The Two-Nation Theory: Historical Roots, Political Implications and Contemporary ‎Relevance

Abstract

The paper then aims to study the historical background of this theory, analyse the political impact of the Two-Nation Theory and evaluate on the significance of Two-Nation Theory in the modern world. Born in colonial India it was based on the view that Hindus and Muslims constituted two nations with sheer cultural and religious dissimilarities; which paved way for demand for Pakistan. The study employs historical, descriptive and analytical research method which includes colonial documentation, speeches and secondly a historical analysis of literature review of communalism and partition. The study progress identifies that the theory formulated through analyzing British colonial policies, reform movements within communalism and the political awakening of Muslims to Partition 1947. Since the early 1990s, this theory has been widely worked over, and its nature present impacts the nature of bilateral relations between India and Pakistan and the internal socio- political situation in both countries. It suggests preserving cultural memories to foreground common histories, encouraging religious tolerance and resolving competing communal claims through appreciable polices in South Asia.