In which of the following year, the Lucknow pact was signed between Muslim League and Indian National Congress?

The correct answer is 1916.

Key Points

• The Lucknow Pact was signed in 1916 between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the All-India Muslim League.
• This agreement marked the first time that the two major political groups in India came together for a common political goal.
• The pact was finalized during the joint session of the Congress and the Muslim League held in Lucknow.
• It aimed at achieving self-government and ensuring Hindu-Muslim unity in the Indian freedom struggle.
• The pact proposed separate electorates for Muslims to safeguard their political interests, a demand strongly supported by the Muslim League.

Additional Information

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Role
  • Tilak played a crucial role in bringing the Congress and the Muslim League together to sign the Lucknow Pact.
  • He advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity to strengthen the fight against British rule.
• Separate Electorates
  • The pact granted Muslims the right to elect their representatives through separate electorates.
  • This provision was aimed at addressing the political concerns of the Muslim community.
• Background
  • The pact was signed in the backdrop of growing discontent against British policies, especially after the Partition of Bengal (1905).
  • The unification of political forces was seen as essential to pressurize the British government for reforms.
• Impact of the Pact
  • The Lucknow Pact strengthened the demand for Swaraj (self-rule) in India.
  • It also set a precedent for future cooperation between the Congress and the Muslim League, although this unity was short-lived.