The All-India Muslim League was founded in Dacca, East Bengal, bringing together prominent Muslim leaders and intellectuals who sought to address the political and social concerns of Muslims in British India. The establishment of the League arose in response to the increasing political activity of the Indian National Congress, which largely represented Hindu interests. Muslim leaders began to feel marginalized in the broader nationalist movement, leading to the urge for a separate platform that could advocate for their rights and interests.

At the founding meeting, organized by the likes of Aga Khan and Nawab Salimullah Khan, the League sought to unite Muslims across British India and provide a coherent voice for their community. The initial aims included the promotion of educational, political, and social interests of Muslims, as well as the strengthening of their rights. The formation of the League was significant as it symbolized a shift toward the idea of separate political representation, which would later evolve into the demand for an independent nation for Muslims.

In the years following its foundation, the Muslim League's role became increasingly prominent as it navigated the complexities of colonial politics and Hindu-Muslim relations. By articulating a distinct political identity, the League effectively set the stage for future developments in the struggle for Indian independence, notably influencing the partition of India and the eventual creation of Pakistan in 1947. Its inception marked a critical juncture in Indian political history, as it laid the groundwork for articulated Muslim nationalism.