it was a delegation of prominent muslim leaders (35 in number), headed by sir Agha khan. the delegation met with Lord minto in 1906 at Simla to make requests. the demands were: muslims to have their own representative elected by muslim voters, qouta should be given to muslims in civil services, in councils muslims to have higher percentage of seats than their percentage of population. MINTO AGREED.

causes for the simla deputation

• The Indian Councils Act of 1892 didn't satisfy the Muslim community. To address this, Muslim leaders demanded separate electorates to safeguard their interests and rights. The Liberal government's plan to introduce a new India Councils Act in 1905 prompted Muslim leaders to negotiate and demand separate electorates.
• The Simla Deputation was formed to avoid Hindu domination in councils. Muslims feared being outnumbered in local government. They demanded guaranteed seats in Imperial and Provincial Councils. These seats would be filled by Muslim voters to protect their rights. liberals have stated that they would increase the local participation of the govt of india thru elections, as hindus were in majority, muslims feared theyd be dominated in the local gov
• Muslims met with Viceroy Lord Minto to confirm his support for the partition of Bengal and ensure its finality. This move was prompted by the widespread and organized protests by Hindus, who opposed the partition. The Hindus' strong reaction worried the Muslims, who feared that the partition might be reversed. To alleviate these concerns, the Muslims sought assurance from Lord Minto.
• Muslims sought assurance from the Viceroy that Urdu would remain an official language. Hindi was gaining prominence, and Muslims feared Hindu agitation would lead to Hindi replacing Urdu. Urdu held a special place in Muslim hearts and provided a sense of economic security. Muslims were committed to protecting Urdu and sought the Viceroy's assurance to safeguard its status.
• rise of extreme Hindu nationalist groups like the Arya Samaj, advocated for the forced reconversion of Muslims to Hinduism. These groups posed a significant threat to Muslim religious freedom, and the Simla Deputation sought assurances from the Viceroy that their rights would be safeguarded

IMPORTANCE OF SIMLA DEPUTATION

• Sudden upturn in the muslim - british relationship
• increased political importance of muslims.
• became one of the reason for the formation of muslim league
• emphasised on the 2 nation theory idea.