Which of the following was NOT a cause of the formation of the Muslim League in 1906?

Why (A) is the correct choice: In 1906, the demand for a separate nation (Pakistan) did not exist. At the time of its formation, the Muslim League's primary goals were to protect the political rights of Muslims within British India, promote loyalty to the British government, and secure separate electorates. The demand for a separate nation emerged much later, formally with the Lahore Resolution in 1940.

Why (B) was a cause: The British actively used the "Divide and Rule" policy to create a rift between Hindus and Muslims to weaken the growing Indian nationalist movement.

Why (C) was a cause: Following the 1857 revolt, Muslims generally stayed away from Western education and government jobs, while the Hindu middle class embraced them. This created an economic and educational gap, leading Muslim leaders like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to push for modernization and political safeguarding.

Why (D) was a cause: British officials and conservative leaders fostered a sense of insecurity and deprivation among upper-class Muslims, suggesting that a Hindu majority in a democratic system would override Muslim interests.