Karwaan-e-Aligarh

Founder Pro-Chancellor : Sir Aga Khan

2008-01-04T03:02:00.001-06:00

H.H. Sir Sultan Mohammed Shah, Aga Khan III

Born : 2nd November, 1877 in Karachi : British India now Pakistan
Died :11th July, 1957 : (Burried in Aswan, Egypt)
Spouse: Shahzadi Begum, granddaughter of Aga Khan I.
Married: 2 November 1896, in Poona, India

Cleope Teresa Magliano (1888-1926) Married: 1908
Andrée Joséphine Carron (1898 – 1976) Married: 13 December 1929, in Bombay, India
Yvonne Blanche Labrousse (February 1906 - 1 July 2000)
Married: 9 October 1944, in Geneva, Switzerland

Father: Aqa Ali Shah alias Aga Khan II (47th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims)
Mother :Nawab A'lia Shamsul-Mulk, A granddaughter of Fateh Ali Shah of Persia.
Children:Giuseppe Mahdi Khan (died February 1911) and Ali Solomone Khan

(1911-1960) from Cleope Teresa Magliano
Sadruddin Aga Khan from Andrée Joséphine Carron

Grandson : Karim Agha Khan : 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims
Giuseppe Mahdi Khan, Ali Solomone Khan,
Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan : Served as United Nations High

Commissioner for Refugees from 1966 to 1978

Career:

August 1885- 11th July, 1957 : 48th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims
1902 : Member, Imperial Legislative Council
1906-1913 :Founding President. All-India Muslim League
Visitor, MAO College Aligarh.
10th Jan. 1911 :Founding Chairman, Central Foundation Committee, Aligarh
17th Dec. 1920-April 1930: Founding Pro-Chancellor, Aligarh Muslim University
12th Nov. 1930 : Delegate, First Round Table Conference
1934-37 : Member, General Assembly of League of Nations
1937 : Member, Privy Council
1937-38 : President, General Assembly of League of Nations

Honors:
1897 :Knight Commander of the Indian Empire
1902 :Knight Grand Commander (GCIE)
1912 :Knight Grand Commander of the Indian Empire
1923 :G.C.N.R.

Books Authored:
India in Transition, about the prepartition politics of India
The Memoirs of Aga Khan, :Autobiography

H.H. Sir Sultan Mahommed Shah, Aga Khan III was the 48th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, a direct dissident of Fatmi dynasty. He was born on November 2, 1877 in Karachi (then British India, now Pakistan) to Aga Khan II and his third wife, Nawab A'lia Shamsul-Muluk, who was a granddaughter of Fath Ali Shah of Persia of Qajar dynasty. In 1885, at the young age of 7 , he succeeded his father as 48th Imam of the Shi'a Isma'ili Muslims. Under the care of his mother, he was given not only that religious and Oriental education which his position as the religious leader of the Ismailis made indispensable, but a sound European training, a boon denied to his father and paternal grandfather. This blending of the two systems of education produced the happy result of fitting this Muslim chief in an eminent degree both for the sacerdotal functions which pertained to his spiritual position, and for those social duties required of a great and enlightened leader which he was called upon to discharge by virtue of his position. He also attended Eton and Cambridge University.
On 2nd November, 1896 Sir Agha Khan III married to Shahzadi Begum, his first cousin and a granddaughter of Aga Khan I in Poona, India. He again married to Cleope Teresa Magliano (1888-1926), in 1908 in North Africa. They had two sons: Giuseppe Mahdi Khan (d. February 1911) and Ali Solomone Khan (1911-1960). Teresa, was known as Princess Aga Khan, died in 1926, following an operation on 1 December 1926. After the death of his second wife, Cleope Teresa Magliano he married to Andrée Joséphine Carron (1898 - 1976) , on 7 December 1929 (civil), in Aix-les-Bains, France, and 13 December 1929 (religious), in Bombay, India. Andrée Joséphine Carron became Princess Andrée Aga Khan. They had one son, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, in 1933. Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan had served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 1966 to 1978. The couple were divorced in 1943. Sir Agha Khan again married, on 9 October 1944, in Geneva, Switzerland, Yvonne Blanche Labrousse (February 1906 - 1 July 2000). She had been "Miss Lyon 1929" and "Miss France 1930". She is also known as Umm Habiba (Little Mother of the Beloved). In 1954, Sir Aga Khan named her "Mata Salamat".
Sir Agha Khan was one of the founders and the first president of the All-India Muslim League in 1906 in Dacca. In 1934 he was made a member of the Privy Council and served as a member of the League of Nations from1934 to 1937. He became the President of the League of Nations in 1937. The Aga Khan travelled in distant parts of the world to receive the homage of his followers, and with the object either of settling differences or of advancing their welfare by pecuniary help and personal advice and guidance. The distinction of a Knight Commander of the Indian Empire was conferred upon him by Queen Victoria in 1897 and later Knight Grand Commander in 1902 by Edward VII. He also received like recognition for his public services from the German emperor, the sultan of Turkey, the shah of Persia and other potentates. He was made a Knight Grand Commander of the Indian Empire by George V in 1912. In 1920, the Governor General of India appointed him as Foundin Pro-Chancellor of newly created Aligarh Muslim University. He wrote a number of books and papers two of which are of immense importance namely, India in Transition, about the prepartition politics of India and The Memoirs of Aga Khan, his autobiography.

He died on July 11, 1957 and buried in Aswan, Egypt at the Mausoleum of Aga Khan.The Aga Khan was succeeded by his grandson Karim Aga Khan, as 'Aga Khan' and is the present Imam of the Ismaili Muslims.

Association with Aligarh Movement:
H.H. Sir Aga Khan ascended to the throne of 48th Imam of Ismaili Muslims in August 1885 at an early age of 7 years. The charming Prince made his first visit to M.A.O. College at Aligarh in June 1896 at a very young age of 19 years. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan welcomed him in the historical Strachey Hall. Sir Aga Khan was impressed by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and his vision and mission. He extended his cooperation to Sir Syed and Aligarh Movement and never widthraw till his last breath. Sir Aga Khan believed that the root cause of Muslim backwardness in India was illiteracy, and therefore, education was the panacea for their ills. He thought that education should be a medium of service to others and a tool for modernization. He also considered the aim of education to be character building. In his book, The Aga Khan III, Mr. Islamuddin writes "It was he, who translated the dream of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan into reality, by raising the status of MAO College at Aligarh into a great Muslim University"[1]. Sirdar Ikbal Ali Shah states in "The Prince Aga Khan" (London, 1933, p. 65) that, "It was Sir Syed Ahmed who founded M.A.O. College at Aligarh, but it was the Aga Khan, an ardent enthusiastic promoter of the ideal of education, who has been mainly responsible for the raising of its status to that of a University"[2].
After the death of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1898, Sir Aga Khan III advised Mohsin al-Mulk, the Secretary of Aligarh College, to tour India to procure public opinion for the cause of Muslim University. His interest in the Aligarh College dates from the time when he was called upon to preside at an Educational Conference held at Delhi at the time of Lord Curzon's proclamation Durbar in 1902. He used the platform of Muslim Educational Conference to bring home to the Muslims, the importance of education, and Muslim University at Aligarh. In his Presidential address to the Muslim Educational Conference, the Aga Khan said: "If, then, we are really in earnest in deploring the fallen condition of our people, we must unite in an effort for their redemption and, first and foremost of all, an effort must now be made for the foundation of a University where Muslim youths can get, in addition to modern sciences, a knowledge of their glorious past and religion and where the whole atmosphere of the place, it being a residential University, nay, like Oxford, give more attention to character than to mere examinations. Muslims of India have legitimate interests in the intellectual development of their co-religionists in Turkey, Persia, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, and the best way of helping them is by making Aligarh a Muslim Oxford. We are sure that by founding this University we can arrest the decadence of Islam, and if we are not willing to make sacrifices for such an end, must I not conclude that we do not really care whether the faith of Islam is dead or not? We want Aligarh to be such a home of learning as to command the same respect of scholars as Berlin or Oxford, Leipzig or Paris. And we want those branches of Muslim learning, which are too fast passing into decay, to be added by Muslim scholars to the stock of the world's knowledge"[3]. Addressing the annual session of Muslim Educational Conference in 1903 at Bombay under the Chairmanship of Justice Badruddin Tayabji, the Aga Khan III said: "The farsighted among the Muslims of India desire a University, where the standard of learning should be the highest and where with the scientific training, there shall be that moral education, that indirect but constant reminder of the eternal difference between right and wrong, which is the soul of education. I earnestly beg of you that the cause of such a University should not be forgotten in the shouts of the market place that daily rise amongst us."

