THE ALIGARH

MOVEMENT
Introduction:
Aligarh movement means that movement which
was inspired by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, his
colleagues and Muslim students of M.A.O College
(later Aligarh University). The students of Aligarh
College fired by the spirit of Muslim nationalism
spread throughout the country and became the
torch bearer of Two-Nation Theory. Thus, the quest
of the Muslims for their national identity took the
shape of a movement which resulted in the
renaissance of the Muslims in the 19th century.
This movement revolutionized the economic,
social, and political status of the Muslims. However,
Sir Syed was the chief architect of this movement.
He worked day and night for the revival of Muslim
glory. After the failure of the War of Independence
in 1857, the Muslims became the victims of the
wrath of the British rulers and they were subjected
to an unprecedented systematic process of
suppression and elimination. On the other hand the
British rulers favoured the Hindus by granting them
important government jobs in plenty. Thus the tide
was turned on the Muslim community within a
short span of time witnessed a steep fall from the
high pedestal of the ruling class to a politically
neglected and economically depressed minority.

After the war of Independence of 1857 A.D., The

British took over the whole of India. They left no
stone unturned in suppressing and oppressing
the Muslims. For the purpose, they threw out
Persian from the offices; abolished the posts of
Qazis from the Courts or law;
c o n fi s c a t e d t h e e d u c a t i o n a l t r u s t s a n d t h
e movable and immovable properties of t
h e academies etc. In this way they succeeded
in paralyzing the Muslims in economic, political and
cultural fields. In those days, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
was a civil servant. He was for sighted Muslims
with a keen sense of honor. I could not see
the miserable plight of the Muslims. After
a prolonged and careful thought he concluded
that unless the Muslims acquired the knowledge of
the modern sciences, they could not get rid of their
miserable plight and keep pace with the true. Sir
Syed Ahmed Khan and his colleagues believed
that the Muslims must study and learn the
western sciences in English. At the same time they
also thought in necessary for the Muslims to
maintain their Islamic identity. For the purpose,
they thought it pertinent to establish a first-rate
educational institution. Aligarh College was the
outcome of his untiring efforts which he intended
to run on the pattern of the Oxford and Cambridge
Universities.2.

Background:

Arrival of British
As a background we have to understand that after
1857 Muslims were passing through a very difficult
period, a period of degeneration and decay but the
roots of this decay can be traced back to the
earlier period. In fact, the decay of the Muslims
started with the degeneration of the Mughal
Empire and in that context Europeans started
coming to India. The British being last of them and
ultimately they controlled most of India. It was a
beginning of the 17th century that in 1608 that the
first British ship belonging to East India Company
led by Captain Hawkins landed on the western
coast of India, Surat was the name of the place.

Domination of East India Company

The objective was to start a trade to and from
India. When the first batch of the British traders
landed as the representatives of East India
Company. They had to compete the other
Europeans who were there in this region. Then in
1613 Captain Hawkins and others who succeeded
him were able to get a formal permission for
starting trade from there to Mughal Emperor
Jahangir and in this way a group regularly trading
here, but ultimately they were able to establish
their rule. East India Company ruled India until
1858 and from 1858 the British Crown directly
ruled India

Policies of British
The policies of the East India Company were
discriminatory towards Muslim and after the British
Crown took over India that is when it replaced East
India Company in 1858 there was more
discrimination towards Muslims, in fact there was
hostility because the British thought that the
Muslims were mainly responsible for the uprising
that aroused against the British colonial authority
in 1857.After this incident they adopted a
deliberate policy of discrimination towards the
Muslims. It was in this context that SS and some of
his colleagues came forward to enable the Muslims
to deal with the situation.

