Shimla (Simla) Delegation (1906)

 Simla (Shimla) Delegation/Deputation

(1906)

 

Background

In 1905, David Lloyd George led the Liberal Party of England to victory in the national elections. By making constitutional amendments, it was firmly thought that the Indian people would receive enough protection. According to the Liberal Party's announcement, India might soon see constitutional revisions. The Muslim leaders made the decision to take advantage of this chance to inform the Viceroy of the Muslims' demands. His Highness Sir Agha Khan brought together a delegation of important Muslim leaders from throughout the nation.

Formation of the Deputation

To arrange a meeting with the viceroy, the Muslim leaders turned to Mr Archbold, the principal of Aligarh College. Col. Dunlop Smith, the Viceroy's private secretary, was contacted by Mr Archbold and asked to set up a meeting with the Viceroy and let him know about it. The Shimla Deputation, a group of 35 Muslim leaders, met with the Viceroy on October 1st, 1906, in Shimla.

Demands of Shimla Delegation

The Viceroy was informed of the Muslim requests by the deputation. In addition, they made clear that Muslim interests needed to be protected if India was to adopt a representative system of government in the ways listed below.

Ø Demand for Separate Electorate

The right to choose their representatives in council elections should be granted to Muslims. In order for Muslim voters to elect Muslim representatives and Hindu voters to elect Hindu representatives, the Muslim constituencies should be reserved, which entails separating the Muslim and Hindu constituencies.

Ø Demand for More Seats than Population

Muslims should be awarded more seats than they actually have due to their significance in political and historical terms.

Ø Demand for Share in Government Service         

In all government and semi-government institutions, Muslims ought to receive employment in a special proportion.

Ø Membership of Judges and Executive Council

Muslims should be appointed as judges of the High Courts and Supreme Courts, as well as candidates for the Viceroy's executive council.

Ø Representation in the Senate and Syndicate of Universities

Muslims ought to be represented in the university syndicate and senate.

Ø Making of Muslim Universities       

It is appropriate to elevate Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh to the rank of the university.

 

Response of Viceroy Lord Minto

Lord Minto patiently listened to the Shimla deputation's presentation of the aspirations of the Muslims. Minto declared that he fully agreed with the distinct electorate principle. Viceroy said: "I am aware of the injustices and hostility imposed upon the Muslims, and I am also attempting to compensate them. I promise to give sympathetic treatment to the demands. I tell the deputation that I will do all necessary to accept the demands. When the committee that will implement constitutional reforms in India and assemble the recommendations comes, I will unquestionably present these demands to them.

Importance of Shimla Delegation/Deputation

The Viceroy's enthusiastic response to the delegation member made the Shimla delegation successful.

v Basis of Pakistan Movement

In the history of Muslims on the subcontinent, the establishment and demands of the Shimla delegation are comparable to a turning point. The Viceroy of India's encouraging and supportive response gave the Muslims a sense of political consciousness and self-assurance.

v Source of Establishment of Muslim League       

The Muslims were inspired and emboldened by the Shimla Delegation's success in creating a distinct Muslim Political Party for Muslims, i.e., All India Muslim (1906).

v Security for Islamic Ideology

The delegation's proposal for a separate electorate was an effort to liberate Muslims from Hindu enslavement created by British rule. The representation of Muslims in councils and other elected posts was to be given to Muslim leaders in response to this demand.

v Protection of Muslim Rights and Interests:

In an effort to highlight the Islamic Golden Age and the political and organizational prowess of the Muslims, more seats were demanded than there were people.

v Freedom from Economic Exploitation:

Ending Muslim economic exploitation was the main demand for employment in government agencies.

v Representation in Administration and Judiciary

Muslims were made more secure by demands for their appointment as judges on the High Courts and Supreme Courts and as members of the Viceroy's administrative council.

v Educational Development of Muslims:

The demand for Aligarh Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College's inclusion in the Senate and Syndicate of Universities as well as the designation of a university was necessary for the advancement of education and the arousal of political and administrative consciousness.

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