The plan for the Muslim University had by 1910 taken on the complexion and force of a national movement. The session of the All India Muslim Educational Conference at Nagpur in December, 1910 was presided by Abdullah Ibn Yusuf Ali Khan. In his address, Sir Aga Khan gave the signal for a concreted, nation-wide effort to raise the necessary funds for the projected University. In moving the resolution on the University, the Aga Khan III made a stirring speech. He said, "This is a unique occasion as His Majesty the King-Emperor is coming out to India. This is a great opportunity for us and such as is never to arise again during the lifetime of the present generation, and the Muslims should on no account miss it...We must make up and make serious, earnest and sincere efforts to carry into effect the one great essential movement which above all has a large claim on our energy and resources. If we show that we are able to help ourselves and that we are earnest in our endeavours and ready to make personal sacrifices, I have no doubt whatever that our sympathetic government, which only requires proper guarantees of our earnestness, will come forward to grant us the charter. `Now or never' seems to be the inevitable situation."
To make a concerted drive for the collection of funds, a Central Foundation Committee with the Sir Aga Khan III as Chairman with Maulana Shaukat Ali (1873- 1938) as his Secretary; and prominent Muslims from all walks of life as members was formed at Aligarh on January 10, 1911. The Aga Khan III accompanied by Maulana Shaukat Ali, who was still in government service and had taken a year's furlough, toured throughout the country to raise funds, visiting Calcutta, Allahabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Lahore, Bombay and other places. Willi Frischauer in his book, The Aga Khans writes, "His campaign for the Aligarh University required a final big heave and, as Chairman of the fund raising committee, he went on a collecting tour through India's main Muslim areas: `As a mendicant', he announced, `I am now going out to beg from house to house and from street to street for the children of Indian Muslims.' It was a triumphal tour. Wherever he went, people unharnessed the horses of his carriage and pulled it themselves for miles"[4].
The response to the touching appeal of the Sir Aga Khan III was spontaneous. On his arrival at Lahore, the daily "Peace" of Punjab editorially commented and called upon the Muslims "to wake up, as the greatest personality and benefactor of Islam was in their city." The paper recalled a remark of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan prophesying the rise of a hand from the unseen world to accomplish his mission. "That personality" the paper said, "was of the Sir Aga Khan III." On that day, the "London Times" commenting upon the visit, regarded him as a great recognised leader of Muslims. Allama Shibli Nomani was with Sir Aga Khan in the delegation for fund raiser to Lahore. Shibli recited a very passionate Persian poetry to motivate the audience for fund raiser. The significant aspect of the Aga Khan's fund collection drive was not the enthusiastic welcome accorded to him, but the house to house collection drive. Qayyum A. Malick writes in his book "Prince Aga Khan" that once the Aga Khan on his way to Bombay to collect funds for the university, the Aga Khan stopped his car at the office of a person, who was known to be his bitterest critic. The man stood up bewildered and asked, "Whom do you want Sir?" "I have come for your contribution to the Muslim university fund," said the Aga Khan. The man drew up a cheque for Rs. 5000/-. After pocketing the cheque, the Aga Khan took off his hat and said, "Now as a beggar, I beg from you something for the children of Islam. Put something in the bowl of this mendicant." The man wrote another cheque for Rs. 15000/- with moist eyes, and said, "Your Highness, now it is my turn to beg. I beg of you in the name of the most merciful God to forgive me for anything that I may have said against you. I never knew you were so great." The Aga Khan said, "Don’t worry! It is my nature to forgive and forget in the cause of Islam and the Muslims." The drive received further great fillip from the announcement of a big donation of one lac rupees by Her Highness Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum of Bhopal. The Aga Khan III was so moved by her munificence that in thanking her, he spoke the following words:
Dil'e banda ra zinda kardi,
dil'e Islam ra zinda kardi,
dil'e qaum ra zinda kardi,
Khuda'i ta'ala ba tufail'e Rasul ajarash be dahad”
It means, "You put life in the heart of this servant; you put life in the heart of Islam; you put life in the heart of the nation. May God reward you for the sake of the Prophet!”
In sum, Sir Aga Khan collected twenty-six lacs of rupees by July, 1912 in the drive and his personal contribution amounted to one lac rupees. [5]

On October 20, 1920, the Aligarh University was granted its official Charter. On December 17th, the Aligarh Muslim University came into being. According to the act (Section III) Sir Aga Khan was appointed as Founding Pro-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University. The inaugural ceremony of University took place on the 17th December, 1920. In spite of several obstacles, the Aga Khan continued his ceaseless efforts for the Muslim University, and further announced his annual grant of Rs. 10,000/- for Aligarh Muslim University, which was subsequently raised. On his behest a lot of individuals made their generous contributions to Aligarh Muslim University. For instance, Mr. Kassim Ali Jairajbhoy gave Rs. 1,25,000 to found chairs of Philosophy and Science in the Aligarh in memory of his father. It must be noted on this juncture that in January, 1857, Lord Canning (1856-1862) had passed the Acts of Incorporation in India which provided for the establishment of universities in Calcutta, Bombay and Madras. The fourth university was then established in 1882 by a Special Act of Incorporation in Punjab and the fifth was that of Allahabad University in 1887. Thus, by the end of 1902 there were five universities in India, and Aligarh Muslim University was the sixth one. It will remain as a historical reminder of the fact that the Sir Aga Khan gave continuity to the traditions of his ancestors as pioneers of education in Egypt and elsewhere - traditions associated with the foundation of Al-Azhar, the oldest existing university in the world, which to this day is crowded with students from all parts of the globe. The Aga Khan III instituted the Aga Khan Foreign Scholarship programme for the promising students. It is worth mentioning here that Dr. Sir Ziauddin Ahmad was one of the students of the Aga Khan in the sense that the Aga Khan paid for his years of study at Cambridge. Among other great Muslim scholars, who benefited from the munificent help were Dr. L.K. Hyder, the well known economist, Mr. Wali Muhammad, a great physicist, Dr. Zafarul Hasan, a learned theologian, and Dr. Zaki etc. "The Movement of establishing a Muslim University" writes Mumtaz Moin in his "The Aligarh Movement" [6], "is an important chapter of our history. Initiated by Waqar al-Mulk it soon became a live issue under the patronage of the Sir Aga Khan.
Sir Aga Khan was associated with Aligarh Movement till his last breath. He made numerous visits to Aligarh. In 1936, he suggested to establish engineering and Agriculture College in Aligarh Muslim University. His was a regular generous donor to support the Aligarh Muslim University. He delivered 20th Convocation address of Aligarh Muslim University in 1940. He served as pro-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University till April 1930. Aligarh Muslim University honored one of its great patrons by naming one of the hostel after him, “ Aga Khan House” in Sir Shah Sulaiman Hall.

[1] "The Aga Khan III" (Islamabad, 1978, p. 22) ,Islamuddin.
[2] "The Prince Aga Khan" (London, 1933, p. 65) , Sirdar Ikbal Ali Shah.
[3] "Khutbat-i Aliyah", Aligarh, 1927, Part I, p. 206.
[4] "The Aga Khans" (London, 1970, p. 76), Willi Frischauer
[5] "Prince Aga Khan" (Karachi, 1954, p. 64), Qayyum A. Malick
[6] "The Aligarh Movement" (Karachi, 1976, p. 184), Mumtaz Moin

Founder Chancellor : Begum Sultan Jahan

2007-12-29T06:23:00.000-06:00

H.H. Sultan Kaikhusrau Jahan Begum,
Ruler of Bhopal

Born: 9th July 1858, Princely state of Bhopal, India
Died: 12th May, 1930
Spouse:H.H. 'Ali Jah, Ihtisham ul-Mulk, Nasir ud-Daula, Nawab Ahmad 'Ali

Khan Bahadur of Muzaffar Nagar, Sultan Dulha Sahib, Nawab Consort of Bhopal
Father:General H.H. Nasir ud-Daula, Nawab Baqi Muhammad Khan
Mother:Sultan Shah Jahan Begum (29th July 1838- 16th June, 1901)

Ruler of Bhopal from 11th April 1845 to 30th April, 1860 &

2nd November 1868 to 16th June 1901)
Children:Nawab Hafiz Sir Muhammad Nasru'llah Khan Sahib Bahadur, KCSI
Al-Haj Mohsin ul-Mulk, Nawab Hafiz Muhammad Ubaidu'llah Khan

Sahib Bahadur, CSI
Al-Haj Nawabzada Hafiz Muhammad Hamidu'llah Khan

(Chancellor of AMU-Aligarh – 21st Sep. 1930 to 17th April 1935)
Sahabzadi Bilqis Jahan Begum
Sahabzadi Asif Jahan Begum

Career:
16th June 1901-29th April 926: Nawab Begum of Darul-Iqbal-i-Bhopal, Ruler of Bhopal
17th Dec.1920-12th May 1930:Founder Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
The first Indian woman to become a chancellor of an Indian University
1914: President. All-India Muslim Ladies Conference
1918: Founder, All India Ladies Association

Honors:

1st Jan 1910 :Knight Grand Commander (GCSI)
24th June, 1904: Knight Grand Commander (GCIE)
CI (1st Dec. 1911), GBE (27th Dec. 1917) Delhi Durbar gold medal (1903), Coronation medal (1911 with Durbar clasp), DGBStJ (17.3.1916),
20.8.1911: Order of Nobility (Nishan-i-Majidi) 1st class in brilliants of Turkey

Books Authored:
Bachoon Ki Parvarish
Gohar e Iqbal
Gule Khanda
Hayat e Shah Jahani (Persian)
Hayat e Shah Jahani (Urdu)
Rouzatur Riyaheen
The Story of a Pilgrimage to Hijaz
Hidayat uz-Zaujan
Sabil ul-Jinan
Tandurusti (Health)
Hidayat Timardari
Maishat-o-Moashirat