Causes behind the

Aligarh Movement:

The main motives behind the Aligarh Movement

were as follows:
1. British Hostility:
 When British became the rulers of India in
1856, Muslims got Shattered in pieces. In 1857,
Muslims took part in Independence War in their
hope of reviving the Mughal empire. As a
matter of fact, it could not be avoided that it
was a mutiny not a war in which Muslims took
part.
 Aft e r f a i l u re o f t h e w a r o f
independence of 1857 A.D. it
h a d b e c o m e c l e a r t h a t the British could
not be sent back with battles and wars.
 As a result, British held Muslims responsible for
this mutiny and they adopt cruel policy against
Muslims. They confiscated Muslims properties
and Withdrawn their jobs. Muslims were
suppressed by British and Hindus. Those were
the dark days for Muslims. They were suffering
by the hands of British and Hindus.
 At the same time, it was necessary to clarify
the position of the Muslims to the British rulers,
who
had serious misgivings about the mind
- s e t o f t h e M u s l i m s o f t h e S u b Continent.
Aligarh Movement looks it upon itself to do the
job.
 To aggravate the situation the British replaced
Persian ,which was the language of Muslims,
which was an official language
2. Un educated Muslims:
 Cut of from the modern science as they were t
he Muslims of the Sub-Continent regained
back ward and had to suffer hardship. Only
those, who had modern education, were
considered eligible for civil service. The
miserable fi nancial plight of the Muslims
forced them to realize that they needed
to learn modern sciences. They were
treated as literate though they were
qualified from the religious institutions.
 The Muslims advocates of the
m o d e rn e d u c a t i o n t o o w e re
d i s s a t i s fi e d w i t h t h e educational system
of the public (Government) schools,
for it was repugnant to their cultural
values. Therefore, they thought it
indispensable for the Muslims to
manage their education themselves. The
Aligarh movement fulfilled this obligation to
a great extent.
 Sir Syed Ahmed Khan had observed that
present condition of the Muslims was mostly
because of their own extremists and
conservative attitudes.
 Sir Syed always felt aggrieved over the
deplorable social and economic condition of
the Muslims of India.

3. Hindu Ascendancy:
 The Hindus had slammed to dominate
the South Asian politics and economy
to become the future master of the Sub-
continent. Therefore, it was necessary to equip
the Muslims with modern sciences to enable
them to complete with the so called future
masters of South Asia.

Objectives of the Aligarh

movement:

Basic objective:

Sir Syed's first and foremost objective was to

acquaint the British with the Indian mind; his next
goal was to open the minds of his countrymen to
European literature, science and technology.
Therefore, in order to attain these goals, Sir Syed
launched the Aligarh Movement of which Aligarh
was the center.

Immediate objectives:

First:
to remove the state of misunderstanding and tension
between the Muslims and the new British government,
and
Second:
Is to induce them to go after the opportunities
available under the new regime without deviating
in any way from the fundamentals of their faith.
Keeping education and social reform as the two planks
of his program, he launched the Aligarh Movement
with the following objectives:

Core objectives

To create an atmosphere To persuade To persuade Muslims

of mutual understanding to abstain from
between the British Muslims to learn
government and the English education. politics of agitation.
Muslims.

To produce an To bring a social To maintain, and as far

as possible promote the
intellectual and cultural reform political and economical
class from amongst amongst the Muslim importance of Muslims in
the Muslim community. the affairs of the country to
community. the extent that was
possible in

.
SERVICES OF SIR SYED
AHMED KHAN OR ALIGARH

A
MOVEMENT
fter the Battle of Freedom of 1857, the economic, political and
social conditions of Indian Muslims became very precarious
because they were the victim of revenge and punishment of
both British and Hindus.Sir syed was extremely unhappy about
the position of Muslims in sub-continent. Since the days of the
Mughal decline the social and economical status of Muslims
had declined sharply and the role of Muslims in the war independence had
left further declines as British took measures to ensure that their control was
unchallenged. Sir Syed Ahmed felt that the poor status of Muslims was due
to they were treated as second class citizen by British and Hindus and they
had to take some responsibilities themselves. Most Muslims thought that
British were no more than just as invaders and they had nothing to do with
them. Sir Syed Ahmed believed that Muslims had to accept that British were
their rulers and could only improve if they have a positive approach towards
them. They needed to accept the British idea. Sir Syed wanted to see
Muslims united and prospering in their social,religious and economical
fortune. He made this his life’s ambition and founded Aligarh movement

