Selected Questions Pakistan Studies :: Paper 1

Pakistan Studies Paper :: 1

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Selected Questions

Pakistan Studies :: Paper 1

Why were the British able to replace the Mughals as the dominant force in the sub-continent by 1850? [7]
The most important reason is that Indians were not united as a nation against the invaders. India was a collection of disunited states with religious and cultural differences. The rulers plotted against each other and fought among themselves. Many of them were seeking protection from the British who had come there for establishing their own empire. A number of local rulers and princely states provided support to the British when they were fighting against the Mughals or other provincial nawabs. The British were good planners of war strategies, they were equipped with latest warfare tools and naval equipment and had well-trained armies. They had enough financial resources and could afford fighting long costly wars. They used efficient means of communications e.g. railways for quick deployment of their troops. So they were technologically much more advanced than Indians. Furthermore, they were highly committed in expanding the British Empire. Thirdly, many Indians gained benefits by trading with the British. They appreciated the development of infrastructure facilities like roads, schools, hospitals and thousands of miles of railway network. The British irrigated millions of acres of land and provided jobs to a great number of Indians. So businessmen, traders and moderate Indians were convenient with the British rule and cooperated accordingly.

Explain why the successors of Auragzeb failed to prevent the decline of Mughal Empire? [7]
Firstly, Aurangzeb's successors fought for succession to the throne which seriously undermined the military and financial strengths of the empire. Many important personalities who were capable of running the affairs of the state lost their lives in these wars. The successors of Aurangzeb were pleasure-loving and did not take serious interests in the affairs of the empire. They gave all the powers to their ministers and nawabs who governed the state according to their own interests and wishes. They were extravagant in spite of poor economical conditions. They spent a lot of money on finest dresses, jewelry and foods. They used to serve a number of dishes in official invitations. They gave no attention to the development of modern warfare tools, military training and naval technology. Due to their weak military position, they could not defend the empire against external invasions and internal rebellions.

How far was Aurangzeb responsible for the decline of Mughal Empire? [7]
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Selected Questions

Pakistan Studies :: Paper 1

Aurangzeb was ambitious to be the ruler of entire India. He built up a massive army and launched several military campaigns to expand his empire. He went north-west into Afghanistan, and drove southwards to conquer Bijapur and Golconda states. Though he succeeded in expanding the empire, but it was at enormous cost in lives and treasury. Instead of political solution through negotiation, he always tried to suppress the rebellions by using military force. A number of revolts rose against him throughout the empire - Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs, Satnamis, Marathas and Pathan tribes. These far-flung campaigns were extremely costly and almost drained the Mughal treasury.

To sustain long costly wars, Aurangzeb obviously needed money for his armies and so he levied heavy taxes on the people including the Jizya tax on non-Muslims. This caused immense displeasure in the people and resulted in political instability in the empire.

According to some historians, his religious policies were intolerant towards non-Muslims. A number of temples were destroyed and construction of new ones was forbidden, and he tried to impose Islamic laws on non-Muslims which caused an angry reaction in them.

However, the kingdom survived for 150 years after Aurangzeb's death. There were a number of other reasons that lead to the disintegration of the empire including weak successors, foreign invasions, vastness of the empire, fratricidal wars and final blow from the British. So Aurangzeb solely cannot be held responsible for the collapse of the Mughal Empire.

How important were the religious reforms of Shah Wali Ullah? [7]
Shah Wali Ullah worked for the revival of Islam in the Muslim community. He translated the Holy Quran into Persian so that a common man could understand its teachings and seek guidance for his routine dealings with the people.

He wrote a number of books which enabled a large number of people to implement the teachings of Islam in different walks of life - social, political and economic etc. In his books, he emphasized on social justice and the rights of peasants and workers. He urged the Muslims to lead pure life and keep away from all kinds of social evils. His books are used as authentic sources of references even today. He identified the un-Islamic practices and Hindu customs and influences that had crept into the lives and worships of the Muslims. It was very important for the Muslims in order to attain moral and spiritual regeneration. He promoted the message of unity and harmony in the Muslim community. He concentrated on the fundamental principles of Islam in a very balanced style which reduced religious differences among the sectarian groups.

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Selected Questions

Pakistan Studies :: Paper 1

He founded madrassa Rahimiya that played a pivotal role in preaching Islamic teachings. This madrassa produced a number of scholars who spread his ideas and teachings throughout the continent. Many Islamic leaders were inspired by him who worked for the betterment of Muslim community.