H.H. Sikander Saulat, Iftikhar ul-Mulk, Nawab Sultan Kaikhusrau Jahan Begum Sahiba, Nawab Begum of Darul-Iqbal-i-Bhopal, was born at Bhopal on 9th July 1858. She was eldest child of the family of H.H. Nawab Sultan Shah Jahan Begum Sahiba, Nawab Begum of Dar ul-Iqbal-i-Bhopal, and General H.H. Nasir ud-Daula, Nawab Baqi Muhammad Khan Bahadur, Umrao Dulha, Nusrat Jang. Her younger sister, Sahibzadi Sulaiman Jahan Begum Sahiba was born at Bhopal on 26th November 1860, but died from smallpox on 8th June 1865. So Begum Kaikhusrau Sultan Jahan, popularly known as Begum Sultan Jahan was only surviving child and heir of Darul-Iqbal-i-Bhopal. As per the Islamic and royal traditions of Darul-Iqbal-i-Bhopal, she was privately educated at the place. Her maternal grandmother, Nawab Sikandar Begum Sahiba paid special attention on her education. Qualified teachers and instructors were appointed for Urdu, Persian, Arabic and English. She was trained in horse riding, shooting and archery. She also learned handicraft, traditional arts and Calligraphy. Special attention were paid for Islamic and Quranic studies. On 30th October 1868, Begum Sultan Jahan’s grandmother Nawab Sikandar Begum Sahiba, ruler of Bhopal died due to kidney failure and H.H. Nawab Sultan Shah Jahan Begum took over the rein of Bhopal. Young Sultan Jahan Begum became the Crown Princes of Bhopal. Her strict academic schedule got affected due to her engagements with state affairs being as crown princes but she managed to continue her academic pursuit. She continued to receive Tafseerul Quran lessons from Maulvi Jamaluddin Khan and Persian lessons from Maulvi Mohammad Ayub. In spite of her busy schedules, she never missed her English lessons. Her acceptance speech at coronation ceremony was remarkable and long lasting impression on the attendees.
Begum Sultan Jahan was married to H.H. 'Ali Jah, Ihtisham ul-Mulk, Nasir ud-Daula, Nawab Ahmad 'Ali Khan Bahadur, Sultan Dulha Sahib, Nawab Consort of Bhopal at Shaukat Mahal, Bhopal on 1st February 1874. Nawab Ahmad 'Ali Khan Bahadur was born in January 1854 at state of Jelallabad of Muzaffar Nagar. Allah blessed them with 5 children; Nawab Hafiz Sir Muhammad Nasru'llah Khan Sahib Bahadur, KCSI, Al-Haj Mohsin ul-Mulk, Nawab Hafiz Muhammad Ubaidu'llah Khan Sahib Bahadur, CSI, Al-Haj Nawabzada Hafiz Muhammad Hamidu'llah Khan, Sahabzadi Bilqis Jahan Begum and Sahabzadi Asif Jahan Begum.

On 16th June1901, H.H. Nawab Sultan Shah Jahan Begum Sahiba, ruler of Bhopal died and Nawab Sultan Kaikhusrau Jahan Begum, the only surviving child of Sultan Shah Jahan begum became the Ruler of Bhopal. The official Installation ceremony was held on 4th July, 1901 at the Sadar Manzil, Bhopal. On 4 July 1901, Sultan Jahan assumed the title of ruler of Bhopal at the mature age of 43 after serving 33 arduous, harrowing years under Shah Jahan as heir apparent. All three preceding Begums had mounted the masnad at a young age – Qudsia Jahan was 19 when she became regent of Bhopal, Sikandar Jahan was regent of Bhopal at 26, while Shah Jahan was titular ruler of Bhopal at the age of seven and full fledged Begum of Bhopal at 30. As she was proclaimed ruler of Bhopal, Sultan Jahan looked older then her 43 years. Immediately after Begum Shah Jahan’s death, the British moved quickly to announce her succession as ruler of Bhopal. The Investiture Durbar was held at Sadar Manzil of Bhopal, at which Mr. Wyndham represented Lord Curzon, the Viceroy and Governor-General of India, the first assistant to the resident. Soon after becoming the Ruler of Bhopal, begum Sultan Jahan lost her husband. Nawab Ahmad 'Ali Khan Bahadur died on 4th January 1902 in Bhopal. As Sultan Jahan took over the states administration, she found that the cupboard was bare. Shah Jahan and her henchmen had dissipated the finances to the extent that the state was heavily in debt and only 40,000 rupees were left in the treasury. A fighter by nature, Sultan Jahan resolved to put matters right, rolled up her sleeves and began the uphill task of rehabilitation and revival. For over a year Sultan Jahan built up her own team of upright and conscientious officials who helped her put the ship of state back on an even keel Sultan Jahan’s first task was to gain confidence of her rural subjects and helping Bhopal recover from Shah Jahan’s lax and divisive rule. Sultan Jahan’s visit to the outlying villages was not simply representational tours, but serious attempts at seeking solutions to agrarian problems. The atmosphere was all work and austerity, with long hours spent listening to the plaints of village folks. There was no shikar, polo playing or midnight revelry as in Shah Jahan’s days, but an ambiance of rigorous hard work for herself and her staff. She inducted her grown-up sons, Nasrullah and Obaidullah, into the process of governance and administration and even “little Hamid”, her eight-year-old third son, accompanied his mother to be given a taste of royal responsibility. She further advanced the emancipation of women and established a modern municipality in 1903. By 1911, King Edward VII of England had died and George V was to be crowned. Sultan Jahan was invited to attend the Coronation in London. Sultan Jahan left heir apparent Nasrullah in Bhopal to hold the fort while she took Obaidullah, his wife Shahryar Dulhan, Hamid and his child bride Maimoona Sultan with her on her journey to Europe. She attended the coronation of King George V in 1911 dressed in a burqa with her awards worn on the outside. During the trip, she visited Paris, a spa in Bad Nauenheim in Germany, spent a week in Genève and travelled by the Orient Express to Istanbul, where she met the sultan-emperor, Mehmet Reshad. She also visited Hungary, Italy and Egypt where she embarked on her return journey to a Bhopal struck by plague. Later that year she attended the Imperial Dunbar in Delhi. She introduced free compulsory primary education in 1918. She Established an Executive and Legislative Council in 1922. A great reformer, like her mother and grandmother, she reformed taxation, the army, police, the judiciary and jails, expanded agriculture, and constructed extensive irrigation and public works. She established an appointed state council and legislative assembly, and instigated elections for municipalities. However, her main legacy is public health, by pioneering widespread inoculation and vaccination program, improving sanitation, hygiene and the water supply. On 29th April 1926, while still away from Bhopal in London, Sultan Jahan informed the secretary of state for India, Lord Stamfordham that she was abdicating as Begum of Bhopal in favor of her son, Al-Haj Nawabzada Hafiz Muhammad Hamidu'llah Khan. A decision that stupefied the British ministers. There was another flurry of legal controversy in the Viceroy’s Secretariat questioning the Begum’s right to abdicate as ruler of Bhopal. The Begum refused to accept, and the British eventually accepted on 17th May 1926 accepting Hafiz Hamidullah Khan as the ruler of Bhopal. . After her abdication, she became an advocate of women’s right. The peaceful rule of Begums led to the rise of a unique mixed culture in Bhopal. The Hindus were given important administrative positions in the state. This led to communal peace and a cosmopolitan culture took its roots.

H.H. Begum Sultan Jahan died on 12th May 1930 at Qasr-e-Sultani Palace in Bhopal and buried near the grave of Pir Zia ud-din.

Association with Aligarh Movement:

The royal family of Bhopal was always supportive to Aligarh Movement. H.H. Begum Shah Jahan supported Scientific Society, donated a sum of 10,000 Rupees for M.A.O. College Jama Masjid construction. Begum Sultan Jahan was very much supportive to the vision and mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. She took over the rein of Bhopal after the death of Sir Syed, but always helped M.A.O. College with a great generosity. When Nawab Viqarul Mulk was Secretary of College, a better understanding was developed between M.A.O. College and Begum Sultan Jahan. In 1910, she enrolled her son, Hafiz Hamidullah Khan to M.A.O. College Aligarh. This represented an historic step for the Bhopal royal family, as Hafiz Hamidullah Khan was the first of its members to be given a formal university education. She and other members of the family donated a sum of 50000/- Rupees for College building fund. All India Muslim Educational Conference established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was also receiving regular support from Begum Sultan Jahan. She visited Aligarh on 27th February, 1914 and laid the foundation stone of All India Muslim Educational Conference building. This building is now known as “Sultan Jahan Manzil”. When H.H. Agha Khan stopped his annual financial help to the College, H.H. Begum Sultan Jahan persuaded him to continue his support for the College. H.H. Agha Khan was convinced and restarted his annual generous donation to College Fund. In annual session of Muslim Educational Conference in 1910, the idea of Muslim University was made public and H.H. Agha Khan and Nawab Viqarul Mulk visited H.H. Begum Sultan Jahan in Allahabad. She immediately donated 100,000/- (One Lakh Rupees for the cause of Muslim University). She also promised to donate money for electricity and electrical appliance for the College. She extended her full support for Muslim University and promised to talk to other princely states, landlord and wealth people and specially to H.H. Nizam of Hyderabad for their support for Muslim University. When the fund raising for Muslim University was started, Bhopal was one of the Provincial Center and Begum Sultan Jahan took a lead role to raise funds. She made encouraging speeches at different places including Price of Wales Ladies Club. She accepted the plaque of Honor from The MAO College Trustees and visited Aligarh to inaugurate Sultan Jahan Building in 1915. She had an open discussion with Trustees and MAO College staff. She gave invaluable advises to the students, staff and Trustees. She also fully financed Allama Shibli Nomani’s Seeratun-Nabi publication. Even after the death of Allama Shibli Nomani, H.H. Begum Sultan Jahan supported Allama Shibli’s designated heir and disciple Maulana Syed Sulaiman Nadvi.