Aligarh Movement is, in fact, the name of continuous struggle of Sir Syed
Ahmed Khan that he launched for the betterment of Muslims. This movement
performed the educational, social, religious and literary services for the
Muslims, so Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Aligarh Movement are the two names
of one and the same thing. The services of Sir Syed Ahmed khan and his
 1
Sir Syed’s educational services
Sir Syed was a
Sir Syed’s political services
prophet of
2

3
education
Sir Syed’s literary services “

(MAHATMA GANDHI)

4
Sir Syed’s religious services

5
Sir Syed's social services

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan opened educational institutions for Muslims so that
new paths of progress might open for them, for they had become literally
backward. The British introduced English as an official language in place of
Persian. Hindus by getting English education, got the jobs but Muslims
remained behind terrified. Sir Syed made it clear that it was quite wrong to
think that English education would keep them away from religion. Our
religion did not forbid to learn English language and Western sciences. Sir
syed begin to promote wester style scientific education so that it would
gradually enhance the mental and physical skills of Muslims. He established
various scientific schools and modern madrassas for the education of
Muslims.

Following are some of the educational reforms and establishment done by sir
syed ahmed khan through his Aligarh movement:
 1. MODERN SCHOOLS
In 1859, Syed, established Gulshan School at Muradabad. It is a kind of
modern madrassa and was one of the first religious schools to impart
scientific education. In this modern school the English language along
with eastern languages was also taught to Muslims. In 1863 he
established another moder school named as Victoria school in
ghazipur.

2. SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY

Figure 1 School at ghazipur established by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

On 9th January, 1864 Scientific Society was founded at the residence of Sir
Syed Ahmad Khan in Ghazipur. The key element of his dream movement,
social collaboration was intact and a large number of his Indians and British
friends were present on the occasion. The welcome address was delivered by
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and the requested Mr. G.F.I. Graham, Assistant
Superintendent of Police, Ghazipur to make introductory remarks. In his
introductory remarks Mr. Graham emphasized the need of the society and
passionately appealed everyone to support the newly formed Scientific
Society. He
proposed
the name of
Mr. B.
Spate,
District
Collector of
Ghazipur to
preside
over the
meeting. In
the
meeting, Sir
Syed
presented
the by-laws
of the
society Figure 2 Current venue of scientific society

which was

unanimously approved by the attendees. Sir Syed announced the name of

109 people who had accepted the membership of the newly formed society.
It’s worth mentioning here that the concept of Society was accepted by
everyone irrespective of religion and color and creed. Out of 109, 28
members were British, 34 Hindus and 47 were Muslims. Elections were held
for Directing Council, Executive Council and other office bearers. Sir Syed
Ahmad Khan and Mr. G.F.I. Graham were elected as Secretaries of the newly
established Scientific Society. Mr.B. Spate delivered the presidential address and the
meeting was ended with vote of thanks.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY

The name of the society will be Scientific Translation of educational & technical
Society literature from English and European language
to Indian languages
2
1
3
Publication of rarely available books by Indian
writers
4
Society will not have any business with
religious books

3. Aligarh Institute Gazette

In the society meeting which was held on 15th September, 1864 in Aligarh,
Sir Syed proposed the idea of a building for Society named as“Institute”,
which will also have a Reading Room, Library, Laboratory, Museum and
Lecture Hall. A piece of land was bought in Aligarh between his residence
and Criminal Court of Aligarh. The foundation stone was laid down on 20th
November, 1864 by Hon’ble E. Drummond, Lieutenant. Governor of North
West Province (N.W.P.) The Institute building was completed by 1866 and was
inaugurated by Mr. F. Williams, Commissioner of Meerut on 14th February,
1866. This institute launched its journal Aligarh Institute Gazette in the same
year. A joint mouthpiece of the Scientific Society and the Institute the journal
came into weekly circulation from 30 March 1866. Part of
the Gazette's contents were printed in Urdu alone, part in English, and a
portion also in both languages. The editorial team was comprised or Sir Syed
Ahmad Khan as Honorary Editor, Munshi Mohammad Yaar Khan as Editor,
Munshi Chaukhan Lal as translator, Babu Durga Prashad as translator and
Shaikh Fida Ali as Librarian and distribution incharge. Aligarh Institute Gazette
played a key role to mobilize the people and convey the message of Society .

