Role of the All-India Muslim League in the Political Transformation of Colonial Multan (1935–1947)

Abstract

The political narrative of Colonial Multan (1935-1947) is the reflection of the changing landscape of Muslim politics in Punjab and British India. Pirs, sajjada nashins and Unionist Party dominated Multan initially but by the end of colonial rule, it emerged as an important hub of Muslim League politics. This research paper covers role of All-India Muslim League in changing the political scenario of Multan after Government of India Act, 1935. It maintains that League's growth in Multan was not rapid, but rather it emerged as a result of alterations in socio-economic circumstances, development of canal colonies, rural patronage network, religious mobilization, and discontent over Unionist politics. The study highlight’s role of pirs, gaddi nashins and Muslim landed elites as a major force responsible for altering allegiance of Unionist Party from British to Muslim League, especially after Lahore Resolution of 1940. In the realm of electoral politics, religious symbolism and public mobilization and rural networks, Muslim League succeeded in making Multan a bastion of Muslim nationalism. The paper also looks into influence of district-level politics, canal colonization, rural elites and local religious families in consolidating influence of Muslim League prior to 1945-46 elections. The study employs archival sources, district gazetteers, scholars' works and contemporary political discourse, to look into the transformation of colonial politics in Multan and its impact on the Pakistan Movement.

Keywords: All-India Muslim League, Colonial Multan, Punjab Politics, Unionist Party, Pirs, Sajjada Nashins, Canal Colonies, Pakistan Movement, Elections 1945-46, British Punjab.