H.H. Begum Sultan Jahan paid attention to women education and supported Mohammad Girls School of Aligarh started by Sheikh Abdullah (Papa Min). The management of Girls school was looking for an acceptable curriculum but due to lack of funds were a major roadblock. H.H. Begum Sultan Jahan paid special attention and donated generously to develop a proper curriculum for women education. She took personal interest and developed an outline of curriculum and presented it in her Presidential address of the women education session of the annual Muslim Educational Conference on 5th December 1911. She proposed the idea of Home science in the curricula of women education to make it more attractive for majority of the community. In her visit to Aligarh in 1915, she inaugurated the Girls School building laid the foundation stone for girl’s hostel.

On December 17th, the Aligarh Muslim University came into being. According to the act (Section III) the first Chancellor, the first Pro-Chancellor and the first Vice-Chancellor were to be appointed by the Governor General of India. In an Annexure the act gave a list of 124 Foundation members of the First AMU Court. The Governor General of India, Lord Chelmsford appointed H.H. Mohammad Ali Mohammad, Raja Mahmudabad as its first Vice- Chancellor. Her Highness Sultan Jahan Begum of Bhopal and H.H. Sir Agha Khan were respectively appointed as Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University. The inaugural ceremony of University took place on the 17th December, 1920.

In spite of her busy schedule Begum Sultan Jahan used to participate in University Function. She presided over the First Convocation of newly established Aligarh Muslim University on 28th December, 1922. In her presidential address, Begum Sultan Jahan said;
“We meet today to celebrate the First Convocation of our University, the fruit of fifty years of our national exertion and aspirations. To the pioneer of this movement, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Mohsinul Mulk and Viqarul Mulk, who first saw the vision of a common and united centre of Muslim culture, and who devoted their lives to its realization, the nation owes a great debt of gratitude. Great would have been their happiness to see their efforts crowned with success. With this noble system of education at the back, The University will rear the genius of men like, Averroes and Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Sheikh Saadi, Al-Ghazali, Ibne Musa, Abu Maashar-i-Falaki, Shah Waliullah, Shah Abdul Azeez, Haali and Shibli, who will rekindle the spark of Islamic civilization and usher in a brighter and more glorious era in the annals of Islam.”

Begum Sultan Jahan also addressed the annual convocation of 1925. She extended her support and served as Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University till her last breath. After her sad demise on 12th May 1930, her son, ruler of Bhopal and M.A.O. College alumnus, Nawab Hafiz Hamidullah Khan was elected as Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.

Founder Vice-Chancellor: Mohammad Ali Mohammad, Raja Mahmudabad

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H.H. Sir Mohammad Ali Mohammad,

Khan Bahadur, Raja Mahmudabad

Father’s Name: Amirud-Daulah Raja Amir Hasan Khan
Grandfather: Raja Nawab Ali Khan (Fought in the first war of independence in 1857).
Date of birth: June 4th, 1878, Mahmudabad, Sitapur (UP)-India
Died: March 23, 1931
Children: 2 daughters, 2 sons. Elder son Raja Amir Ahmad Khan became Raja Mahmudabad after the death of his father Sir Muhammad Ali Mohammad Khan.

Career:

Raja Mahmudabad – 28th June 1903 to December, 1931.
Trustee MAO College: 1906-1920
Member: UP legislative Council 1904-1909
Member: Council of Governor General of India 1907-1920
Founder: Lucknow University (UP): 1920
Home Minister: 1920-26 First Indian Member of The Administrative Council of
Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler, Governor of United Province.

President: Sessions of the All India Muslim League in 1917, 1918 and 1928.
Member Council of State: 1927, Elected unopposed as Member of Council of States.
Host: Muslim Educational Conference: 1904 Lucknow
President: Muslim Educational Conference: 1909 Rangoon

Founding Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University:

17th December 1920 to 28th February, 1923.

His Highness, Sir Mohammad Ali Mohammad Khan of Mahmudabad, popularly known as Raja Mahmudabad was born on 4th June, 1878 in the royal estate of Mahmudabad, in Sitapur (United Province) India. After completing his primary education of Arabic, Persian and Urdu in Mahmudabad, he joined English School for modern education. His father, Amirud-Daulah Raja Amir Hasan Khan died on 28th June, 1903 and the young Mohammad Ali Mohammad Khan became the Raja of Mahmudabad. The official coronation was held on 1st January 1905 in the presence of Governor of United Provence. The estate of Mahmudabad had its rule over a large part of Barabanki, Sitapur, Balrampur and Nanparah. Raja Mahmudabad was very humble, kind, generous and nationalist person. His hospitality was known in the nation. He was a poet and extensively wrote “Marsia” with pen name of “Mohib”. He spent his life and wealth for community and nation building. On 1st January, 1920, Montego-Chelmsford Report recommendations were implemented and a friend of Raja Mahmudabad, Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler was appointed as Governor of UP. Sir Harcourt Butler appointed Raja Mahmudabad as Home Minister in his Administrative Council. Raja sahib was first Indian to be a member of Sir Butler’s administrative council. He served in the council till 1926. He played a key role in Indian freedom struggle. When Indian national Congress leaders, including Motilal Nehru was jailed in Lucknow, Raja sahib helped in their release. He played a key role to make Lucknow as the capital of UP and foundation of Lucknow University. He became Trustee of MAO College in 1906. He was also actively involved in the campaign for a Muslim University. On 17th December, when M.A.O. College became Aligarh Muslim University, Raja Mahmudabad was appointed as its founding Vice-Chancellor. For his passion for the community services, he was honored with K.C.S.I. and became Sir Mohammad Ali Mohammad Khan Bahadur.

Raja Mahmudabad died on March 23rd, 1931. His eldest son, Raja Amir Ahmed Khan, who was born on November 5, 1914, took over the rein of Mahmudabad at a very young age. Raja Amir Ahmed Khan also became popular as 'Raja Sahib of Mahmudabad', was a gifted disciple and trusted associate of Quaid- e-Azam at a very early age.

Founder of Lucknow University:
The idea of starting a University at Lucknow was first mooted by Raja Sir Mohammad Ali Mohammad Khan, Khan Bahadur, K.C.I.E. of Mahmudabad, who contributed an article to the columns of "The Pioneer'' urging the foundation of a University at Lucknow. A little later Sir Harcourt Butler, K.C.S.I., K.C.I.E, was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the United Provinces, and his well-known interest in all matters under his jurisdiction, specially in matters educational, gave fresh life and vigour to the proposal. The first step to bring the University into being was taken when a General Committee of educationists and persons interested in university education appointed for the purpose, met in conference at Government House, Lucknow, on November, 10, 1919. At this meeting Sir Harcourt Butler, who was in the chair, outlined the proposed scheme for the new university. A discussion followed, and it was resolved that Lucknow University should be a Unitary, Teaching, and Residential University of the kind recommended by the Calcutta University Mission, 1919, and should consist of Faculties of Arts, including Oriental Studies, Science, Medicine, Law, etc. A number of other resolutions was also passed and six sub-committees were formed, five of them to consider questions connected with the University and one to consider the arrangements for providing Intermediate Education. These sub-committees met during the months of November and December, 1919, and January, 1920; and the reports of their meetings were laid before a second Conference of the General Committee at Lucknow on January 26, 1920; their proceedings were considered and discussed, and the reports of five of the sub-committees were, subject to certain amendments, confirmed. The question of incorporation of the Medical College in the University, however, was for the time being left open for expression of opinion. At the close of the Conference donations of one lakh each from the Raja of Mahmudabad and Jahangirabad were announced.
The resolutions of the first Conference together with the recommendations of the sub-committees as confirmed at the second Conference were laid before a meeting of the Allahabad University on March 12, 1920, and it was decided to appoint a sub-committee to consider them and report to the Senate. The report of the sub-committee was considered at an extraordinary meeting of the Senate on August 7, 1920, at which the Chancellor presided, and the scheme was generally approved. In the meantime the difficulty of The Court of the University was constituted in March, 1921, and the first meeting of the Court was held on March 21, 1921, at which the Chancellor presided. The other University authorities such as the Executive Council, the Academic Council, and Faculties came into existence in August and September, 1921. Other Committees and Boards, both statutory and otherwise, were constituted in course of time. On July 17, 1921, the University undertook teaching -- both formal and informal. Teaching in the Faculties of Arts, Science, Commerce, and Law were being done in the Canning College and teaching in the Faculty of Medicine in the King George's Medical College and Hospital. The Canning College was handed over to the University on July 1, 1922, although previous to this date the buildings, equipment, staff, etc., belonging to the Canning College had been ungrudgingly placed at the disposal of the University for the purposes of teaching and residence. The King George's Medical College and the King George's Hospital were transferred by the Government to the University on the March 1, 1921. The following three Colleges provided the nucleus for the establishment of the University:
The King George's Medical College. (Now Known as King George's Medical University)
The Canning College.
The Isabella Thoburn College.
This was a rich inheritance for the new-born University in 1920, both materially and intellectually, and it brought with it also the richest of all heritages "a fine tradition of some fifty-five years in the case of the Canning College and some nine years in the case of the King George's Medical College." To this the generous taluqdars of Oudh added an endowment of nearly thirty lakhs. The support from Sir Harcourt Butler's Government was strong and hearty. Since then the Government of the United Provinces has annually contributed a substantial share towards the maintenance of the University.