Was a lack of unity amongst the Indians the main reason for the failure of the War of Independence 1857-58? Explain your answer. [14]
During the War of Independence 1857, there was a complete lack of unity among the fighting groups though all were fighting against a common enemy, the British soldiers. There was no coordination between different regions of unrest and no attempts were made to bring their strengths together. Some local leaders even helped the British in the war e.g. the ruler of Kashmir sent 2000 troops on the British side. However, there were also some other reasons for the failure of the war.

The sudden outbreak of 1857 war had no defined goals or planning. Different groups were fighting for different causes. Most of the Muslims wanted to restore the Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar, but Hindus and Sikhs were not ready to fight for restoring the Muslim Mughal Empire. Many princes were interested in regaining their own feudal powers. A good number of ordinary people remained neutral i.e. they did not take part in the uprising.

There was no central leadership to motivate people to join the rebellion. There was no central command to provide guidelines, prepare action planes or coordinate between different areas of revolt. The final reason is that the British were very strong to defeat, and they were very determined to suppress the revolt.

The most important reason for the failure of the war was the strength and position of the British. They were good planners of war strategies. They had sound financial resources and could fight long wars. They had latest warfare tools and their troops were experienced and highly trained in modern methods of fighting. They had efficient means of communication e.g. railways for quick deployment of troops. They had skilled diplomats who knew the techniques of gaining support of local rulers.

Why have regional languages been promoted by the Pakistan government since 1947? [7]

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Selected Questions

Pakistan Studies :: Paper 1

Promotion of regional languages is important in order to preserve local culture and literature. People have strong attachment with their native languages to maintain their identity. Promotion of local languages would enable the people to read poetry, religious books and folks stories written in their mother languages. Being most easily understood, sometimes teachers can use native languages for instructions in the classrooms. Many people love to watch dramas, talk shows and other TV programs in native languages. They like to hear local music. A number of local TV programs on agricultural methods, livestock rearing, poultry farming and fish farming are highly appreciated in the public. Literacy rate in Pakistan is quite low and many people in rural areas can't speak or understand Urdu. Their skill-building can only be done if relevant TV and radio programs are broadcast in their native languages. Therefore it is important to promote regional languages through TV channels and radio programs.

Why did the Congress Party oppose the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1906? [7]
The number of members in the Imperial and Provincial Councils was increased, but the actual power still remained in the hands of the British. Official majority was maintained in the Imperial Council due to which it was not possible for the Indians to win voting on policies. The councils could only give advice, decisions were in the hands of the British. Congress wanted more share in the affairs of the state but such concessions were not granted in the reforms. Indians were not allowed high positions which was a racial discrimination. Congress also seriously disliked the right of separate electorate that was given to the Muslims in Morley-Minto Reforms. The Muslims were granted 6 reserved seats in the Imperial Council which the Hindus thought were more as compared to their population.

Why was Khilafat Movement founded? [7]

The Turkish Ottoman Empire joined World War 1 on the side of Germany and lost against the Britain and her allies. After the war was finished, UK and USA seemed determined to overthrow the Caliph and divide the empire into different territories. Protecting the Caliphate was very important for the Muslims because it contained the Holy places of Arabia. The Muslims of India feared that collapse of the Caliphate could result in fall of the Holy places under the control of non-Muslims. So Muhammad Ali Jauhar and his brother, Shaukat Ali, launched the Khilafat Movement to preserve the Ottoman Empire and protect the Caliph from being removed.

What was the importance of Khilafat Movement? [4]

In spite of collapse of the Caliphate, Khilafat Movement was an important step towards the Muslim political development. Muslims learnt the importance of leadership and political organization. The movement did a great job in uniting the Muslims of India against Britain in support of the Caliph of Turkey.

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Selected Questions

Pakistan Studies :: Paper 1

It aroused the feelings of Indian Muslims for their brothers in the world. Muslims got the idea and desire of a separate homeland for themselves. Once again, the Muslims became aware that they could no longer trust on Hindus and British. Both betrayed them on various occasions. Congress suddenly quit the movement when it had reached its climax. If Muslims have to survive, they will have to do it on their own. No dependence on other nations.

