Sir-Syed-Ahmed-Khan-21102021-092909am__1_

SIR SYED AHMED KHAN

Basic Details

• Born: 1817

• Place of Birth: Delhi

• Family Background: Highly regarded family by Mughal Dynasty

• Career Milestones:

  • Established one of the first printing presses in Delhi.

  • Posted as a clerk in the East India Company in 1837.

  • Began his career as an Urdu author in 1847.

Views About the 1857 Mutiny

• Socio-Economic Advocacy: Sir Syed expressed concern over the socio-economic conditions of Muslims.

• Assistance During Mutiny: Helped British women and children during the Mutiny of 1857.

• Post-Mutiny Actions:

  • Wrote a pamphlet analyzing the causes of the mutiny.

  • Discussed mistakes made by both Muslims and British.

Proposed Changes for Muslims

• Acceptance of British Rule: Advocated that Muslims should accept the British as their rulers.

• Shift in Policy: Encouraged a change in the policy of social distancing from the British.

Educational Services

• Primary Focus:

  • Advocate for Muslim Renaissance.

  • Promote cooperation with the British Government.

  • Establish educational institutions comparable to Oxford and Cambridge.

Educational Renaissance Initiatives

• Milestones:

  • 1859: Opened a school in Muradabad.

  • 1864: Founded a scientific society.

  • 1866: Established the Aligarh Institute.

  • 1877: Founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, Aligarh.

  • 1920: The college was elevated to university status.

Political Services

• Background:

  • Indian National Congress formed in 1855, led by Allan Octavian Hume.

  • The Congress grew stronger, providing a platform for Indian politicians to address government issues.

Purpose of Congress

• Main Aim:

  • To support all communities within India, regardless of caste or race.

  • Acted as a national organization.

Concerns about Hindu Inclinations

• Exclusivity Issues:

  • Congress primarily safeguarded Hindu interests.

  • Demands were predominantly Hindu-focused, marginalizing Muslims.

  • Appeared democratic while sidelining Muslims.

Demands from Congress

• Key Demands:

  • Introduction of Western democratic principles.

  • Government appointments based on competitive examinations.

Sir Syed’s Response

• Criticism of Democratic Demands:

  • Argued Western democracy is unsuitable for India’s multi-cultural and multi-national context.

  • Noted that Hindus were generally better educated.

Two Nation Theory

• Definition of Nation:

  • Considered Hindus and Muslims as one nation under common governance.

  • Viewed both communities as equal within the same sovereign territory.

Reasons for Two Nation Theory

• Political Reasons:

  • Congress evolved into a Hindu-centric organization, undermining Muslim representation.

• Economic Reasons:

  • Poor economic conditions for uneducated Muslims, facing prejudice and fewer job opportunities.

• Social Reasons:

  • Cultural differences escalated under Hindu political dominance, leading to opposition against Muslims.

Notable Statement on Two Nation Theory

• First Expression:

  • In 1868, Sir Syed articulated to Mr. Shakespeare, the Governor of Benaras, that Hindus and Muslims were fundamentally distinct and could not unify as one nation due to differing religions and lifestyles.

Food for Thought Questions

• How has education impacted your life?

• What role can you play as an individual to improve Pakistan?

• Why do you think education is important?

• Do you believe education can positively change our society?

• Do you agree with Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's ideologies regarding the two nation theory?

• Was Pakistan created in the name of Islam?

• Why is Pakistan important to you?