Aligarh Movement

Introduction
Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan, (born October 17, 1817, Delhi—died March 27,
1898, Aligarh, India), Muslim educator, jurist, and author, founder of
the Anglo-Mohammedan Oriental College at Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh,
India, and the principal motivating force behind the revival of Indian
Islam in the late 19th century. His works, in Urdu, included Essays on
the Life of Mohammed (1870) and commentaries on the Bible and on
the Qurʾān.
Aligarh Movement 1875

• The Aligarh movement started in 1875. The Aligarh movement was

started to establish a modern education system for the Muslim
population of British India.
• The movement of Muslim awakening associated with Syed Ahmad
Khan and M.A.O. College came to be known as Aligarh Movement. Its
aim was to build confidence between the government and the
Muslims, persuade the Muslims to acquire Modern knowledge and
English language and to hold back the Muslim from the politics
Major objectives of Aligarh movement
The central aims of the Aligarh Movement were to: -
• Improve relations between the British and Muslims communities by
removing British doubts about Muslim loyalty and Muslim doubts
about the British intentions.
• Improve the social and economic position of Muslims by
encouraging them to receive Western education and take up posts in
the civil service and army.
• Increase their political awareness to make them aware of the threat
to from the Hindu policy of cooperation with the British.
Education services of Aligarh Movement
1875
• Establishment of Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (MAO
College):
• Promotion of Western Education
• Modernization of Curriculum:
• Focus on Rational Thinking and Scientific Temper:
• Promotion of English Language:
• Professional and Vocational Training:
• Empowerment of Muslim Women:
Education services of Aligarh Movement
1875
• Cultural and Social Awareness
• Formation of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU):
Establishment of Muhammadan Anglo-
Oriental College (MAO College)
• The cornerstone of the Aligarh Movement was the
establishment of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental
College in Aligarh in 1875. This institution later
evolved into the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
The college aimed to provide modern education to
Muslims and bridge the educational gap between
them and other communities
Promotion of Western Education:
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan recognized the importance
of Western education in the changing socio-
political landscape of India. He emphasized the
study of English, science, and literature, alongside
traditional Islamic studies. The curriculum was
designed to blend modern education with Islamic
teachings
Modernization of Curriculum:
The Aligarh Movement advocated for a
curriculum that included both scientific and
technical education, as well as traditional Islamic
studies. This approach was aimed at equipping
Muslims with the skills needed for contemporary
professions while preserving their cultural and
religious identity.
Focus on Rational Thinking and Scientific
Temper
The movement encouraged a rational and
scientific outlook among Muslims. Sir Syed
believed that a balance between religious
knowledge and modern sciences was
essential for the intellectual and social
progress of the community
Promotion of English Language:
Recognizing the importance of English as a medium of
instruction for access to modern knowledge and
employment opportunities, the Aligarh Movement
promoted the learning of English among Muslims.
Proficiency in English was seen as a means of gaining
access to administrative, educational, and professional
opportunities under British rule.
Professional and Vocational Training

The Aligarh Movement aimed to prepare

Muslims for various professions and
vocations. The emphasis on modern
education sought to equip them with the
skills needed to participate in emerging fields
such as law, medicine, engineering, and
administration
Empowerment of Muslim Women

The Aligarh Movement also contributed to

the educational upliftment of Muslim
women. Efforts were made to provide
education to Muslim girls, leading to the
establishment of the Women's College at
Aligarh in 1906.
Cultural and Social Awareness
The movement had a broader impact on the
cultural and social outlook of the Muslim
community. It encouraged a more progressive and
open-minded approach, discouraging
superstitions and promoting a spirit of inquiry and
critical thinking.
Formation of Aligarh Muslim University
(AMU)
The Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College
was upgraded to Aligarh Muslim University
in 1920. AMU became a leading
educational institution that continued to
contribute significantly to the educational
development of Muslims in India.
Political services of Aligarh Movement
While the primary focus of the Aligarh Movement led by Sir Syed
Ahmad Khan was on educational and socio-economic development, it
also had political implications and contributed to the political
awakening of Muslims in India. Here are some of the political services
of the Aligarh Movement
• Formation of Political Associations
• Political Consciousness:
• Advocacy for Muslim Representation
• Empowerment for Political Participation
Formation of Political Associations
The Aligarh Movement indirectly contributed to
the formation of political associations and
organizations that worked for the rights of
Muslims. The educated class that emerged from
institutions like Aligarh played a role in shaping
political discourse and participating in political
activities
Political Consciousness
The Aligarh Movement played a role in awakening
political consciousness among Muslims in British
India. Through educational initiatives and social
reforms, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan aimed to empower
the Muslim community, encouraging them to
participate actively in the political process.
Advocacy for Muslim Representation
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was an advocate for
adequate representation of Muslims in various
legislative bodies. He realized the importance of
political representation for safeguarding the rights
and interests of the Muslim community within
the framework of British rule.
Empowerment for Political Paticipation
By promoting education, the Aligarh Movement
empowered Muslims to actively participate in
political activities. Graduates from Aligarh played
important roles in the political and administrative
spheres, contributing to the representation of
Muslims in the civil services and other
government institutions