SIR SYED AHMED KHAN

CONTRIBUTION TO THE SOCIETY OF SOUTH ASIA

A REFORMER AND REDEEMER
Born 1817 AD
Received traditional
education
Belonged to a religious-
minded family
Entered English judicial
service 1838
 depressed at the pitiable condition of Muslims in India
 realized the British prejudice against Muslims (1857)
 wrote a pamphlet “Asbab-e-baghawat-e-Hind” (the causes
of Indian Mutiny):
a) public dissatisfaction with the British government
b) laws & regulations against customs/traditions of people
c) no contact b/w British government & common people
d) government failed to take steps in interest of public
e) discontent & hatred
THE ALIGARH MOVEMENT
Realised education was the key to progress:
Educational
Social
Literary
Economic
Political
Religious
EDUCATIONAL ASPECT
 High school Muradabad – 1859
 High school Ghazipur – 1862
 Scientific Society 1862
 Studied education system of
Oxford & Cambridge
 Anglo - Oriental High School – 1875
 Mohammadan Anglo – Oriental
College – 1877
 Aligarh Muslim University - 1920
SOCIAL ASPECT
Believed education would remove ignorance &
superstition:
 Personalities such as: Shibli, Hali, Molvi Chiragh, Maulana
Nazir Ahmed, Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk, Viqar-ul-Mulk
 Published a magazine “Tehzib-ul-akhlaq” to enhance
morals of Muslims
 Many Englishmen taught subjects in his M.A.O College
LITERARY ASPECT:
 Promotion of Urdu language &
literature
 To replace old forms of ornate
writing by simple & lucid writing
 A newspaper was issued by the
Scientific Society with articles on
social, moral & religious themes
RELIGIOUS ASPECT:
 Through writings & speeches
emphasized the importance of
following true religion & to shake
off supersititions
 Professed that Islam & scientific
views were not antagonistic
 Books: Khutubat-e-Ahmadiyah,
Tabyin-ul-Kalam, Tuzuk-e-
Jehangiri
POLITICAL ASPECT
 Sir Syed worked for friendship b/w Hindus & Muslims
before 1867 – Hindu agitation against Urdu
 Ever-increasing communalism
 Member of Governor General’s Council 1878-1883
 Stressed need for separate representation for Muslims