SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The thesis is concerned mainly with the political development of the Muslims in the Punjab during the years 1936 to 1947, though it takes into account certain aspects of their socio-economic life, mainly as a background to the political study. For this purpose an examination has been conducted into the degree to which Muslims participated in the economic life of the Province in comparison to the other two major communities in the Punjab (Hindu and Sikh), with particular reference to the areas of land-ownership, finance and debt, industry, education and the public services. The political analysis contained in this work is largely confined to the struggle for supremacy which occurred between the Unionist Party and the Muslim League from 1936 onwards. This period, for the purpose of the study, has been divided into four main sections - the election of 1937, the Ministries of Sir Sikander Hyat Khan and Sir Khizar Hayat Khan Tiwana, and the election of 1946. During each phase the changing fortunes of the two contenders (the Unionist Party and the Muslim League) are recorded and discussed in the light of provincial and national developments. Thereby the thesis embraces the decline of Unionism, and the eventual triumph of the League at the polls in 1946, whilst, analysing those factors which frustrated and fostered the growth of Muslim nationalism (as expressed in the demand for 'Pakistan') in the Punjab. The thesis concludes by considering the events which prevented the Muslim League from realising power following its election victory in 1946, and by examining the periods of coalition government and Governor's rule immediately prior to Partition.