4. M.A.O HIGH SCHOOL

The Muslims wanted to have their own institutions for the education of the
Muslims. For this purpose Muhammadan College Fund Committee was
established. In May 1875 Muhammadan Anglo Oriental High School was
established in Aligarh(At that time Sir Syed was tranfered to Aligarh from
ghazipur). In a short time it became the important educational institution of
Muslims. The
reason of it was
the availability of
the boarding
facilities for the
students
alongwith the
modern and
religious
education.

The
foundation
stone of
Mohammadan
Anglo Oriental
School was
laid down by Maulvi Sami Ullah Khan, the Secretary of the College
Fund Committee and by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan himself. It was also
called Mito circle School. Primarily the School had two main
sections: The primary section which was in Zahoor Ward and the
students who passed though this section were sent to Minto
Circle. Since the founder of the school was highly educated and
enlightened with the moderate views, the admissions were open
to all the communities irrespective of their caste, religion, of
Figure 3 Aligarh Muslim University doctrines. The
School was
upgraded to College after two years and turned to be in Aligarh
University in 1920. The Aligarh University created graduates for
the Muslims who fought the war of freedom from the British and
the Hindus simultaneously.

5.
MUHAMMADAN
EDUCATIONAL
CONFERENCE
Even after the creation of M.A.O. College
Aligarh, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was
dissatisfied with the progress of Muslims in the field of education. Therefore
in 1886 he decided to lay the foundation of the All India Mohammedan
Educational Congress as the forum of Muslim intelligentsia to develop
awareness for education among the Muslims. Later on the name of the
Congress was changed to Conference.

The first meeting of the Conference was held at the campus of M.A.O
College, Aligarh on December 27, 1886. In this conference, 161 Muslim
delegates from all parts of India decided to create opportunities for the
Muslims to get higher education. From then onwards the meetings of All India
Mohammedan Educational Conference used to take place on annual basis
quite successfully.
 A number of wonderful articles including
Conference Musalmanon ki Guzashta Taleem, Al Jazia,
of the All India Mohammedan Educational Kutab Khana Sikanderia, Haqooq-uz-
associations development from the platorm Zimmiyeen and Musalmanon ki Taraqqi-o-
Anjuman-e-Tarraqqi-e-Urdu was one of the Tanazzuli ke Asbab were published under
the auspices of the Conference.

Advantages of
Muhammadan
educational coference
delegates of the annual meetings.
personalities of the time, who were regular
The 13th session of the Conference, held at Ahmad were among the prominent Muslim
Culcutta, was presided by Syed Amir Ali was Shafi, Sheikh Abdul Qadir and Deputy Nazir
historic as it brought together, for the first Hali, Mohsin-ul-Mulk, Mian Muhammad
time, the important leaders of Bengal and ideas. People like Shibli Nomani, Altaf Husain
Northern India. to the Muslims to share their talent and
The Conference also provided opportunities

Establishment of All India Muslim League

Apparently the All India Mohammedan Educational Conference was a non-

political organization. Yet anything delivered from its platform was
considered as a unified demand of the Muslims of the sub-continent. Sir Syed
himself delivered his anti-Congress speech from the platform of the
Conference. After his death, at this forum the Muslims started discussing
political problems they faced from time to time. It was also in the annual
session of The All India Mohammedan Educational Conference that the All
India Muslim League was launched as the first full-fledged political party of
the Muslims of South Asia in 1906.

