Two nation theory
2nd Year Pakistan Studies Notes
TWO NATION THEORY
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Meaning of Two Nation Theory
The Two Nation Theory in its simplest way means the
cultural,political,religious,economic and social dissimilarities between
the two major communities.Hindus and Muslims of the Sub Continent.These
difference of out look ,in fact,were greatly instrumental in giving
rise to two distinct political ideologies which were responsible for the
partition of India into two independent states.
THE BASIS OF THE CREATION OF PAKISTAN
The Two Nation Theory was the basis of the struggle for creation of
Pakistan which held that Hindus and Muslims are two separate
Nations.They in spite of living together for centuries could not forget
their individual cultures and civilization.Al-Beruni recorded his ideas
in 1001 A.D in his famous book "Kitab-ul-Hind" as:
"The Hindus society maintained this peculiar character over the
centuries.The two socities,Hindus and Muslims,like two streams have
sometimes touched but never merged,each following its separate course."
There are a few factors which split the inhabitants of the Sub Continent
into two Nations.Let us examine each of them separately.
1.Religious Differences
The Hindus and Muslims belong to different religions.Islam preaches
Tawheed (oneness of Allah) and believes in equality of man before
law.Muslims are the believers of God,The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) the Holy
Book Quran and hold a cohesive approach towards life.
Hinduism,on the other hand is based on the concept of multiple
Gods.Their society follows a caste system and is divided into four
classes and have a very narrow approach towards life.
2.Hindu Nationalism
A number of Hindu nationalist movements,which emerged from time to time
in the Indian history ,added fuel to the fire by playing up the tension
and antagonism which already existed between the two communities.
The Hindu nationalist leaders totally ignored the great contribution
made by the Muslims in the indian society by way of promoting education
and other social activities.Their writings and ideas flared up the
communal discord between Hindus and Muslims to further pollute the
political condition.
3.Cultural Differences
Muslim followed the Islamic culture while Hindus inherited a self build
culture.The Hindus burnt their dead bodies while Muslims burred
them.Hindus considered the 'Mother cow' as a sacred animal and worshiped
it while Muslims slaughtered it.they performed 'sati' while Muslims
abhorred this tradition .The Hindus and Muslims did not intermarry nor
they inter-dine.
4.Social Differences
The two communities of the Sub Continent differ in their social life as
well.The clothes,the foods,the household utensils,the layout of
homes,the words of salutation,the gestures and every thing about them
was different and immediately pointed to their distinctive origin.
5.Economics Differences
After 1857,the Muslim economic was crushed and all trade policies were
framed in such a way so as to determent the Muslim condition .They were
thrown out of Government services and the their estates and properties
were confiscated,while the Hindus were provided with ample opportunities
to progress economically.
6.Educational Differences
The Hindus had advanced in the educational field because they quickly
and readily took the english education.While Muslims did not receive
modern education which heavily affected their economic conditions.
7.Political Differences
The political differences between the Hindus and Muslims have played an
important role in the developement and evolution of Two Nation Theory.
(i) Hindi Urdu Controversy
In 1867,Hindus demande that Urdu should be written in Hindi Script
instead of Persian script.This created another gap between Hindus and
Muslims.
(ii) Congress Attitude
The Indian national Congress was founded in 1885.It claimed to represent
all communities of India but oppressed all Muslim ideas and supported
the Hindus.
(iii) Partition of Bengal
In 1905,the partition of Bengal ensured a number of political benefits
for the Muslims,but the Hindus launched an agitation against the
partition and partition was annulled in 1911.
8.Language
The Muslimsand Hindus wrote and spoke two different languages .The
language of the former was Urdu and it was written in Arabic Script.On
the other hand ,the Hindi language was spoken by Hindus and it was
written in Sanskrit.Urdu and Hindi language had the difference in
writing,thoughts of poetry,arts,painting and words of music.Even this
small difference lead to a stirring conflict between the two nations.
Sir syed Ahmed Khan-The Pioneer of Two Nation Theory
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan,the pioneer of two nation theory,used the word 'two
nation' for Hindus and Muslims after being concinced of the Hindus and
Congress hatred,hostility and prejudice for the Muslims.
The entire freedom movement revolved around the two nation theory which
was introduced by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.He considered all those lived in
India as one nation and was a great advocate of Hindu-Muslim
unity.Speaking at the meeting of Indian Association he said:
"I look to both Hindus and Muslims with the same eyes and consider them
as my own eyes.By the word 'Nation' I mean only Hindus and Muslims and
nothing else,We,Hindus and Muslims live together on the same soil under
the same government.Our intrests and problems are common,and therfore,I
consider the two factions as one nation."
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan did his best to make the Muslims realize their
differences ewith the Hindus with regard to religions,social and
language national and international identity and for this purpose he
diverted attention of the Indian Muslims towards a new idea of "Two
Nation" or "Two entities."
After Hindi-Urdu controversy Sir Syed felt that it was not possible for
Hindus and Muslims to progress as a single nation.He said:
" I am convinced now that Hindus and Muslims could never become one
nation as their religion and way of life was quite distinct from each
other."
TWO NATION THEORY IN THE VIEW OF ALLAMA IQBAL
Allama Iqbal was the first important figure who propounded the idea of
separate homeland on the basis of two nation theory.He firmly believed
in the separate identity of the Muslims as a nation and suggested that
there would be no possibility of peace in the country unless and untill
they were recognized as a nation.In the annual session of Muslim League
at Allahabad in 1930,he said:
"India is a continent of human beings belonging to different languages
and professing different religions...I,therefore,demand the formation of
a consolidated Muslim state in the best interests of the Muslims of
India and Islam."
QUAID-E-AZAM'S STATEMENT ON TWO NATION THEORY
The most clear and emphatic exposition is found in Jinnah's statement
and speeches.He expounded the two nation theory in such detail that most
Muslims and even some Hindus came to believe in its truth.He declared:
" Muslims are not a minority,They are one nation by every definition of
the word nation.By all canons of international law we are a nation."
Quaid-e-Azam reiterated that Hindus and Muslims could ever evolve a
common nationality was on idle dream.They are a totally different nation
.They have an unbridgeable gulf between them and they stand miles apart
in regards to their ideals,culture and religion.In 1973,he said:
"Hindustan is neither one country,nor its inhabitants one nation.This is
Sub Continent which consist of many nations of which the Hindus and
Muslims are two major nations."
CONCLUTION
The Muslims apprehended that they would lose their identity if they
remained a part of Hindu society.They also came to realize the above
mentioned differences between them and the Hindus and hence demanded
separate electorate on the ground that they were different nation from
Hindus.
Hence it is right to say that this theory i.e two nation theory is the
basis of the creation of Pakistan because without this as a
base,Pakistan would not come into being on 14th August ,1947,and we
would not be breathing freely in this open air of Pakistan.