Association with Aligarh Movement:

Raja Mahmudabad, H.H. Mohammad Ali Mohammad, Khan Bahadur, was always keen in helping the community and specially Muslims of India. He was a strong believer of Sir Syed’s vision and follower of Aligarh Movement. He was convinced that educational development of Muslims of India will lead to a strong community and nation. Due to his passion for educational upliftment of Indian Muslims, he fully financed the 1904 session of Muslim Educational conference held in Lucknow under the chairmanship of Nawab Mohsinul Mulk. He also donated fifty thousand rupees (Rs.50,000/-) for scientific educational development at Mohammedan Anglo Oriental (MAO) College of Aligarh. In 1906, he was appointed as one of the trustee of MAO College Management Committee. In 1906, he joined a deputation which waited on Lord Minto, Governor General of India, under the leadership of H.H. Sir Agha Khan to demand for the religious and constitutional rights for Muslims of India. His strong commitment for the educational development of Indian Muslims led him to preside the 1909 session of Muslim Educational Conference in Rangoon at a very young age of 31 years. Raja sahib always supported the campaign for the Muslim University.

On December 17th, the Aligarh Muslim University came into being. According to the act (Section III) the first Chancellor, the first Pro-Chancellor and the first Vice-Chancellor were to be appointed by the Governor General of India. In an Annexure the act gave a list of 124 Foundation members of the First AMU Court. The Governor General of India, Lord Chelmsford appointed H.H. Mohammad Ali Mohammad, Raja Mahmudabad as its first Vice- Chancellor. Her Highness Sultan Jahan Begum of Bhopal and H.H. Sir Agha Khan were respectively appointed as Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University. The inaugural ceremony of University took place on the 17th December, 1920.

On 17th December, 1920 Raja Mahmudabad joined as Founding Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and immediately gave a generous donation of One Lakh rupees to College fund. The first meeting of University Court was held on 21st march, 1921 under the leadership of Raja sahib and Nawab Syed Mohammad Ali, the Honorary Secretary of M.A.O. College, was elected Honorary Treasurer, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad, Principal of M.A.O. College, was made Pro-Vice Chancellor. Syed Sajjad Hyder, a member of the Court, was appointed Registrar and Mr. Abul Hasan, who had been Assistant Secretary of the College, was appointed Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor. As the University ordinances had not yet been framed, the Government of India invested the Vice-Chancellor with extraordinary powers to deal with all matters of detail. Vice-Chancellor, Raja Mahmudabad put extra efforts to give a shape to the newly established University. To avoid delay and dislocation, he appointed Nawab Syed Mohammad Ali as his delegate to finish the works which he was not able to complete as Honorary Secretary. In Raja sahib’s leadership during 1922-23 the Executive regulations were framed. On the recommendation of Calcutta University Commission, a separate Intermediate College was started comprising of class IX, X, XI and XII and Major E. W. Dann was appointed its Principal. Later Prof. Abdul Majeed Quraishi was appointed as its Principal and Major Dann was requested to establish department of Geography.

The period of Raja Mahmudabad as Vice-Chancellor was a tough time. Due to the Non-Cooperation Movement, the student strength fell to 512 from 838. Vigorous efforts had therefore to be made to retrieve the position of institution. Administrative reorganization, need for coordination and financial difficulties were major issues to be addressed immediately. Notwithstanding the financial and other limitations, Raja sahib thus visualized its development programme. “A Training College for teachers is a crying necessity. A Technological institution is no less urgently needed. Provision for the study of the sciences of medicine and surgery will have sooner or later to be made.” Raja sahib did some significant addition to the staff of the University. Dr. D.N. Mallick, professor of Presidency College Calcutta joined AMU as Professor of Physics and Chemistry. Mr. Mohammad Habib, who obtained Honors from the University of Oxford was appointed as professor of history. Mr. N.K. Mukerji was appointed principal of the Training College. Raja sahib’s generous contribution of one lakh rupees made possible to purchase 193 bighas of land for the expansion of University. During his tenure as VC, a lot of constructions were done e.g. Completion of Clock tower, Osmania Hostel, School Staff Quarters, Enclosure Wall round Minto Circle, Completion of the half western wing of Osmania Hostel and Intermediate College lecture Rooms.

The Vice-Chancellor, Raja Mahmudabad resigned with effect from March 1, 1923 due to pressure of his official duties as Home Minister in U.P. Government. Even after resigning from AMU as its Vice-Chancellor, his association with the University was never diminished. Aligarh Muslim University honored one of his great mentors by naming a hostel after him. Mahmudabad Hostel is part of Sir Shah Sulaiman Hall

Principal MAO College : William A.J. Archbold

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William A.J. Archbold

Born: 1865 - England
Died: 1929 - England

Principal of MAO College: 16th October, 1905 to 31st Oct, 1909

Founder Secretary: Appointment Association, University of Cambridge

Secretary: Board of Indian Civil Services Studies

Books:

Twentieth-Century Essays & Addresses
Outlines of Indian Constitutional History (British Period)
Bengal haggis; the lighter side of Indian life

The romantic movement in English literature; a series of illustrative passages arranged with an introduction and brief biographies

Essays on teaching of history

The Somerset Religious Houses. Prince Consort Dissertation, 1890

Editor: Dictionary of National Biography.

William A. J. Archbold was born in England in 1865. He completed his graduation in Law in 1887. After completing his Law degree, he received WHEWELL SCHOLARSHIP in 1888 and started working as editor for Dictionary of National Biography. He established Appointment Association in University of Cambridge and served as its founding Secretary for 3 years.

In 1905 when Prof. Theodore Morrison resigned from the position of Principal MAO College, Mr. Archbold was working University of Cambridge and writing a book on French History for Cambridge University Press. MAO College made an offer to Mr. Archbold for principal MAO College which he accepted. A delegation of MAO College Old Boys comprising Shaikh Abdullah, Barrister Rafiuddin, Syed Abid Hussain and Sahebzada Aftab Ahmad Khan went to Bombay to receive him. Mr. Archbold was known as an able administrator before his joining as Principal of MAO College.

Mr. Archbold was well aware of his responsibilities as MAO College Principal. AT one occasion of dinner he said; “No one would succeed in the work, who did not have sympathy with the history, traditions, and aspirations of the MAO College.”

In the early 20th century i.e. in May 1906, the MAO College Students' Union had passed a resolution for Hindu-Muslim cooperation to fight against British imperialism. Mr. Archbold, Principal, Mohammadan Anglo Oriental College, therefore in August 1906 had tried to ensure the 'aloofness of the students from political agitation'. But the national and international development had created such a context that forced MAO College to produce many leaders, who asserted against the British imperialism and had joined the national movement of agitational politics which bore many fruits, including few Head of States

Mr. Archbold played a notable role in organizing Muslims Deputation which waited on the Viceroy, Lord Minto at Shimla, 1st Oct. 1906. The 1906 delegation to the viceroy was an announcement by John Morley, the secretary of state for India that his government proposed to introduce constitutional reforms in India. When Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk, Secretary MAO College Board of Trustees, heard about it, he wrote to Mr. Archbold, Principal of MAO College, who was then vacationing at Shimla. In his letter, Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk emphasized the importance of the occasion and asked Archbold to inquire whether Lord Minto, would receive a delegation of Indian Muslims, who wished to put before him their views about the projected constitutional reforms. The viceroy agreed. That initiative, as Bimal Prasad has emphasized (and documented), came entirely from Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk; not even from Archbold, let alone the British.

Mohammad Ali's phrase `command performance' was baseless and mischievous. When Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk got the green light from Shimla, a Memorial was prepared and discussed with some Muslim leaders at Lucknow. The big issue of the day that concerned both the Viceroy and the Muslims of the new province of East Bengal and Assam was the powerful ongoing agitation to annul the Partition of Bengal. Nawab Salimullah of Dacca and Nawab Ali Choudhury insisted at Lucknow that the Memorial should ask for an assurance that the Partition would not be annulled. But Aligarh Movement Leaders was not interested in that issue, which was not even mentioned in the Memorial. Nawab Salimullah of Dacca, therefore, refused to join the delegation although Nawab Ali Choudhury participated in the delegation.The viceroy too appears to have been disappointed that the Bengal Partition issue was not included in the Memorial. Lord Minto took it up on his own bat. In his reply, he reminded "The Mahomedan community of Eastern Bengal and Assam [that they] can rely as firmly as ever on British justice and fair-play." The delegation had asked for separate electorates and a fairer quota of representation in the viceroy's council, his executive council, in provincial councils and on senates and syndicates of the Indian Universities. They had reiterated the demand for a Muslim University. They sought a Muslim quota in the government service and the appointment of Muslim judges on the Bench. These were all predictable demands of the Muslim Salariat and professionals. In response, Lord Minto "promised … nothing, except sympathy.”So much for the `command performance'! Even the memorandum presented by them to Lord Minto had been carefully drafted, agreed upon and settled in advance between Mr. Archbold, the Principal of Muhammadan Anglo Oriental College and Dunlop Smith, the Private Secretary to the Viceroy. The British Government in India had taken advance action to give the widest publicity to this whole affair in the British Press in London, how India was not one nation, how it was not suited for democratic institutions, how Muslims were standing by the Empire and how Muslim patriotism and statesmanship had pricked the bubble of the treasonable Bengal Hindu agitators.