Who was Allama Iqbal? [4]

Allama Iqbal, born in Sialkot on 11 November 1877, was a distinguished Muslim Leader. He is known as the architect of Pakistan because he was the first person who gave the idea of an independent Muslim state during his presidential address to Muslim League at Allahabad in 1930. He got degrees in philosophy from Punjab and Cambridge Universities and doctorate degree from the University of Munich, Germany. He wrote poetry in Urdu and Persian. In 1922, he was awarded the title of "Sir" by the British in recognition of his poetry. He was an active politician and contributed significantly in making the Muslim League a mass political party. He died on April 21, 1938.

Why was Allama Iqbal important to the Pakistan Movement? [7]

Allama Iqbal is known as the architect of Pakistan because he was the first person to address the partition of India and gave the idea of an independent Muslim state. During his presidential address to Muslim League at Allahabad in 1930, he demanded for an independent Muslim state in the north-west India. This idea of Iqbal became the policy of Muslim League just after 10 years. He was an active politician. He was a member of the Punjab Assembly and attended the Round Table Conferences in London to defend the Muslim community in India. He made significant contributions in making the Muslim League as a mass political party. He wrote many poetry books, writing in Urdu and Persian. Through his poetry, he recalled the Muslims their past glory. He kindled the candle of freedom and provoked their desire for having a separate state. Furthermore, he instructed the Muslims to work hard in order to improve their status in the society. His work was around the Two-Nation Theory. He said that there were different races in India, speaking different languages and practicing different religions. He, therefore, argued that partition was necessary to preserve Islamic Faith in their culture.

How successful the governments have been in the Islamisation of Pakistan between 1947 and 1988? Explain your answer. [14]

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Selected Questions

Pakistan Studies :: Paper 1

The Constituent Assembly passed the Objectives Resolution in March 1949 which was the first step towards constitution of Pakistan. This resolution made several references to Islamic laws like social justice, equality and religious freedom, but the religious wings were not satisfied with these provisions. They wanted complete implementation of the Shariah Laws. Together with other reasons, the resolution was withdrawn in November 1950 for further considerations. Khwaja Nazimuddin revised the proposals of the same resolution in 1952. Now the Head of the state would be Muslim over 40. He would appoint a board of religious scholars who would advise on central and provincial legislation. In case of objections on religious grounds, the bill had to be sent back to the assembly for amendment. Now fears arose in many circles that the Religious Advisory Board would have power of veto over new laws. The Prime Minister withdrew the proposals in 1953. When the first constitution of Pakistan was prepared in 1956, it changed the name of Pakistan toIslamic Republic of Pakistan. The Religious Advisory Board was still retained for monitoring the legislation. Ayub Khan was a bit liberal. He introduced Muslim Family Laws Ordinance according to which marriages and divorces were to be registered and minimum age limits were defined for marriage. Women were empowered. In spite of opposition from religious wings, these laws were imposed. He established Advisory Council of Islamic Ideology to advise him the religious aspects of policies. He also founded Islamic Research Institute. These institutes were just symbolic; he never welcomed their proposals. In the 1973 constitution, Bhutto gave no consideration to the implementation of Shariah Laws. It was almost based on the 1956 constitution. After the 1977 elections when Pakistan National Alliance was protesting on the roads against rigging, he tried to appease the religious factions by banning gambling, restricting sale of alcohol and declaring Friday to be the weekly holiday. These were just desperate actions. General Zia ul Haq tried to be a pro-Islamic leader. He established Federal Shariat Court in 1979 to consider existing laws and judgments in the light of Islamic principles. He introduced Hudood Ordinances which gave Islamic punishments to people involved in drinking, gambling, theft and adultery. He also introduced the Council of Islamic Ideology to suggest ways for bringing the legal system closer to Islamic ideology. He also introduced Zakat and Ushr Ordinances imposing 2.5% wealth tax and 5% tax on agricultural income respectively. Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies were made compulsory subjects in the schools and colleges. Memorizers of the Holy Quran were given extra marks in the Civil Service examinations. Arabic language was promoted through TV and Radio programs. No woman was allowed to appear on the TV without scarf. Many people from the civil society raised a voice against some of his actions, but in many areas he has support from Ulemas. Of course the reign of Zia ul Haq saw maximum implementation of Shariah Laws. He won the support of many religious political parties, ulemas and religious factions.

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Selected Questions

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