Sir Syed Ahmed Khan: Education, Political, Religious, and Literary Contributions

A comprehensive set of Question-and-Answer flashcards covering Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s educational initiatives, political strategies, religious writings, and literary contributions as described in the lecture notes.

What was the starting point of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's educational movement?

The establishment of a Farsi Maddarsa at Muradabad in 1859, where English was also taught.

What was the purpose of the Scientific Society founded in 1863 at Ghazipur?

To publish translations of educational texts and issue a bilingual Urdu–English journal.

Which school did Sir Syed establish at Ghazipur in 1864 and what languages were taught there?

Victoria School; five languages were taught: English, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit.

What was the Aligarh Institute Gazette and when did it begin?

A weekly gazette issued in 1866 during his stay at Aligarh; it covered history, agriculture, natural and physical sciences, and advanced mathematics.

What is Tehzib ul Ikhlaq and when was it published?

A magazine issued on 24 December 1876 from Banaras to address social evils and moral shortcomings among Muslims.

What Madressah did Sir Syed establish on 24 May 1875 and what followed two years later?

A Madressah at Aligarh; two years later, on 8 January 1877, MAO College was inaugurated at Aligarh by Lord Lytton.

What university did the Aligarh College later become, and when?

Aligarh Muslim University in 1920 (the Aligarh college eventually grew into a university).

What was the Mohammedan Educational Conference founded in December 1886?

To promote education and social reforms among Muslims; it later became the forerunner of the All India Muslim League.

What was Sir Syed's approach to mistrust following the 1857 revolt?

He wrote Rasala-e-Asbab-Baghawat-e-Hind explaining the factors behind the uprising and argued that Muslims were not solely responsible.

What is the work Loyal Muhammadans of India about?

A defense of Muslims against charges of disloyalty.

What was the Urdu–Hindi Controversy, and its impact on Sir Syed's views?

In 1867, the controversy influenced his shift toward the Two Nation Theory, recognizing growing differences between Hindus and Muslims.

What was Sir Syed's stance on joining the Indian National Congress (INC)?

He advised Muslims to refrain from joining the Congress and later supported forming a separate Muslim political organization (the Muslim League).

What did Sir Syed mean by the Two Nation Theory in his public statements?

That Hindus and Muslims are two nations living on the same soil under the same government; Muslims should be treated as a separate nation.

What is Khutabat-E-Ahmadia and its purpose?

Khutabat-e-Ahmadia, a religious work defending Islam against negative depictions in William Muir's Life of Muhammad.

What is Tafseer-Ul-Quran and how many volumes does it have?

A seven-volume Tafseer (commentary) aiming to provide a logical and scientific analysis of Quranic verses.

What is Tabaeen-Ul-Kalam and its purpose?

Sir Syed's commentary on the Bible to bridge the gap between British and Muslims.

What are Risala Tehzibul Akhlaq and Aligarh Institute Gazette in terms of literary contributions?

Risala Tehzibul Akhlaq was a magazine of essays; Aligarh Institute Gazette (1866) published research essays that uplifted social and political conditions and broadened religious bonds.

What are the broader Renaissance-related outcomes of Sir Syed's work?

Inculcated self-confidence in Muslims, created political consciousness, and put Muslims on a path of western education; Aligarh served as a forum to present and secure Muslim interests.

How is Aligarh linked to the Pakistan movement according to the notes?

Aligarh is credited as foundational to the movement; Quaid-i-Azam praised Aligarh students as a leading force and an ammunition depot in the struggle for freedom.

How is Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's overall contribution summarized in relation to the movement for Pakistan?

A spectacular contribution that deserves honorable mention for its influence on education, reform, and the adaptation of Muslims to modern ideas, influencing the Pakistan movement.