Aligarh Movement. History of Pak (pptx)

The Aligarh Movement, spearheaded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, was a pivotal educational and socio-political reform movement in 19th-century British India. This movement played a crucial role in the intellectual and cultural revival of Indian Muslims, who were reeling from the aftershocks of the 1857 Revolt and the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was born on October 17, 1817, in Delhi, into a family with strong Mughal connections. Witnessing the devastation of the 1857 Revolt and the subsequent British reprisals, he realized the dire need for the socio-economic upliftment of Muslims in India. The British, viewing Muslims with suspicion, had marginalized them from administrative roles and opportunities. Sir Syed believed that the backwardness of the Muslim community stemmed from their reluctance to embrace modern education and Western scientific knowledge.

To address these issues, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between the British and Indian Muslims. He believed that fostering loyalty to the British government and promoting modern education among Muslims were essential for their progress. His efforts were not limited to education but extended to social and political reforms, aiming to modernize the Muslim mindset and integrate them into the rapidly changing world.

The establishment of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh in 1875 marked a significant milestone in the Aligarh Movement. Modeled after Oxford and Cambridge, this institution aimed to provide a blend of Western scientific education and traditional Islamic teachings. Sir Syed envisioned it as a center for intellectual and cultural revival, where students could learn modern sciences, literature, and social sciences while maintaining their Islamic identity.

Sir Syed's educational reforms were revolutionary. He emphasized the study of modern sciences and English, which he believed were crucial for competing in a world dominated by Western knowledge. This approach was met with resistance from conservative elements within the Muslim community, who viewed Western education as a threat to Islamic traditions. However, Sir Syed persisted, arguing that knowledge had no boundaries and that Muslims could not afford to remain ignorant of the advancements in science and technology.

Apart from educational reforms, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was a prolific writer and thinker. He wrote extensively to dispel misconceptions about Islam and to promote rational thinking. His works include "Asar-us-Sanadid," a comprehensive account of Delhi's monuments, and "The Causes of the Indian Revolt," where he analyzed the reasons behind the 1857 Revolt and urged the British to understand the grievances of Indians. His writings emphasized the importance of modern education, scientific temperament, and rational thinking, which he believed were essential for the progress of the Muslim community.

The Aligarh Movement was not just about educational reforms; it was also a

1. Pakistan Studies Aligarh Movement

2. War of Independence 1857 After the war of Independence, British Govt. started revengeful activities against Muslims. Muslim were in severe danger. They were deprived from the jobs. Their properties were snatched. Muslim Maddaras were banned.

3. Colonization of India Although colonization of India had been completed by the East India company by 1858, the British government formally assumed control over the administration of India after a proclamation issued by queen Victoria.

4. Reforms British Govt. Introduced various reforms in the sub-continent: The government of India Act, 1858 The Councils Act, 1861 The Indian Councils Act, 1892

5. India Act 1858 In order to administer, India in accordance with the proclamation, the British Parliament passed the govt. of India Act 1858. Under this Act, the territories under the control and the administration of the company were transferred to and vested in the crown.

6. The Indian Councils Act 1861 The Indian Councils Act 1861 did provide a framework for legislation and administration within India. Provisions were also made to establish high courts. It enlarged the powers of governor-general .

7. The Indian Councils Act 1892 This Act was enacted in order to amend the Indian Councils Act 1861. The number of additional members of the governor-general’s council was raised. This Act opened the way for the appointment of Indian residents as additional members of the council of governor general.

8. Aligarh Movement In these difficult times, when Muslims in India were Sliding into ignorance and retrogression, a towering figure, Syed Ahmed Khan, possessing great foresight and courage, appeared on the scene.

9. Services Educational Services Literary Services Social and Economic Services Political Services

10. Advise to Muslim He advised Muslims to seek adjustments with western ideas and took steps to restore mutual trust between the British and the Muslims. He defended Muslims against the British charges of disloyalty.

11. Educational Services He convinced that the only hope for the advancement of the Muslim community lay in their acquisition of western learning, , especially the sciences. To achieve this, he established many schools and college .

12. Educational services 1859: School in Muradabad . 1862: Victoria School in Ghazipur. 1863: Set up the Scientific Society in Ghazipur. This society was involved in the translation of English works into the native language. 1866: Aligarh Institute Gazette. This imparted information on history; ancient and modern science of agriculture, natural and physical sciences and advanced mathematics.

13. Educational Services 1870: Tahzib -ul- Akhlaq started, December 24. 1873: Scheme for establishing a college presented. 1875: Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental School (M. A. O.), Aligarh, setup on the pattern of English public schools. Later raised to the level of college in 1877 and university in 1920.

14. Political Services Democracy for sub-continent Democracy pre-supposed homogeneity whereas India consisted of heterogeneous communities. Therefore, democracy of the western kind with majority rule as its basic principle would be disastrous for the Muslims.

15. Political Services Semi-Political Forums Indian Patriotic Association Mohammadan Educational Conference Mohammadan Defense association Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental Defense Association.

16. Political Services These semi-Political forums provided representation of Muslim viewpoint in the face of Indian National Congress. These forums served as the groundwork for the eventual creation of Muslim League.

17. Political Services He was the genuine exponent of two nation theory. He recommended Muslims that they should not participate in political affairs and focus on education. He opposed the Muslim contribution in Indian National Congress.

18. Logical outcomes of Movement The success of simla delegation. The demand of separate electorate. The birth of Muslim League (1906)to safeguard the Muslim interest.

19. Future Political Leaders Aligarh College not only served the immediate objectives of Sir Syed’s but also provided candidates for the higher ranks of government service as well as Muslim Political leaders such as Maulana Muhammad Ali, Khwaja Nazimuddin and Liaqat Ali Khan.

20. Member Legislative Council As a member of legislative council of governor general, he campaigned for separate nomination of Muslim to the local self-government institutions which were created by Lord Rippon .

21. Competitive exams Syed Ahmed opposed the demand of Indian National Congress for the recruitment of Indian in Government service by open competitive examination. He realized the fact that Muslims had not yet acquired sufficient knowledge to compete with others.

22. Urdu Hindi Controversy After the Urdu-Hindi Controversy (1867), Sir Syed Ahmed Khan realized it that Hindus and Muslims can never be friends.

23. Formation of Indian National Congress An important political development during this period was the formation of Indian National Congressin1885.

24. Objective of Congress The party original intended to throw up a cadre of native politicians beholden to the British rulers to help the latter improve the administration, but, with the passage of time, the Congress grew into the most powerful political organization.

25. Partition of Bengal The partition of Bengal in 1905 embittered relations between Hindus and Muslims.

26. British Rulers The British were caught in a vicious circle. The problem of administering justice between Hindus and Muslims was a very serious matter.

27. Presentation Presented by Humera Malik Lecturer at FAST-NU (LHR)