POLITICAL SERVICES
In the political arena, Sir Syed carved numerous successes; he
eradicated misunderstandings between the Muslims and the
British infused due to the past particular incidents. Awakening
among the Muslims about the political ups and downs and co-
existence in the presence of other nations in India was another
contribution of Sir Syed. He motivated the Muslims to absorb the
modern education of the West because this was the very motive
of the Western expansion in the world. He visualized the bright
future of the Muslims if they engaged themselves in the Western
learning.

Sir Syed won the British confidence and cordial relationship by

saving their lives during the War of Independence. He utilized this
relationship for the betterment of the Muslims. It was a subtle
situation because the government had put the War crimes on the
Muslim shoulders and assaulted their every aspect of life: “These
events were a trauma for the Muslims; the methods used by them
shocked the civilized world. The detestation of Delhi as a centre of
Muslim culture was horrendous; Bahadur Shah Zafar…was exiled
to Rangoon; Lt. Hodson shot three Mughal princes and later 24
princes were tried and executed; a vast ocean of blood there was;
Some Muslims were shot dead and their dead bodies were thrown
into the river Jamna”. All Muslims were ousted from land, property
and employments that made them third class citizens of India.
This created revengeful sentiments among the Muslims who
detested British, their culture and civilization. Sir Syed was of the
view that British were a civilized, educated, wise and disciplined
nation and occupied India with the new war strategy and
munitions that could not be matched by the locals and
particularly by the Muslims. Therefore at the juncture the Muslims
should mould themselves according to the pace of time to avoid
more disaster. Sir syed rendered meritorious political services in
order to defend the rights of the Muslims. His services were as
under:

1. CAUSES OF INDIAN REVOLT

After the war of independence of 1857 the British Government wanted to
punish the Muslims by declaring them the real accused of the rebellion. After
exiling bahadur shah zafar to rangoon 24 prince were killed in delhi this
brings hatred among the Muslims of india for British Samraj and due to which
a very disturbing situation was created in the subcontinent. So to eradicate
these misunderstandings between British government and Muslims of india
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in his magazine “Causes of Indian Revolt (1857)”
made it clear that Hindus, Muslims and the English were equally responsible
for that revolt. This magazine was published in 1859.

He enlisted the following factors which led to the war of independence:

c)Government’s d)Promulgation of
a)
unawareness of regulations which
Misunderstanding b)Maladminstrati
the conditions were contrary to
of the people on by the army
and grievance of the wishes of
about rulers
the people. people

Sir Syed also published Loyal Mohammedans of India . In this pamphlet he

defended Muslims and listed the name of those Muslims who remained Loyal
to the British during the uprising. These Pamphlets were circulated freely
among the British officials in India and the copies were also sent to England
where it was studied carefully. Many British thought that he was blaming
them for uprising but others sympathetic and accepted the truth in his
words. He also cleared the misunderstanding that Muslim called the British
“Nadarath”, He told that this was no insult but the word came from Arabic
word “Nasir” which means helpers.

2. MUSLIM AS A NATION
Urdu-Hindi controversy 1867 unfolded many unsaid stories for the Muslims of
India who were expecting to live in amity with the Hindus and other
communities in the long run. Even the Muslims with the moderate views
were convinced at last that that Hindus and Muslims could not be friends
with each other as they have different religions, rituals, culture and even
languages.
The Hindus started a movement against Urdu in Banaras and demanded to
replace it with Hindi in Devnagiri Script while the official language prior to
this was Urdu with Persian Script and it was in practice even in the High
Court. The headquarters of the movement was Allahabad. Madan Mohan
Malavia and Babu Shiva Prasad were at the forefront to oppose the Urdu
language while Sir Syed Ahmad advocated the Muslims and in favor of Urdu.
The only reason of this staunch Hindu antagonism against Urdu was that it
was in Persian script which was near to the Arabic, the language of the
religion.
The direct conclusion of the controversy was that the Muslims like Sir Syed
Ahmad Khan who had been strong believers in the Hindu-Muslim unity and
had very modest views about other communities, were ultimately induced
that the Muslims were a separate nation. After urdu-hindi controvercy there
was a sudden change in Sir Syed's views : his education and reformist policies became
Muslim-specific and he fought for the status of Urdu.

