country dominated by the Hindus.