History of Pakistan- As they see it

As an Indian, I was always curious to know what Pakistani children are being taught in their History books. Is the Ancient Indian History also included, or is it from the time of Partition of Pakistan from the Undivided India ( the Akhand Bharatvarsha) in 1947

The area of Pakistan is an important part of ancient history from India’s perspective. Be it the Shardapeeth or the Taxila as the Centers of Learning, or be it the Lahore (named after son of Bhagwan Ram, Luv) , or be it Multan named after Moolasthan with magnificent Sun Temple, or be it Rawalpindi named after Bappa Rawal ‘s military posts, or be it the Saraswati civilization or the Harrapan civilization that was conveniently de-Hindunized. So what was it, that was being taught in the History books of Pakistan.

With these thoughts in mind, I wanted to explore the History books of Pakistan. Normally getting catch of the history books from 6th class to 10th class gives a broad perspective of the direction of the narrative. So I got hold of History book (part of Social Studies) from the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board, Lahore. Much of the content is in Urdu and Persian, which I am not strong at. So I took hold of a social studies book (in english) of the Pakistan’s education board, posted online by topstudyworld.com

Now this is like a Crash Course of Pakistan’s Ancient and Modern History as they see it. Some of it is blunt truth, and some is convenient truth. Let’s visit the History of Pakistan as they see it.

Their Ancient History Starts and Ends with Mohd Bin Qasim, who defeated Hindu Raja Dahir in 8th Century and took over Sindh. But what happened before and after that for 500-600 years before the Mughal rule in 1506 AD is missing. The resistance before and after put up by the Hindu rulers is missing. Mohd bin Qasim is projected as kind & secular. Also it is mentioned that non-Muslims converted to Islam on their own due to good conduct by Muslims.

2. Then Comes ‘Two Nation Theory’ (1867)

Two Nation theory means the theory of creating two Nations from one Nation of India – one for Muslims and one for Non Muslims. While in India from one political party to other there are various views on who is responsible for two Nation theory, but the Pakistan’s textbook clearly credits Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

He wanted to establish friendly relations with British by clearing air on 1857 mutiny. He firmly believed Muslims and Hindus cannot live under one roof due to ideological differences. He felt Muslims are being left behind in the Government participation due to lack of education compared to Muslim counterparts, hence he supported Modern English education and was behind Mohammadan Anglo University or Aligarh Muslim University in India and is held in High esteem in India.

3. Then comes ‘Partition of Bengal’ (1906 AD)

This was First trial by British in favor of Muslims as a precursor to 1947 by dividing Bengal into West (Hindu Majority) and East Bengal (Muslim Majority) . While Muslims were happy , but Hindus opposed it thru protests. British had to roll back the partition.

Then Simla deputation for exclusive Muslim electorate under Sir Aga Khan happened. This was highly communal in nature.

4. Then Muslim League in 1906

Their Objectives

1. To cooperate with British Government

2. To protect rights of Muslims

3. To develop relations with Muslim friendly countries

Mohd. Ali Jinnah was made the Boss. It is interesting to know that Mohd Ali Jinnah’s forefathers were Outcast Hindus. Jinnah Or Jina bhai means a man with thin wiry structure of body.

5. The Khilafat Movement (1919)

Turkey was an ally of Germany against the British in World War-I. After the closure of World War-I in 1918 ending, since Germany was defeated, Muslims feared the British May attack the holy Sites of Islam. Since Turkey was the center of Ottoman Empire (which finally fell in 1920s), Mecca-Medina and Many Holy sites for Muslims were under the threat in Muslim minds, considering Long history of crusades and cross crusades among Middle-East and Europe. So immediately in 1919 many Muslims from undivided India went to Turkey and bordering areas to save the Holy sites. Indian National Congress and Gandhiji fully supported them.

The main aim was to protect Caliphate of Turkey and to protect Mecca Medina. However, in India average person thinks Khilafat movement was some kind of local boycott of the British