His biographer, Hali, wrote,

"One day as Sir Syed was discussing educational affairs

of Muslims with Mr.shakespeare, commissioner of
banaras then Shakespeare said:
“ I never have heard you talking specifically
about Muslims. Before this you used to talk about the
welfare of the common Indians”
.
Sir Syed then told him,

"Now I am convinced that the two communities Muslims and

Hindus will not put their hearts in any venture together. This
is nothing it is just the beginning, in the coming times an
ever increasing hatred and animosity appears on the horizon
simply because of those who are regarded as educated. Those
who will be around will witness it.", (Hali, 1993).

Sir Syed used the word ‘nation’ for the Muslims. Some writers
criticize that he declared Hindus and Muslims one nation. But as a
matter of fact, he advocated the Hindu-Muslim unity that meant
‘the working relationship’ between the two nations as once he
said: “Hindus and Muslims should try to be of one mind in matters
which affected their progress.”

3. SEPARATE ELECTORATE
In 1885 Indian National Congress was established. Soon after the establishment of
Indian National Congress , Sir Syed came to realize that it was purely Hindu
Organization. Consequently , he asked the Muslims to desist taking part in order to
protect the political rights of the Muslim Community. He highlighted his views in this
regard in a speech in 1883 by saying,
“The system of representation by election means
the representation means the representation of
views and interests of the majority of the
population.”He favored separate electorate for the
Muslims in 1883 saying that the majority would
override the interests of the minority.

4. UNITED INDIAN PATRIOTIC

ASSOCIATION
The United Patriotic Association was a political organisation founded by Sir
Syed Ahmed Khan, the founder of the Aligarh Muslim University and Raja
Shiv Prasad Singh of Benaras in 1888. Opposed to the Indian National
Congress, the group aimed to develop close ties between
the Muslim community and
the British Raj the main idea
behind establishment of United
Patriotic Association by Sir Syed
Ahmad Khan in 1888 is as
follows:

1.To show British allegiance

of Muslims
2.To oppose Congress
 5. MOHAMMADAN DEFENCE
ASSOCIATION
In December 1893, Sir Syed founded the Association. Its main
purpose was to protect the political, religious and social rights of
the Muslims. It advocates the emotions of Muslims.

LITERARY SERVICES OF SIR

SYED AHMED KHAN:
1. PROLIFIC WRITER:
Sir Syed himself was a prolific writer. Luckily he was by a group of
intellectuals, essayists, critics and poets. The muslims followed
the Aligarh movement and they achieved their objectives. Sir Syed
Ahmed khan was not only a prominent educationalist but also a capable
author. His writings include the following:

Khutabat-e-Ahmadia
In 1869 Sir Syed Ahmed Khan wrote
“Khutaba-e-Ahmadia to defend the holy
Prophet (P.B.U.H) in reply to ‘A More’s
Book’. Sir William Muir’s “Life of Mahomet”
made some wild allegations against the
Prophet Mohammad (saw). Syed Ahmad was greatly disturbed
and pained and prepared to write a detailed response in the form
of the book “Khutubat-i-Ahmadiya”. He planned to collect
research material in England during his trip to England. Syed
Ahmad had to endure many financial difficulties for the translation
and publication of the book in England. He later expanded upon
these ideas in the form of “Tasanif-i-Ahmadiya”. MaulanaMoudoodi
declared this book as the first major scholarly work on the life of
Prophet.

Tabbain-ul-Kalam:
He wrote a commentary on Bible called ‘Tabbain-ul-
Kalam’. The British resented
being called nadarth but Sir
Syed clarified that nadarath
came from an arabic word
meaning helper. He wrote a
book Tabyin-ul-kalam which
was according to the
Commentary on Bible. In it he
also pointed out the similarities
between Islam and Chiristianity.
Through this book he proved
that muslims could eat with
Chiristians.

