Muslim League Leader Khwaja Nazim Uddin and 1937 Election Tragedy in the Bengal Province of British India

Abstract

The paper focuses on the muslim political leaders’ activities, nature, ideology and legitimacy in the period of 1935 to 1937 and 1937 election in the Bengal province of British India. Khwaza Nazim Uddin and other Political Leader played significant roles in the socio-economic and political development of Bengal. However, Muslim Political leaders were competing with one another to obtain more power in Bengal politics. In particular, Khwaja Nazim Uddin was a popular leader in Bengal but defeated in the election in 1937. Thus, this paper explores Khwaja Nazim Uddin’s political career, ideology and the reasons of his defeat in 1937 election. To investigate, it utilizes historical and exploratory descriptive methods. Instrument used to collect data is review of relevant literature, books on autobiography, media reports and archival data. The archival data are historical records and British government document during the colonial rule in Bengal. The finding of the study suggests that the question of Muslim unity always a moving factor in Bengal politics in a situations of tense relations between Hindus and Muslims but Khwaja Nazim Uddin failed to remain united to fulfill the rights of Bengal people due to the lack of his ability in leadership. Keywords— Muslim Political Leader, Khwaja Nazim Uddin, Bengal Politics, 1937 election and Hindu and Muslim relation _________________________________________________________________________________