The Weberian Theory of Charismatic Leadership: A Historical Analysis of Jinnah’s Mainstay at Indian National Congress

Abstract

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876-1948), leader of the leaders as popularly called by his Muslim following, appeared on the political scenario in the first decade of 20th Century. The political circles soon realized his ‘presence’ as a visionary and shrewd politician, an eminent constitutionalist and lawmaker. He polished his natural charisma in the due course of time. He was not one of typical ashraaf (the intelligentsia of the subcontinent), but soon he assumed his status among them. He can be termed as true manifestation of Max Weber’s Theory of Charismatic Leadership along with all its major ingredients and postulates. His start of the political career, under the ‘challenge and response’ binary, from the platform of the Indian National Congress (the INC; est. 1885) proved real testimony of his mettle, vision and bravery. He adroitly established his position and responded to the political circumstances in an eloquent manner. His firm stand in principle at critical occasion proved his worth. Although his due role in politics is still not fully explored, especially by the Western Scholars that has categorically been discussed in the research paper in hand.