“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?

Correct Option (A)

The statement, "In this instance we could not play off the Mohammedans against the Hindus," was made by Aitchison in reference to the Revolt of 1857. This remark highlights the British administration's concern over the unexpected unity displayed between Hindus and Muslims during the uprising, which challenged their established policy of 'divide and rule'. The British had historically attempted to exploit religious differences to maintain control, and the collaborative nature of the 1857 Revolt, particularly in regions like Awadh and Delhi, where both communities fought together against colonial rule, was a significant departure from their expectations and a major factor in the widespread nature of the rebellion.

Incorrect Options:

The other options are incorrect because the events mentioned occurred much later than the period of Aitchison's active involvement and the context of the 1857 Revolt.

• Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was a localized peasant movement led by Mahatma Gandhi against indigo planters. It did not involve the broad Hindu-Muslim unity against British rule that characterized the 1857 Revolt.
• The Khilafat and Non-cooperation Movement (1919-22) was indeed marked by significant Hindu-Muslim unity, but it took place decades after Aitchison's remark and in a different political landscape.
• The August Movement of 1942 (Quit India Movement) was a mass civil disobedience movement during World War II. While it saw widespread participation, the political dynamics and the nature of communal relations had evolved considerably since 1857, and Aitchison's statement is not relevant to this period.