Lucknow Pact

December 1916 · Lucknow

Pakistan & South Asia

Background

The Muslim League and Congress held their annual sessions together in Lucknow. Congress accepted separate electorates and a fixed share of seats for Muslims (one-third in the central legislature), and both parties made joint demands for self-government. The unity broke down in the 1920s.

Signed by

All-India Muslim League and Indian National Congress

Why it matters

Congress accepted separate electorates for Muslims; a high point of Hindu–Muslim unity in which Jinnah played a key role and was called the 'Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity'.