Book Description

This book provides a detailed and systematic analysis of the charismatic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of Indian Muslims during the crisis-ridden decade of 1937-47. Based on the concept of charisma formulated by Max Weber and developed by recent writers, the study concentrates on the 'personality-related' and 'situational' factors that led to the emergence of Jinnah as the charismatic leader of the Muslims and sustained him in that role until the creation of Pakistan. In explaining and explicating Jinnah's charisma, his early political career and the crises facing the Muslims of British India, both systemic and of leadership, have been examined at length. This has been followed by a critical appraisal of Jinnah's formula of Pakistan, his strategy for political mobilization of the Muslims under the banner of the All-India Muslim League, and his extraordinary skills and abilities in negotiating with the British and Congress leaders who were united in their opposition to Pakistan. Recognizing him as their charismatic leader, and moved by the Pakistan demand, the Muslim masses rallied behind him, with the result that at the creation of Pakistan in August 1947, his charisma was truly at its zenith. Book jacket.