Pak Studies

Assignment
Saad Bin Hassan
Section k-2
17u00680

Q1)
After the First War of Independence in 1857, direct British rule was imposed over India
changing the whole structure of India. The Muslims were the worst sufferers because they were
the rulers and were not willing to accept the supremacy of the British.The British with the help of
the Hindu took actions to crush the Muslims completely. The coming of the British and their
civilization that was at that time prevalent in the Western World had different repercussions
among the various communities that made up the Indian Subcontinent, notably, Hindus and
Muslims.
On the other hand, the advent of the British on the Indian Subcontinent ushered in a new era, or
rather a dark era, for Muslims. Whereas for Hindus it meant only a change of masters, for
Muslims it meant the loss of power, position, wealth and dignity. Indeed, with the consolidation
of British hegemony over the Indian Subcontinent, many profound transformations were
effected, which disrupted the old order established by the former rulers, the Mughals, centuries
back. Indians, and particularly Muslims, were to suffer the most, politically, economically, as
well as psychologically.
Muslims were, indeed, reduced to poverty and destitution as a result of British rule. As the East
India Company took control over the Subcontinent, it approached Hindus for co-operation, and
the latter proved to be, from the very start, staunch supporters and reliable partners of the new
rulers.
The Muslims were looking for ways for opportunities to the old position in their society.
Sir Syeds first and foremost objective was to create friendly atmosphere for the two
communities.
The purpose of his movement were:
• To educate the Muslims
• To remove all doubts from the British mind that Muslims were not loyal
 • To keep Muslims away from politics of Hindus

Sir Syeds major strategy was urging the Muslims to acquire education with emphasis on learning
English language and science. Sir Syeds Aligarh movement played as significant role to bring
about an intellectual revolution among Indian Muslims. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan pointed out
weakness in the government. His notable contribution to the field of education is establishing the
Madarsatul Uloom in Aligarh in 1875, now known as the Aligarh Muslim University, a premier
educational institution of the country. Sir Syeds Aligarh movement played as significant role to
bring about an intellectual revolution among Indian Muslims.