Meaning of Two Nation Theory

Meaning of Two Nation Theory The Two Nation theory in its simplest way, means the cultural, political, religious, economic and social dissimilarities between the two major communities, Hindus and Muslims of the Sub Continent. These differences of out look, in fact, were greatly instrumental in giving rise to two distinct political ideologies which were responsible for the partition of India into two independent states. Role of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the pioneer of two nation theory, used the word ‘two nation’ for Hindus and Muslims after being convinced of the Hindus and Congress hatred, hostility and prejudice for the Muslims. The entire freedom movement revolved around the two nation theory which was introduced by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. He considered all those lived in India as one nation and was a great advocate of HinduMuslim unity. Speaking at the meeting of Indian Association he said: “I look to both Hindus and Muslims with the same eyes and consider them as my own eyes. By the word ‘Nation’ I mean only Hindus and Muslims and nothing else. We, Hindus and Muslims live together on the same soil under the same government. Our interests and problems are common, and therefore, I consider the two factions as one nation.” Sir Syed Ahmed Khan did his best to make the Muslims realize their differences with the Hindus with regard to religions, social and language, rational and international identity and for this purpose he diverted attention of the Indian Muslims towards a new idea of “Two Nation” or “Two entities.” After Hindi-Urdu controversy Sir Syed felt that it was not possible for Hindus and Muslims to progress as a single nation. He said: “I am convinced now that Hindus and Muslims could never become one nation as their religion and way of life was quite distinct from each other.”