RisalaTehzib-ul-Ikhlaq:
In 1960 Sir Syed Ahmed Khan published a pamphlet called ‘
RisalaTehzib-ul-Ikhlaq’ in which he described social problems of
the Muslims and he tried to eliminate the prejudice among the
Muslims towards the non-muslims.In it he also criticized the
conservative attitude of the Muslims and emphasized the need to study.

Sir syed's wrote many books including jame-jama, al duawalistajabaetc

which is very important for the muslims of that time.

Asar-us-Sanadeed:
For the social welfare of the Muslims he wrote ‘Asar-us-
Sanadeed’.In 1847, Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan (1817-1898)
published an Urdu text, listing and
describing all notable monuments of
Delhi entitled Asar-ul-Sanadid. His work
so impressed British scholars in Delhi that
he was invited to join the Asiatic Society
and write a second, improved edition for
translation into English. Unfortunately the
translation was never written. Sir Sayyid
was one of many local Indian scholars
producing architectural and
archaeological histories of the
Subcontinent in the nineteenth-century.

Rasala-i-Asbab-e-Baghawat-i-Hind:
Just after the mutinity of 1857 Syed Ahmed Khan wrote
AsbabBaghawat e Hind in which he pointed out the weakness of
the British government. When the house of the common
discussed the pamphlet MrSale Breadon, the , foreign Secretary,
vehemently opposed it and asked the government to imprison
such a revolutionary writer. But Parliment did not support him. On
the controrary most of the British Papers of Syed Ahmed's and
advised the government to act upon the valueable
recommendations made by him. In 1873 the pamphlet into
English. Colonel graham and appeared as the causes of the indian
revolt

TarikhSarkashi-e-Bijnaur:
No single event in the history of modern India excites the imagination more
than the Revolt of 1857. The controversy still continues: was it a mutiny, a
rebellion, or war of independence. The events of 1857, directly or indirectly,
had not only shaken the very foundations of British rule and ultimately
resulting into independent India, but also shattered the unity between
Muslims and Hindus. The events of the Revolt have been described in detail
by Syed Ahmad in his Tarikh-i-Sarkashi-i- (Zila'''') Bijnore or the History of
1857 Revolt and its causes (Asbab-e-Baghawat-e Hind or The Causes of
Indian revolt)

Translation works:
Following books were translated:

Ain-akbari,Tuzok-e-Jhangri and tarikh-e-SarkashiBajnor

RELIGIOUS SERVICES:
Sir Syed’s religious thought and beliefs are strongly criticized by
some people. As a matter of fact he stood for rational approach in
religion. He believed that there could be no contradiction between
the work of god and word of God. To him religion was not static
based upon some fixed dogmas. He did not believe in traditional
institutions attributed to religion. That is why he was charged with
the words ‘Kafir’ or heathen. He wrote exegesis of the Holy
QURAN. He preached his religious thought through his essays. He
did memorable religious work during his stay in England. Sir Syed
after going through the book ‘Life of Muhammad” which was
published by a British Sir William criticized Prophet Muhammad
and the teachings of Islam. He wrote several essays in which he
gave conclusive and incontrovertible arguements in refutation to
each and every objection on Islam made by English author. Thus
his services for the cause of Islam show that he was a true Muslim
and had unshakable faith in Islam.
Effects of Aligarh Movement
Aligarh movement was a genuine and valuable service
rendered by sir syed Ahmed Khan and his colleague for
the renaissance of the Muslim of subcontinent, which not
only generated the Muslim consciousness but also built
the momentum for the creation of Pakistan.Aligarh
Movement trained the Muslims how to deal with the
prevailing new circumstances. It guided the Muslims in
every field of life.

1. English-Muslim Reconciliation
Due to Aligarh Movement the feelings of hatred against
English started diminishing from the hearts of the Muslim.
The English started coming closer to the Muslims.