From the time of Sir Syed, European staff of MAO College were very powerful and during Nawab Mohsinul Mulk’s Secretaryship, they became even more stronger, specially Principal of MAO College were acting way beyond there authority due to their closeness with British Empire in India. After the death of Nawab Mohsinul Mulk, Nawab Viqarul Mulk was elected unanimously Secretary by the Board of Trustees of MAO College and took over charge in January 1908 at the age of 67. He had sharp differences with the European staff of College but Sir Syed and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk believed in Anglo Muslim alliance. He, therefore, tried to put the necessary checks on the unquestionable authority of the Principal, which led to a serious clash between him and the European staff resulting in the resignation of Principal Archbold. The matter became so serious that it went to the level of Lt. Governor. However, Viqarul Mulk did not yield on the question of autonomy of the Institution. From a political point of view, his secretaryship was hard and stormy but he worked with courage.

After resigning from MAO College Aligarh in 1909, Principal Archbold served as Principal of Govt. College Dacca and then Muir Central College Allahabad.

Principal MAO College: Theodore Morrison

2007-08-08T23:25:00.000-05:00

Theodore Morrison
Born: 1863, England
Died: February, 1936 England
Father’s Name:
Professor of English at MAO College: 1889 to 1899
Principal of MAO College: 29th October, 1899 to 1st March, 1905)
Founder Secretary Old Boys Association: 1890-1899
Finance Secretary MAO College
Visitor: MAO College
President Muslim Educational Conference
Member-Secretary of Secretary of State’s Council: 1906-1916
Books: The Industrial Organization of an Indian Province

Prof. Theodore Morrison, a graduate of University of Cambridge, founder of Proctorial System of MAO College, founder Secretary of Old Boys Association, guardian and guide of Sir Ross Masood and Principal of M.A.O. College was born in 1863 in England. After completing his education from University of Cambridge, he joined department of education. He was appointed as educational advisor to young rulers of Chattarpur (Bundel-Khand) and Charkhari (Hamirpur) and moved to India.

Association with MAO College and Aligarh Movement:

In the year of 1889, he was appointed as a Professor of English at MAO College. He was very kind and full of love for his students. At the same time he was much disciplined and never tolerated any indiscipline in college campus. He served as a professor in college till 1999. He served almost 10 years as a Professor of English at MAO College. He was having great respect for Sir Syed and Sir Syed also loved him. Prof. Morrison was very popular among the students. In 1999 he went to England for vacation and resigned from his teaching job of MAO College. This was a big loss for MAO College. On 2nd September, 1899 Principal Theodore Beck died in Shimla and MAO College offered the job of Principal to Prof. Theodore Morrison which he accepted and joined the new job on 29th October 1899.

The 5 year tenure of Prof. Morrison as MAO College Principal was among distinctive period of MAO College. He paid much attention to the educational upliftment of MAO College. He paid special attention to the discipline of MAO College and established Proctorial System at MAO College. Hostel life of MAO College became disciplined and peaceful. He took keen interests in discipline and hygiene of student’s community. The college discipline was in good shape during his tenure as Principal. He was very affectionate to his students but never compromised on discipline issues. He established Proctorial system in the college and appointed Mir Wilayat Hussain as Proctor. He enforced student’s 24-hour time table. He equally enforced discipline among his staff and never tolerated indiscipline in their teachings and schedules. His disciplined approach paid and the college results were improved and student strength started growing. In 1899 when he joined as principal, student strength were 465 but 1903 it became 713. At the same time the performance of the students were also on the rise. From 1900 to 1904, the rate of success in B.A. examinations was between 71% and 79%. Principal Morrison paid attention to other activities of students and promoted The Siddons’ Club. To improve Arabic conversation and communication, he established “Lahjatul-Adab”. He also established “Anjuman Urdu-e-Moalla” to promote writing and oratory skills among college students.

Principal Morrison also paid attention to the religious studies. He created a position of Dean of Theology. He promoted the Darse-Quran program which used to be given by Allama Shibli in the Strachey Hall and asked Nazim-e-Diniyat, Maulana Abdullah Ansari to continue. He made Namaaz (Salat) compulsory for Muslim students and asked Prayer Monitors to keep record of the students coming for prayers. He also requested staff and member of Trustees present in College to follow the same to set an example. Principal Morrison also paid attention towards sports. He had a keen interest in riding so paid key role to establish The MAO College Riding Club in 1893. Due to his interest in riding, he was also known as “Sipaahi Morrison”.

Principal Morrison was a big advocate of teacher taught relationship and promoted the relationship event if the student or staff member is no more in the College. He also started an Employment Bureau to help the students to get a job. He used to keep student records with his personal remarks so that upon the request of the government he can furnish the record to help the students. H e always used his influence t help MAO College students for a better placement in the jobs.

Principal Morrison was also appointed as Finance Secretary of MAO College. He helped a lot to improve the financial condition of the college. He started new techniques so receive donations for College. He was himself a big financial contributor for the college. He kept a clean financial records allowed regular audit for a better financial management. He tried to control the college expenses as per its budget. But at the same time he never ignored the well being of College staff. He gave proper increment in the pay and grades to the college staff. Even being as a European, he never did any kind of discrimination among his European and Non-European staff. He was also elected as President of Muhammadan Educational Conference in December, 1904 at Aligarh. In 1905 he took early retirement from MAO College and moved back to England. Even then he was a part of Aligarh Movement and always took keen interest in helping MAO College and Aligarh Movement. He made several visit to MAO College from England and proved his belief of teacher taught relationship. For his contributions and key role and active participation in Aligarh Movement, MAO College board of Trustees elected him as a Visitor MAO College.

After 1920, when MAO College became Aligarh Muslim University, Principal Morrison was honored by naming one of the hostel and road as “Morrison Court” and “Morrison Road” respectively.

Principal MAO College : Theodore Beck

2007-06-09T02:58:00.000-05:00

Theodore beck
Born: 1859, England
Died: 2nd September 1899: Shimla (Buried at Shimla)
Father’s Name: Joseph Beck
Principal of MAO College: 28th January 1884 to 2nd September, 1899)
Founder Assistant Secretary of Muslims Education Conference: 1886-1899
Founder Honorary Registrar of MAO College: 29th March 1898-1899

In the year of 1859, Theodore Beck was born in the family of a poor businessman Mr. Joseph Beck. Mr. Joseph Beck was a running a small business of Optical, telescope and photographic equipments. With his hard work and sincere efforts, Theodore Beck joined Cambridge University where he met Syed Mahmood and became his close friend.

Association with MAO College and Aligarh Movement:

In May 1883, Hennery George Impey Siddons, founder principal of MAO College resigned from Principalship of MAO College. Sir Syed wrote a letter to Syed Mahmood in England and authorized him to find a suitable person for English and Philosophy who can also be appointed as Principal of MAO College as and when if needed. Syed Mahmood was on a personal trip to England. He contacted his old friend of Cambridge, Theodore Beck and offered him the position of English and Philosophy Professor and persuaded him to accept the position and move to India. Theodore Beck had just finished his education from Cambridge University and was just 24 years old. But he accepted the challenge and moved to India and joined the MAO College as a Professor of English and Philosophy and also assumed the office of Principal of MAO College on 28th January, 1884.
He could have never imagined that his career will start as MAO College Principal at the age of 24 and will end his with his last breath at the age of 40 as Principal of MAO College and will become the longest serving Principal of MAO College and champion of Muslims education in India. When he joined MAO College at the age of 24 years, some of his students at MAO College were older than him. He was a soft spoken, humble and very cooperative young man. Very soon became very popular among the students. His abilities and interests in College administration made him indispensable for Sir Syed and MAO College. His attitude towards students made him popular among the students. He used to do evening walk with senior students, visit dining halls to have meals with students and do some formal chat in an informal way. He used to make sure to visit those students who are sick and spend sometime with them so that they can not miss their families at the tough time. He used to help needy students from his pocket. He was a very hard working teacher also. At one point of time due to lack of staff members he taught four subjects so that students can not suffer due to lack adequate staff strength. His friendly as well as disciplined attitude made him insensible for Aligarh Movement and he was associated Aligarh Movement till his last breath.

Sir Syed was a big admirer of Theodore Beck’s administrative abilities and commitment for Aligarh Movement. In 1886 when Sir Syed started Muslim Educational Conference and became Founder Secretary of Muslim Educational Conference, he appointed Principal Beck as Assistant Secretary of Muslims Educational Conference. Principal Beck promoted the idea to have to have a debating club for students. The idea was originally put forward by his predecessor, Principal H.G.I. Siddon. Principal Beck named the debating club as SIDDON’s CLUB to honor The Founding Principal of MAO College. It was Siddon’s Club contribution that MAO College and Aligarh Movement have prolific orator and debators like, Sahebzada Aftab Ahmad Khan, Maulana Shaukat Ali, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan and Sarfaraz Hussain. He also started the famous Riding Club

Sir Syed’s political ideology was to distance himself and Muslims of India from active politics and never have confrontation viewpoints with the British rule. He was convinced that Muslims of India can not bear the burden of another mutiny. Principal beck was an ardent supporter of Sir Syed’ political thoughts and always promoted Sir Syed’s political thought to help Muslims of India to uplift them on educational front to compete with others. There is a common mis-conception that Sir Syed’s political vies were inspired by Principal Beck. This concept does not have strong roots as Sir had already expressed his political views even before starting The MAO College and he never deviated from his political ideology.

