Creation of Pakistan and the Political Orientation of Bengali Muslims: 1940-47

Abstract

Muslim Bengal played a key role in the freedom struggle of Pakistan. The idea of Pakistan got popular support and an unprecedented enthusiastic response from the Muslim masses of Bengal. The Muslim Bengal rendered great sacrifices for the larger interest of the Indian Muslim community. The present article investigates the political transformation that took place among the Muslims of the province during the eventful years between 1940 and 1947. The time period of the article is crucial because it witnessed a drastic paradigm shift in the political thought of the Muslims in the province from province-centric dynamics to integration within the larger Muslim community interest. During the process, Muslim Bengal took a leading role in the freedom struggle. Analysis would be made in this article to properly understand this paradigm shift with a proper historical perspective. The article will also explore how M.A Jinnah utilized the opportunity provided by the strategic weaknesses of the British Indian government and the Congress follies to make Muslim League a political force to be reckoned with in the provincial political landscape.