Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

War of Independence

The British considered Muslims to be responsible for the War of Independence. Thus, they subjected them to all sorts of cruelties.

Conditions

As a result of the atrocities of the British, the Muslims were cut of the mainstream of political, social, economic and educational development.

Muslim Representation

Resultantly, the ratio of Muslim representation went on dwindling till 1871 when the number of Muslim government servants almost came to a naught.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was the first Muslim to realize that if the Muslims continued to keep themselves aloof then they would be completely absorbed by the Hindu community.

Political

Erase Mistrust for which he wrote Books

Coined 2 Nation Theory

Seperate Electrorate

Opposed the Congress

Books

1. He wrote Loyal Muslims of India (asbab e baghawat)

2. He wrote The reason for the revolt in 1861

Urdu Movement

In 1867, Urdu Opposition Movement started, backed by Britishers as they feared the unity of Muslims and Hindus.

When Muslims added Farsi to Urdu, Hindus added Sanskrit to Hindi.

2 Nation Theory

In 1867, Urdu Opposition Movement started, backed by Britishers as they feared the unity of Muslims and Hindus.

When Muslims added Farsi to Urdu, Hindus added Sanskrit to Hindi.

Initially, Sir Syed believed Muslims and Hindus are one in Hindustan.

However, In 1867, Hindus demanded that Hindi should be made on official language of India in place of Urdu. They started an agitation. The Hindus were against Urdu because it was the language of the Muslims, Sir Syed felt sorry and he was now convinced that the Hindus would never be friend with the Muslims.

Thus, he wrote the two nation theory in 1883.

Separate Electorate

Another reason was that the parliamentary system was not supported by Sir Syed was Hindus were in more number so they always outnumbered the Muslims and due to this Sir Syed opposed it.

Sir Syed realised that separate electorate was the possible solution to this so in view of his Two Nations Theory.

He made this decision of separate electorate demand for elections for the good of the Muslims.

Opposed Congress

Sir Syed had known about the intention of the Hindus and advised the Muslims not to join it.

He thought that Congress was mainly a Hindu body which worked for the protection of the rights of the Hindus.

He requested the Muslims to get modern education first then come in the field of politics in order to protect their rights.

Educational

He also recognized the need for education for Muslims.

Sir Syed Ahmed khan wrote many magazines and established modern schools, madrasas, and the world-famous Aligarh Muslim University to educate the Muslims of Hindustan on modern lines.

Gulshan School, Muradabad
Victoria School, Ghazipur

Starting point of Sir Syed’s educational services where he recognized the need for education of Muslims. He ensured they received modern and relgieous education.

Scientific Society

Most Muslims in India were unfamiliar with english so this society provided works of science and technology, history and literature to Indian Muslims in a more accessible language.

All Indian Muhammadan Educational Conference

A platform to discuss educational issues, and take steps to advance education for Muslims.

Encouraged western style education, while maintaining religeous aspects.

Muhammadan Anglo Oriental College (Aligarh University)

He dreamed of opening a university, but he could only establish Madrasas at that time.

He envisioned it after Oxford and Cambridge. This school was also a part of larger Aligarh movement, to prepare muslims for modern education