Theodore Beck & Syed Mahmood:
After the death of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan on 27th March 1898, Syed Mahmood became Secretary to The Trustees of MAO College. On 29th March 1898, Syed Mahmood appointed Principal Beck as Honorary Registrar of MAO College. This appointment leads some crises among the trustees of MAO College and they thought Syed Mahmood is handing over the College to British rule. But Syed Mahmood was firm in his decision and his decision was based on the efficiency and ability of Principal Beck. When Syed Mahmood had some strong differences with The Trustees of MAO College Management, Principal Beck tried to pacify Syed Mahmood and advised him to bring the Trustees closer to him.

Theodore Beck’s Death:
During the summer of 1899, Principal Beck was not feeling well and went to Shimla for his treatment. His health started detoriating. He had a surgery for his lever but never recovered from the problem and on 2nd September, 1899 the die-hard fan of Sir Syed and Aligarh Movement took his last breath in Shimla.

Founding Principal MAO College : H.G.I. Siddons

2007-05-10T23:06:00.000-05:00

Henry George Impey Siddons
Born: 1851, Died: After 1931 Wales (UK)
Father: Capt William Young Siddons (1815-1851)
Mother: Emma Frederica Louisa Grant
Founding Principal of MAO College: 23rd June 1875: 28th January 1884
(Joined the office on 28th June 1875)

Henry George Impey Siddons was born in the same year 1851 when his father died. He was a great grandson of Sarah Siddons (July 5, 1755 – June 8, 1831), a British actress, the best-known tragedienne of the 18th century. His father Capt. William Young Siddons (1815-1851) was a military officer posted in India.

Henry George Impey Siddons, an Oxford graduate was appointed as founding Head Master of Madarsatul Uloom (later became MAO College) on 23rd June 1875. He assumed the charges of his office on 28th June 1875. After 2 years, Madarsatul Uloom became Mohammadan Anglo Oriental (MAO) College. Foundation stone of the college was laid be Lord Edward Robert Lytton, Governor General of India on January, 8th 1877. Mr. H.H.I. Siddons took over as MAO College’s Founding Principal. He was an able administer and educationist and took keen interest in the development of College.

Mr. H.G.I. Siddons started a debating club for students to promote debating skills among the students. Later on the students debating club was renamed to honor him and is known as Siddons Club. In 1883 he tendered his resignation and laid down the charges of his office on 28th January 1884. After living Aligarh, he joined Colvin Taluqdars School in Oudh started by Sir Auckland Colvin (1838-1908), Lieutenant Governor of the North West Provinces and Chief Commissioner of Oudh.

Sir Thomas Walker Arnold

2007-04-25T01:43:00.000-05:00

Sir Thomas Walker Arnold

Born : 19th April 1864, London (England)
Died : 9th June 1930, London (England)
Wife : Celia Mary Hickson (Married in 1892)

Professor M.A.O. College : 1888-1898
Founding Keeper (Secretary) Duty Society AMU Aligarh
Founding President of Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu
Teacher, Student and friend of Allama Shibli Nomani
Famous students : Sir Allama Mohammad Iqbal, Syed Sulaiman Nadvi

Books:
i) The Legacy of Islam

ii) The Spread of Islam in the World: A History of Peaceful Preaching.

iii) The Caliphate iv) A literary History of the Arabs.
v) Paintings in Islam

Wearing turban, churidaar payjamaa, Angarkha and with a polite voice asking MAO college student to go for prayers and doing the headcount at mosque gate was a routine extra activities of a british by birth, a philosphy professor by profession, an orientalist by his pen, and one of the most popular eauropean staff member of MAO College and a true aligarian by his heart. This is a brief introduction of Prof. Sir Thomas Walker Arnold alias Maulana Arnold.
Prof. Thomas Walker Arnold was born on 19 April 1864 and educated at the City of London School. He entered Magdalene College, Cambridge University in 1883. On the recommendation of Mr. Theodore Beck, Mr. Arnold was offered a professorship in philosphy at MAO college, which he accepted whole heartedly. From 1888 he worked as a Professor of Philosphy at the MAO College, Aligarh. In 1898, he accepted a post as Professor of Philosophy and Principle at the Government College, Lahore and later became Dean of the Oriental Faculty at Punjab University. From 1904 to 1909 he was on the staff of the India Office as Assistant Librarian. In 1909 he was appointed Educational Adviser to Indian students in Britain. From 1917 to 1920 he acted as Adviser to the Secretary of State for India. He was Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the School of Oriental Studies, University of London, 1921-1930.
But of all Arnold's works, Painting in Islam is of the greatest value to the student of Muslim, and particularly Persian, painting. It set a new standard of scholarship in the subject, for the author's long apprenticeship in Arabic and Persian gave him free access to the original sources; his deep interest in the religion and culture of Islam enabled him to see Islamic painting in its true setting and proportion. At the same time his humanity makes the book an eminently readable account of a somewhat abstruse subject. He went to previously untapped sources for many of his illustrations and examples—the Bodleian Library, the Royal Asiatic Society, and the India Office Library (where he had been Assistant Librarian from 1904 to 1909)—and thus widened the field of research for his successors. In his preface he emphasizes that he has not attempted to write a general history of Islamic painting, the “purpose of the book is rather to indicate the place of painting in the culture of the Islamic world,” and it has thus never been superseded by later works of a strictly art historical nature.
Important early works of Arnold were his two books The Preaching of Islam; a History of the Propagation of the Muslim Faith (London, 1896, 1913, 1935) and The Caliphate (Oxford, 1924; reprinted. London, 1965). Arnold became the first English editor for the first edition of The Encyclopedia of Islam. He co-edited the first edition of The Legacy of Islam (Oxford, 1931; repr. London, 1952) with A. Guillaume; and with R. A. Nicholson he edited A Volume of Oriental Studies Presented to Edward G. Browne (Cambridge, 1922).
Arnold exposed Indian muslim poet Muhammad Iqbal to western culture and ideas, and served as a bridge for Iqbal between the ideas of the east and west. He was made Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1912, and in 1921 was given a Knighthood by the Crown and became Sir Thomas Walker Arnold. He married Celia Mary Hickson in 1892. He died on 9 June 1930.

Association with MAO College and Aligarh Movement:

At the age of 23 years, Mr. Arnold completed his education and at the behest of Mr. Theodore Beck, Principle, MAO College, he accepted a position of Professor of Philosphy in MAO College in 1888. He was an orientalist and had great passion for oriental studies. He had special interests in foriegn languages so he learned Sanskrit and frence during his studies and learned persian and arabic at MAO College. Due to his special interest in oriental studies and eastern culture, he was well suited at MAO College and adopted eastern dress code also. He used to dress payjama, angarkha and turban and look like a Maulvi. Due to to this Sir Syed used to address him as Maulana Arnold. Due to his young age, good attitude and soft language, he was very popular among the students. Mr. Arnold, Mr. Theodore Beck and Mr. Theodore Morrision created a very conginioul atmosphere for intellectual interface with external scholars. They used to invite external scholars to have interface, speeches and ellocutions, and the best students performer used to get an award from Mr. Arnold.
Mr. Arnold were a urdu loving person so always promoted Urdu language in the college and presided the first meeting of Anjuman Tarraqi Urdu. For urdu poetry he was a big follower of Sir Syed and used to encourage students to follow Maulana Haali in urdu poetry.
When Sahebzada Aftab Ahmad Khan, started Duty Society, 1889, Prof. Arnold played a very active role and became its founding Keeper/Secretary. Prof. Arnold completed his famous book, Preaching of Islam during his stay at MAO College. In the book “The Spread of Islam in the World: A History of Peaceful Preaching”, Prof. Arnold proved with strong evidence that Islam was never spread with swords, it was always spread by peaceful preaching. Sir Syed was very happy with this great work of Prof. Arnold. The whole Muslim community was grateful for Prof. Arnold for such a noble work.
After 10 years of great service to the MAO College, Prof. Arnold became a well known orientalist and scholar. In 1897, he resigned from MAO College and joined as a Principle at Oriental College, Punjab University Lahore. Even after joining Oriental College Lahore, he was always in touch with MAO College and visited on 26th February, 1904.

Arnold House: The present Proctor’s office & NRSC Provost’s office in AMU Aligarh was the building named after Prof. Thomas Walker Arnold, to recognize his serves to MAO College and Aligarh Movement.

