Describe the aims of the All-India Muslim League.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] to protect the political rights and interests of Muslims in India
2. [2] to advance the political rights and interests of Muslims in India to counter the growing influence of Congress
3. [1] to represent Muslim needs and aspirations to the government of India
4. [1] to prevent the rise of hostility in Muslims towards other communities in India
5. [1] to promote feelings of loyalty to the British government
6. [1] to remove any misunderstandings among Muslims as to the intentions of any government measure
7. [1] (1st RTC) Congress boycotted the talks
8. [1] (1st RTC) there was deadlock on a federal system
9. [1] (1st RTC) the Minorities Subcommittee could not reach a conclusion
10. [1] (2nd RTC) Gandhi took a hard line in the talks
11. [1] (2nd RTC) Gandhi did not recognise the problems of the minorities
12. [1] (2nd RTC) Gandhi said he spoke for all Indians which Jinnah disagreed with
13. [1] (3rd RTC) Congress boycotted the talks
14. [1] (3rd RTC) the princes and Jinnah boycotted the talks
15. [1] (May agree) 85 million people lived in West and East Bengal and Assam
16. [1] (May agree) Britain felt that the province would be easier to administer
17. [1] (May agree) the British wanted a separate government for East Bengal and Assam
18. [1] (Counter-argument) the British wanted to divide up the province on religious grounds
19. [1] (Counter-argument) the Muslim community believed partition would bring an end to Hindu oppression
20. [1] (Counter-argument) The Hindu community believed partition was part of the British 'divide and rule' policy
21. [1] (Counter-argument) Britain felt it would be easier to manage the growth of Hindu nationalism
22. [1] (Counter-argument) there was a sense of deprivation in eastern Bengal in the Muslim community