Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

-1817: Born
-1838: Clerk
-1867: Urdu Hindi Controversy
-1875: Aligarh School – 1877 College – 1920 – University
-1876: Retirement
-1878 & 1881: Viceroy’s Imperial Council
-1886: All India Muhammadan Educational Conference
-1887: Knighted/Titled “Sir”
-1893: Muhammadan Defence Association
-1898: Died

Question: Oct/Nov 2010

-2(c) ‘Were the religious views of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan his most
important contribution in developing the cause of Muslims during the
19th century? Explain your answer.’ [14]

Ex1: William Muir [Religious Service]

-Scottish writer + “The Life of Muhammad (SAW)” + SSAK rebuttal –

“An Essay on the Life of Muhammad (SAW)”.

Analysis:

-Religious services because of his defense for the Holy Prophet

(SAW).

Ex2: Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental School [Educational Service]

-Tour to England + Established MAO school Aligarh + college 1877 +
university 1920.

Analysis:

-Service to bring intellectual revolution among Muslims.

Ex3: Set Up Scientific Society [Educational Service]

-At Ghazipur + translation purposes – western knowledge into Urdu.

Analysis:

-Service because of encouragement to Muslim youth for research

and reading.

Ex3: All India Muhammadan Educational Conference [Political +

Educational Service]

-Established in 1886 + purpose – promoting education and political

awareness among youth.

Analysis:

-Service because of promotion of western and scientific

education + also united Muslim youth.

Ex4: Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental Defense Association [Political

Platform]

-Setup 1893 + counter political moves of INC after 1892 Act.

Analysis:

-Service because he provided a political platform against INC and

also created political awareness among Muslims.

Ex5: Efforts to Improve Relations With British

-Muhammadan of India – to protect Muslim loyalty to the British

during the 1857 war.
-Causes of the Revolt 1857 – highlighted ground realities

Analysis:

-Service because Muslims got benefits from British policies and

were able to counter the advancement of Hindus in all fields.

Question: Oct/Nov 2020

-2(c) ‘“The ‘Two-Nation’ Theory was Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s main
contribution to the development of the Pakistan Movement during the
19th century. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your
answer.’ [14]

Ex1: Demands of Indian National Congress Accepted [S1 - Two

Nation Theory]

-Major demand of INC added in 1892 Act - enlargement of councils

through elections + Election 1892 – no Muslim elected for CLC.

Analysis:
-Two Nation Theory developed because SSAK maintained a
separate political identity for Muslims by asking SES for reserved
seats in councils.

Ex2: Language Issue [S1 - Two Nation Theory]

-Urdu-Hindi controversy – implementation of Devangari script/Hindi an

official language.

Analysis:

-Two nation theory developed because SSAK defended the

cultural identity of Muslims by supporting Urdu.

Question: Oct/Nov 2022

-2(c) ‘“Introducing a new approach to education was the main

contribution of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan to improving the lives of Muslim
people during the 19th century.” How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer.’ [14]

-R1: Setting Up Educational Institution at Aligarh

-R2: Scientific Society/Muhammadan Educational Conference
Side 2:
-R3: Development of Two Nation Theory
-R4: Muhammadan Defense Association
-R5: Better Relations With British
-R6: Rebuttal – William Muir’s Book

Question: Oct/Nov 2019

-2(a) ‘Describe ‘The Loyal Muhammadans of India’.’ [4]

 - Written by SSAK
- Purpose: Improve relations with British
- Removal label on Muslims of disloyal after 1857
- To make British understand Muslim beliefs

Question: May/June 2022

-3(a) ‘Describe the purpose of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental

College.’ [4]

- To setup a school on the pattern of British system

- To compete against Hindus in education
- To get government jobs
- Enable Muslims to understand British policies

Question: Oct/Nov 2023

-2(a) ‘Describe the ‘Hindu-Urdu Controversy’.’

- 1867
- Replacement of Urdu from Hindi as the official language
- Hindu members of Scientific Society – publication of journal in
Hindi
- SSAK viewed it as a cultural onslaught – defended Urdu
- Played a role in developing “Two Nation Theory”