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Aga Khan III headed the first Muslim deputation to Viceroy Lord Minto - 1906-10-01

simla.jpg
Date: 
Monday, 1906, October 1
Location: 

Simla, October 1, 1906 - Sir Sultan Mohamed Shah, Aga Khan III read out the memorial 'A Bill of Muslim Rights' as he headed the first Muslim deputation to Viceroy Lord Minto. This address was prepared by Bilgrami which when read by Sir Sultan Mohamed Shah, Aga Khan III proved to have the most impact as it brought out the constitutional and political changes necessary for the establishment of the All India Muslim League. The Viceroy's reply to this memorable address stated, 'Your Highness and gentlemen, - allow me, before I attempt to reply to the many considerations your address embodies, to welcome you heartily to Simla. Your presence here today is very full of meaning....' (Aziz; 256)

After the work of the deputation was over, Prince Aga Khan III and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk got busy with the organization of a Muslim political organization. The success of the deputation inspired new hopes and it became essential to have a permanent organization.

After some correspondence between the two a meeting of Muslim leaders was held on the 30th December 1906 at Dacca, and it was decided to organise the All-India Muslim League. His Highness the Aga Khan was voted permanent President. He occupied this post for seven years. It was realised by all that by securing separate electorates for the Muslims, he had achieved something of a fundamental and far-reaching importance ( Malick; 73).

Mowlana Sultan Mohamed Shah resigned from this post in 1914.


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