Pakistan Movement 1927-1939

2026 Syllabus Objectives

By the end of these notes, you should be able to:

  1. Explain why Jinnah produced his 14 Points in 1929
  2. Evaluate how successful the three Round Table Conferences of 1930-32 were
  3. Assess the importance of the Government of India Act, 1935
  4. Explain why Congress Rule (1937-39) was unpopular with many Muslims
  5. Understand key events: Simon Commission, Nehru Report, Jinnah's 14 Points, Allama Iqbal's Allahabad address, Round Table Conferences, Communal Award, Rahmat Ali and the Pakistan National Movement, Government of India Act 1935, 1937 elections, Congress rule, and the Day of Deliverance

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1. The Simon Commission (1927-1930)

What was it? In 1927, the British government sent a group of seven members to India, led by Sir John Simon. This group was called the Simon Commission. Their job was to check how well the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms (from 1919) were working and to suggest what new reforms should be introduced next.

Why was it sent early? The Conservative government in Britain was worried that the Labour Party might win the next election in the UK. They wanted to send the Commission quickly before losing power.

The major problem: No Indian member was included in the Commission. This made Indians very angry because decisions about their country were being made without them. As a result, both Muslims and Hindus boycotted (refused to cooperate with) the Commission. Protesters held demonstrations with slogans like "Simon Go Back".

The visits: The Commission visited India twice:

  • First visit: February-March 1928
  • Second visit: October 1928-April 1929

The Simon Report (1930): The Commission published its report in 1930 with the following proposals:

  • Abolish Dyarchy (a system of double government where some subjects were controlled by Indians and others by the British)
  • Introduce a federal form of government with provincial autonomy (provinces would have more freedom to make their own decisions)
  • Keep separate electorates for minorities (voters from different religious communities would vote separately for their own representatives)
  • Give NWFP (North-West Frontier Province) special status but NOT full provincial status

Muslim response: Muslims were unhappy because the report:

  • Did NOT give one-third seats to Muslims in the Central Legislature (as they had demanded)
  • Did NOT separate Sindh from Bombay
  • Did NOT give NWFP full provincial status

Both Congress and the Muslim League rejected the Simon Report.

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