Q.4: Write down the objectives and achievements / salient features of Aligarh Movement?

Ans: ALIGARH MOVEMENT:

The Muslims ruled over India for more than a thousand years. Then the British took power from them.
They considered the Muslims their opponent and enemy. The Muslims became victims of the British
after the War of Independence in 1857. On the other hand the Hindus joined the British and made great
progress. Sir Syed Ahmed khan started an awakening movement for Muslims.His movement is known as
Aligarh Movement.

OBJECTIVES OF ALIGARH MOVEMENT:

General Awareness:

Sir Syed Ahmed tried to create awareness in the Muslims to accept the ground reality that they were
being ruled by the British. He asked the Muslims to look at their present and plan for their future.

Establishing Goodwill With The British:

He asked the Muslims to maintain friendly relations with the British. He also tried to remove the
misunderstandings of the British about the Muslims especially with reference to the cause of Indian
Revolt of 1857 also called the War of Independence.

Motivation For Modern Knowledge:

He also asked the Muslims to seek knowledge and to learn English so that they could get higher
education and make progress.

Non-Confronted Politics:

He asked the Muslims to refrain from indulging in politics until the relations between the Muslims and
the British become good. He asked them to concentrate on getting education only at this moment.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF ALIGARH MOVEMENT:

Educational Services:

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan believed that modern education was necessary for the progress of the Muslims.
For this purpose, his services are given below.

Scientific Society:

He set up a Scientific Society at Ghazipur in 1862 which was shifted to Aligarh later on. This society
translated western books into Urdu.

Establishment Of A School, College And University:

He set up a school in Aligarh on the model of Cambridge University (England). This school was later
upgraded to M.A.O. College. This college became a university finally called Aligarh Muslim University.

Social Services:

Friendly Relations With The British:

He wrote “Causes of Indian Revolt” and “Loyal Muhammadans of India” to create good-will between the
Muslims and the British.

Favours For The Muslims:

The Muslims got jobs, got back their confiscated properties and they were included in a number of
programs for development.

Conclusion:

In short, Aligarh Movement became a source of strength for the Muslims in the sub-continent. It also
provide the foundation for Two-Nation Theory.