Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

Description

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a 19th-century educationist and reformer, pioneered modern education among Indian Muslims. He founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College in 1875, which became Aligarh Muslim University in 1920, revolutionizing Muslim thought and promoting intellectual growth. This book explores Sir Syed’s personal life, from his family’s shift from Mughal to British loyalty to his service under the British and motivations for modern education. It examines his childhood, relationships, and his mission to reform Muslim society through education. Filling a gap in English-language scholarship, this work offers fresh insights for researchers on Sir Syed, Aligarh Muslim University, and educational reform in India.

About the author

Ather Farouqui is a scholar of Urdu language politics and education in India. He attained his PhD from JNU under the mentorship of renowned political sociologist Imitiaz Ahmad. His prolific writings include three books published by the OUP and translations of three works dating to the Bahadur Shah Zafar period for Roli Books, and one for Hay House. He has received the Hindustani Translation Award from Sahitya Akademi. As the General Secretary of Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu (Hind), he plays a pivotal role in ensuring Urdu's canonization and global relevance.

Table of contents

Preface

1 Sir Syed’s Formative Years (1817–1857)

2 Sir Syed’s Period of Loyalty to the British, 1858–1870

3 Sir Syed’s Period of Gentility, 1870–1876

4 Sir Syed’s Period of Versatility, 1876 to 1890

5 Sir Syed’s Period of Apprehensions, 1890 to 1898

6 Inside Story: After Sir Syed, 1898 to 1903

Index