National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences
BDS (__)
SS-1013: Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan
Assignment No. 1
Name: Izhan Nasir
Reg. ID: 23i-2517
Date: Sep 21, 2023
Q: What was the concept of the two-nation theory?
Ans: The theory that gave birth to Pakistan. Often attributed to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, it was
championed and articulated primarily by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who was a prominent leader of
the All-India Muslim League. The theory argued that Hindus and Muslims in British India were
two distinct nations with separate religious, cultural, and social identities, different childhood
stories, customs, heroes, purpose of life, and therefore, they could not coexist harmoniously within
a single unified nation-state.
Following were the main points of focus in this theory:
1. Religious Divide: The theory highlights the religious differences between Hindus, who were in
the majority in India, and Muslims, who formed a substantial minority. It argued that these
religious communities had distinct historical, cultural, and social traditions that warranted separate
political entities.
2. Muslim Minority Concerns: Muslims, as a minority in British India, expressed concerns about
their political and social rights within a Hindu-majority India. They feared that in a united India,
their interests would be marginalized and their religious freedom compromised.
3. Demand for a Separate Muslim State: As a result of the two-nation theory, the Muslim League
demanded the creation of a separate Muslim state, which eventually became Pakistan. The name
"Pakistan" itself is derived from two Persian words: "Pak" meaning pure and "stan" meaning land,
which symbolizes the idea of a pure and separate homeland for Muslims. It is as if to say, that once
Muslims are separated from the Hindus in a separate homeland, that land will be pure, implying
that Hindus and other religious communities are impure and not preferrable as neighbors.
4. Partition of India: The two-nation theory played a significant role in the negotiations
surrounding the partition of British India in 1947. The partition led to the creation of two
independent states, India and Pakistan, with Pakistan being divided into two geographically
separated regions: West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (present-day
Bangladesh). Yes, the theory not only affected India and Pakistan but also Bangladesh.
It's important to note that the two-nation theory was highly controversial and divisive. While it
was central to the creation of Pakistan, it also led to communal violence, mass migrations, and
significant humanitarian crises during the partition process. Additionally, its legacy continues to
shape the political and social dynamics in the Indian subcontinent to this day, particularly in
relation to the relationship between India and Pakistan and the status of religious minorities in the
region.