Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the Hindi–Urdu Controversy and the Two-Nation Theory

Last time

Before we start: last time, in The War of Independence 1857 to 1858, you learned these points. Here they are again on one card. Keep them in mind, because today builds on them.

After 1857

After 1857, the British blamed Muslims most for the war. Muslims lost jobs, land and status, and many refused to learn English. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan believed Muslims could only recover through modern education and better relations with the British. This lesson covers his work, and the ideas that led to the Two-Nation Theory.

Improving relations

Sir Syed wrote The Causes of the Indian Revolt, explaining that British mistakes, such as not having Indians in the legislature, caused the war. He wrote The Loyal Muhammadans of India, showing that many Muslims had stayed loyal in 1857. He also wrote a commentary on the Bible, showing the shared roots of Islam and Christianity.

Education

He founded the Scientific Society in 1864, to translate Western books into Urdu. He set up a school at Aligarh in 1875, which became the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1877, teaching both Western subjects and Islam. He founded the Muhammadan Educational Conference in 1886, to spread modern education among Muslims.

Religion

Sir Syed argued that Islam and modern science did not conflict, and Muslims should study both. His journal, Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq, spread ideas of social and religious reform. Some religious scholars opposed him strongly, calling his ideas too Western.

The Hindi–Urdu Controversy

Urdu, written in Persian script, was the official language of much of northern India, and closely linked to Muslim culture. In 1867 some Hindus in Benares demanded that Hindi, in the Devanagari script, replace Urdu in government. Sir Syed saw this as a sign that Hindus and Muslims had different interests, a key step towards the Two-Nation Theory.

The Two-Nation Theory

The Two-Nation Theory held that Hindus and Muslims were two separate nations, with different religions, cultures, languages and ways of life. Sir Syed believed that in a democracy, the Hindu majority would always outvote Muslims. This idea later became the basis of the demand for Pakistan.

The Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885, by A. O. Hume, a retired British official, to give educated Indians a voice in government. It aimed to bring Indians and the British closer, and to win Indians a greater share in running the country. Sir Syed advised Muslims not to join, as he believed it would serve mainly Hindu interests.

Sir Syed's work

His work in three areas, with the key examples to use.

Most important contribution?

A question may ask which of his contributions mattered most: the Two-Nation Theory, education, or relations with the British. Education produced a new class of Muslim leaders, many of them from Aligarh, who later led the Pakistan movement. The Two-Nation Theory gave the movement its idea. Explain each, then decide, with a reason.

Mistakes that lose marks

Mistake one: writing a life story rather than his contributions. Mistake two: mixing up the Scientific Society, 1864, with the MAO College, 1877. Mistake three: a 10-mark answer that explains only one area. The fix: each contribution, its effect, then a judgement.

The full-marks tip

The full-marks tip: organise his work under relations, education, religion and politics, each with an example. For which-mattered-most, explain all the options given, then judge.

On one card

So, on one card: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Keep it for revision.