“In this instance we could not play off the Mohammedans against the Hindus”. To which one of the following events did this remark of Aitchison relate?

1. Revolt of 1857
2. Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
3. Khilafat and Non-cooperation Movement (1919-22)
4. August Movement of 1942

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• The remark refers to the Revolt of 1857, when Hindus and Muslims fought together against British rule. British officials were alarmed by this rare unity, as their usual policy of “divide and rule” depended on exploiting communal differences. During the 1857 uprising, this strategy failed temporarily because both communities united in opposition to the British, prompting later efforts to deliberately widen communal divisions.

Answer: (a) Revolt of 1857