It brought forward a group of students who were

very conscious of what was happening in India and
outside India. This educated class that developed
in sub-continent was instrumental in promoting
Muslim identity and also advocating the Muslim
demands to the govt and to others because on the
one hand this educated class could communicated
with the rulers because they knew the language
and modern knowledge philosophy and the
thinking that had developed there.

2. Protection of Rights

Aligarh Movement created an awareness of the protection

of rights among the Muslims. Sir Syed spent whole of his
life in improving the educational, social, economic and
political affairs of the Muslims. Aligarh College was the
biggest educational institution of the Muslims. It’s
educated persons presented the problems of the masses
before the government that considered from favourably.
In 1906 the demand for separate electorate forwarded
through the Simla Deputation was accepted.
 3. Supply of Political
Leadership
The Muslims got education from Aligarh Movement and
made themselves capable to face Hindus and the English.
Muslim League was established by the educated political
leadership that also owed to Aligarh Movement. Political
awareness was created among the masses by Aligarh
Movement. In fact the struggle for the establishment was
originated from this movement.

4.Concept of Separate Nation

Aligarh Movement made the Muslims realized that they
were a separate nation having a glorious past, and also
made it clear that Hindus and Muslims were two nations
and could not unite together. Moreover Hindus were not
the well-wishers of Muslims. This two nation theory was
made the basis of Pakistan Movement by Allama Iqbal
and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who got a
separate homeland for Muslims.

4. Acquisition of Western
Education
The Aligarh Movement was the drive for modern Muslim
education made a weighty and lasting contribution to
the political emancipation of Indian Muslims. Muslims
were afraid of western education but they could not
make progress without it. As the source of modern
sciences was the English language so it was necessary
forthem to learn it. Therefore arrangements of western
sciences side by side with Islamic education were made
in Aligarh College that motivated a large number of
Muslims to get education. Aligarh Movement also
persuadedother affluent Muslims to start educational
institutions; and in a short time the Muslims became
prominent in the fields of English and modern
education. It alsobrought together like minded Muslims
to pursue the goals and ideals of promotion of
education and improvement of Muslims all over India.
We can say that the AligarhMovement played a pivotal
role in generating the Muslims who werefacing a
seriouspsychological depression and economic setback
after 1857.

5. Economic Progress
Aligarh Movement attracted the Muslims towards
education and made them enabled to improve their
economic conditions. By getting the share in
government jobs, the Muslims rose to the higher
positions, and in this way the economic condition of
the Muslims improved a lot.
 6. Muslim Unity

Aligarh Movement created a sense of Muslims nationality.

A Muslim wherever he lives in the world is a member of
Muslim ‘Nation’. In 1919 the educated youth of Aligarh
College launched Khilafat Movement for the Muslims of
Turkey. They created a sense of unity among the Muslims.
Hence feelings of union, relationship and brotherhood
were developed among them.

7. The Revival and

Regeneration of the
Muslims
The contribution and significance of Aligarh
Movement for the revival and regeneration of the
Muslims of Sub-Continent are commendable. Aligarh
developed as the most important center of the
intellectual development for the Muslims of South
Asia and its students those who studied at Aligarh
College came from all over India from different parts
of India; they were coming from Punjab, Bengal
Frontier and were also from South India. In a way it
had become a focal point for the Muslims of South
Asia for their education.
In addition to this there were a lot of intellectual activities
going on for example publication of different books and
the activities of Scientific Society and through these
activities there was a lot of intellectual stimulation which
was provided by the Aligarh Movement.

Conclusion
Aligarh Movement was a religio-political Movement which
contributed a lot for the regeneration and revival of the
Muslims of the Sub-Continent. Sir Syed and his colleagues
by their combined efforts tried to equip the Muslims
community of Sub-Continent with modern knowledge and
English language. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a visionary
leader and he envisioned that without acquiring modern
knowledge the Muslims cannot compete with the Hindus.
That’s why he advised the Muslims to acquire modern
language to regain their lost glory in the Sub-Continent.