SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis attempts to study the salient features of the educational movement of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, its origin and development at broad stages, and its important achievements. For this purpose the thesis is divided into five chapters and certain sub-chapters. Chapter one deals with pre-Mutiny Indian Muslim life. A brief life sketch of Sir Syed is given, tracing the development of his religious, political and educational ideas up to the Mutiny. Chapter two deals with the first phase of the movement, when Sir Syed's efforts were still to educate the Muslims according to the old ideals, though in politics he sought to bring about a better understanding between the Muslims and the British Government. Chapter three reviews and discusses the formation during his stay in England of Sir Syed's policy of regenerating the Muslims spiritually, culturally and politically through education on Western lines. Chapter four is concerned with the activities of Sir Syed after his return from Europe up to 1878, when the M.A.O. College took a tangible shape. It is divided into three sub-chapters so as to permit the tracing of Sir Syed's activities in different fields-political, social and educational. It closes with the foundation of the College. Chapter five deals with the progress and achievements of the M.A.O. College. Attention is also paid to such of Sir Syed's outside activities as accelerated his success with the College. In the conclusion the effect of the new evidence produced in the thesis upon the views hitherto held of Sir Syed's movement are finally reviewed.