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• Simla Deputation (1906)


  A delegation of 35 Muslims led by Sir Agha Khan and representing various regions of India, met with the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto, on October 1, 1906
• Indian National Congress


  • Formed in 1885
  • Claimed to be dedicated to safeguarding interests of all communities residing in the Indian subcontinent
  • Opposition to partition of Bengal in 1905 created mistrust among Muslims
• Muslimsrealization


  • After the failure of the 1857 War of Independence, regained their confidence in the early 20th century
  • Rise of Hindu national movements posed a threat to the Muslim community
• Liberal Party in England


  • Led by Lloyd George
  • Won the elections in 1905
  • Declared intention to introduce constitutional reforms in India
• Simla Deputation demands


  1. Separate electorates for Muslims

  2. Quota in government services reserved for Muslims

  3. Muslim judges appointed in courts to handle cases involving Muslims

  4. Additional seats for Muslims in legislative assemblies beyond their proportionate population

  5. Mohammedan Anglo Oriental (MAO) College granted university status
• Viceroy Lord Minto showed respect to the Muslim delegation and ensured that their demands will not be ignored
• Simla deputation

  Bridged the gap between Muslims and the British government
• Success of Simla deputation


  • Boosted the confidence of the Muslim community
  • Paved the way for the establishment of the All India Muslim League
  • Demand for separate electorates for Muslims was accepted through the 1909 Minto-Morley Reforms
  • Muslims were recognized as a separate nation through the acceptance of the separate electorate demand
  • Muslims felt they could present their demands directly to the British government without the support of the Indian National Congress