Chapter # 1 –  Pakistan’s Ideology and its Historical Background

1.3 Major Political, Social and Religious Movements in the Subcontinent (1858-1924)

1.3.1. Discuss the Reasons that Led to the Start of Aligarh Movement in 1858.

What was the Aligarh Movement?

The Aligarh Movement refers to the educational initiatives led by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in Aligarh, India, during the latter part of the 19th century. The foremost aim of the Aligarh Movement was to revolutionize the circumstances of Indian Muslims by advocating for modern education.

Aims and objectives of Aligarh Movement

Following were the aims and objectives of the Aligarh Movement:

1. To promote modern education among Muslims and help them get rid of superstitions attached to it.

2. To create an atmosphere of goodwill and cooperation between British and Muslims.

3. To keep Muslims away from politics of agitation and confrontation against the British.

4. To improve the social, economic, and political status of Muslims of India.

Reasons that led to the start of Aligarh Movement

The inception of the Aligarh Movement was prompted by a series of factors that collectively underscored the socio-economic and political challenges faced by Muslims in India during the post-1857 period. These circumstances not only highlighted the need for reform but also served as catalysts for Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s visionary educational endeavors in Aligarh. Below are the key reasons that fueled the emergence of the Aligarh Movement:

Post-1857 Anti-Muslim British Policies

 Following the 1857 uprising, the British administration adopted a hostile stance toward Muslims, attributing sole responsibility to them for the rebellion. This antagonistic approach resulted in systemic socio-economic and political discrimination against Muslims, exacerbating their marginalization.

Educational Backwardness

The withdrawal of British support for Muslim schools and the promotion of English education deepened educational disparities. Muslims viewed modern education as a threat to their religious identity and consequently refrained from sending their children to English schools, resulting in widespread illiteracy and educational deprivation among Muslims.

Political Marginalization

Muslims, who had historically held political power in India, found themselves sidelined by the British in post-1857 political structures. Lack of representation in governance further alienated Muslims and fueled resentment toward British rule.

Economic Disenfranchisement

While non-Muslim communities cooperated with the British, Muslims faced economic marginalization. Hindrances in trade, employment discrimination, and land confiscation exacerbated the economic plight of Muslims, pushing them further into impoverishment.

Social Degradation and Discrimination

Muslims experienced social discrimination and mistreatment at the hands of Hindus and the British, leading to a decline in their social status. Non-Muslims enjoyed preferential treatment in government positions, exacerbating feelings of marginalization and alienation among Muslims.

Threats to Cultural and Religious Identity

The Hindi-Urdu controversy of 1867 exemplified the erosion of Muslim cultural and religious identity. The demand to replace Urdu with Hindi threatened the linguistic and cultural heritage of Muslims, leading to heightened communal tensions and reinforcing the need for reform.

Conclusion

The post-1857 socio-economic and political marginalization of Muslims served as the impetus for the Aligarh Movement. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan recognized the urgent need for reform and identified modern education as the means to uplift the Muslim community. Through the establishment of educational institutions like Aligarh Muslim University, Sir Syed aimed to empower Muslims and chart a path toward socio-political and economic progress in India.