UPSC Prelims 2001 Q6: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
A London branch of the All - India Muslim League was established in 1908 under the presidency
of
- (a) Agha Khan
- (b) Ameer Ali
- (c) Liaquat Ali Khan
- (d) M. A. Jinnah
Answer: (b) Ameer Ali
Explanation
President of the London branch of the All-India Muslim League (1908)
| Person | Link with the Muslim League |
|---|---|
| Syed Ameer Ali | Founded and presided over the London branch of the Muslim League in 1908 |
| Aga Khan III | First (honorary) president of the All-India Muslim League from 1906 |
| M. A. Jinnah | Joined the League only in 1913 |
| Liaquat Ali Khan | Later leader; became Pakistan's first Prime Minister |
Syed Ameer Ali, a jurist and Privy Council member living in London, set up the London branch of the All-India Muslim League in 1908 to lobby the British government, especially over separate electorates in the Morley–Minto reforms.
Answer: (b) Ameer Ali.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Aga Khan was president of the League itself, not its London branch.
- (b) CORRECT. Ameer Ali founded and led the London branch in 1908.
- (c) Incorrect. Liaquat Ali Khan was far too young to lead it in 1908.
- (d) Incorrect. Jinnah joined the Muslim League only in 1913.
Key point
Muslim League: founded Dhaka 1906; Aga Khan president; London branch 1908 (Ameer Ali); Jinnah joined 1913.
Remember
London Muslim League, 1908 = Syed Ameer Ali.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the Aga Khan, the best-known early League leader.
- Choosing Jinnah without checking when he joined.
- Not noticing the question asks about the London branch only.
Exam tip
Check dates: anyone who joined after 1908 is out.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra et al. — India's Struggle for Independence, chapter on communalism
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India, chapter on the Muslim League and Morley–Minto reforms