Allama Shibli Nomani & Prof. Thomas W. Arnold

When Allama Shibli returned to India after performing Hajj, he met Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who had just established M.A.O. College. Allama Shibli Nomani was offered and accepted a teaching position at the MAO College in 1892. He met Prof. Thomas Arnold in 1888 when Prof. Arnold joined MAO College staff from whom Allama Shibli learned first hand modern western ideas and thoughts. At the same time Prof. Arnold learned Arabic from Allama Shibli. They traveled together in 1892 to Syria, Egypt, Turkey and other countries of the Middle East and got direct and practical experience of their societies. Allama Shibli’s scholarship influenced Prof. Thomas Arnold on one hand and on the other he was influenced by Thomas Arnold to a great extent, and this explains the modern touch in his ideas.
When Prof. Arnold left MAO College and joined Government College Lahore, Allama Shibli wrote to his cousin brother and disciple Maulana Hamiduddin Farahi (MAO College graduate and later a Professor of Arabic at MAO College); “Arnold left, College is sad about his departure. He was given a warm farewell.”
In 1904, when Prof. Arnold was finally leaving India to join as the staff of the India Office as Assistant Librarian in Britain, he was given addresses at different places including at MAO College. For the said event Allama Shibli again wrote to Maulana Hamiduddin Farahi ; “ Mr. Arnold is leaving for Britain, MAO College Aligarh will give addresses to him, one of the address will be in Persian too. I have been requested to prepare that, but I am not good in Persian so please prepare one and send it to Prof. Abul Hasan, MAO College immidiately.I will prepare the Arabic one. Mr. Arnold will be coming to Aligarh on 26th February, 1904.”

Association with Sir Allama Iqbal:

Allama Iqbal came over to Lahore for his graduate studies. Lahore was then developing as a centre of higher learning. He chose philosophy as his major subject for which he had a particular bent of mind. He was fortunate in studying philosophy under Prof. Thomas Arnold who was no ordinary teacher. An intimate teacher-pupil relationship soon developed between the two to which Allama Iqbal's poem on Arnold, included in the collection of Bang-i Dara, bears evidence. Allama Iqbal's grateful recognition of what he received from Prof. Arnold is also expressed by him in his dedication to him of his book, The Development ot Metaphysics in Persia. It runs as follows: "This little book is the first-fruit of that literary and philosophical training which I have been receiving from you for the last ten years, and as an expression of gratitude I beg to dedicate it to your name. You have always judged me liberally; I hope you will judge these pages in the same spirit."
When Allama Iqbal went to England for higher studies in Western philosophy, he re-established his contact with Prof. Arnold.

Lieutenant Colonel George Farquhar Irving Graham

2007-04-14T01:27:00.000-05:00

Lieutenant Colonel George Farquhar Irving Graham

“Until Indian Muslims will remember my father, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, they will also pay a rich tribute to Lieutenant Colonel G.F.I. Graham.”

These are the words of Syed Mahmud, which he said at a dinner party in 1885 to pay a rich tribute to Lieutenant Colonel G.F.I. Graham, his father’s, friend. Charles Alfred Elliott, Auckland Collin and G.F.I. Graham were very close friends of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and have a very long association with Sir Syed and Aligarh Movement.

Lieutenant Colonel G.F.I. Graham was first person to write the biography of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan “The Life and Work of Syed Ahmad Khan” which was published in 1885 from London. In this book Lt.Col. Graham had describe the life sketch of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan from 1863-1884 and had paid a rich tribute to his friend and reformer Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Aligarh Movement. He had briefly described his interaction and meetings with Sir Syed which took place at different places in an outside of India including England when Sir Syed went England to receive the insignia of C.S.I, on August 6, 1869.

Lt.Col. Graham was posted in Ghazipur (UP) in 1964, when Sir Syed started Scientific Society and held its first convention in Ghazipur. He helped Sir Syed to formulate the by-laws of the Scientific Society. He also helped Sir Syed in writing commentary on The Holy Bible, Tabayyan-ul-Kalam, which was published from Ghazipur in 1865. Lt. Col. Graham praised Sir Syed’s work and courage and emphasized the importance of the book, Tabayyan-ul-Kalam which provides some new information about birth and family of Jesus Christ (Isaa Alaihis Salat-o-Wassalam).

Lt. Col. Graham and his friend Auckland Collin translated “Asbaab Baghawat-e-Hind” in English which was published from Banaras Medical Press in 1873. Col. Graham made regular visits to Aligarh to see Sir Syed and his work. He spends a lot of time with MAO College staff and students eat with students in Dining Hall. He was also one of the attendee of Rasme-Bismillah of Sir Ross Masood, grandson of Sir Syed.

Lt.Col. Graham and his wife Mrs L. J. Graham moved back to England after his retirement. He had four daughters and 2 sons. One of his sons, Major George Humphrey Irving Graham, was in 44th Battalion, Merwara Infantry, Indian Army. Major George Humphrey Irving Graham was commissioned in 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment in 1897. He served in the Tirah and South Africa Killed in action on 7 February 1916 at the age of 42 years in Mesopotamia. He was commemorated on The Basra Memorial, Iraq.

Syed Muhammad Ali

2007-03-30T19:45:00.000-05:00

Syed Muhammad Ali

Born in 1859
Died in 1925
Grandson of Syed Muhammad (Elder brother of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan)
Son-in-law of Syed Hamid (Eldest son of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan)
Wife’s name: Syed Ahmadi Begum (grand daughter of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan)
Married in February 1888

Personal Secretary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

Secretary of M.A.O.College Board of Trustees:

29th October 1918 to 30th November 1920
(Acting Secretary from Jan 1918- October 1918)

Founding Treasurer Aligarh Muslim University:

March 21, 1921 to Jan 22, 1924

Syed Muhammad Ali, grandson of Syed Muhammad (elder brother of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan) was born in 1859. Completed his primary education in Madarsatul-Uloom and graduated from MAO College. In the beginning lived in hostels later moved-in Sir Syed House with Sir Syed’s family and lived there for a long time. After completing his education he joined judicial services and retired in 1918 as Session Judge from Muradabad. He lived his life with discipline, honesty and principles. He was a very famous criminal judge and well known for his unbiased treatments to all of the witnesses irrespective of their skin colors.

Association with Sir Syed & Aligarh Movement
Sir Syed had a great respect and admiration for his elder brother Syed Muhammad and so he took care of his family after his death. Syed Muhammad Ali was grandson of Syed Muhammad so grew up under the able guidance of Sir Syed. Sir Syed enrolled him in Madarsatul-Uloom in June 1875. He completed all of his education in Madarsatul-Uloom & MAO College and mostly lived with Sir Syed in Sir Syed House. In February, 1888 he got married to Ahmadi Begum, daughter of Syed Hamid (eldest son of Sir Syed). Before starting his profession career in judicial services, he worked as Sir Syed’s Personal Secretary. As he grew up under Sir Syed’s mentorship, had a great respect for Sir Syed and close association with him and his movement, The Aligarh Movement.

Nawab Ishaq Khan was Secretary of MAO College Board of Trustees from January, 1913 to 28th October, 1918. During the last days of his tenure, his health was not good so board appointed Syed Muhammad Ali as acting secretary and later when Nawab Ishaq Khan died, board elected Syed Muhammad Ali as Secretary to the MAO College board of trustees. During the beginning of his tenure as Secretary he put a lot of efforts to construct a new building for AMU Schools which was situated next to College in an old Bungalow (present Old Guest House). Condition of school building was not good so he moved the AMU School to Minto Circle Building on 1st April, 1919. He faced tough time due to the Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement in which had a strong presence in MAO College but he never surrendered.

On 9th September, 1920 Syed Muhammad Ali made the following speech in Viceroy Lodge of H.E.H. James Ford;

“I feel proud to mention that I am representing Muslim University Association and MAO College. I am associated with MAO College from its inception on 20th June, 1875 when I joined it as a student and have never imagined that one day I will represent this institution when it is going to become a University. This day will be remembered in the Muslims educational development history as RED LETTER DAY”

This was the day when MAO College became Aligarh Muslim University under the leadership of Syed Muhammad Ali. After government’s notification on 1st December, 1920, MAO College became AMU and Board of trustees ceased to exist and therefore all the positions of Board ceased to exists including Secretary. The same government order also appointed Raja Mahmudabad (Sir Muhammad Ali of Mahmudabad) as first Vice-Chancellor. The founding Vice-Chancellor, Raja Mahmudabad appointed Sir Ziauddin Ahmada founding Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Syed Muhammad Ali as Founding Treasurer of Aligarh Muslim University.

Maulvi Syed Zainul Abideen

2007-03-16T00:58:00.000-05:00

Maulvi Syed Zainul Abideen

Father’s Name: Muhammad Hussain
Born on 14th June 1832 in Machli-Shahar Jaunpur (UP)
Died on 27th September 1905 in Aligarh

Maulvi Syed Zainul Abideen was born on 14th June 1832, in Machli-Shahar, Jaunpur in a Syed family of Syed Muhammad Hussain. His mother was a distant relative of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. After completing his primary education in hometown, he joined Sanskrit College Banaras and completed his graduation in Arabic. After graduation, he joined University of Calcutta and completed his Law degree with first division. He joined judicial services and retired as Sub-Judge from Ghazipur (UP).

Association with Sir Syed & Aligarh Movement

At the time when Sir Syed founded Scientific Society in Ghazipur, Maulvi Zainul Abideen was posted in Ghazipur and he whole heatedly supported Sir Syed’s vision and mission. He had a distant relation and a close association with Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and on his request moved to Aligarh and bought a house and fenced it with “Khaar-Daar Taar”, and hence remembered as Taar-Walaa Bangla. He donated the Bangla to MAO College in 1897. He supported Sir Syed at all time and specially when Sir Syed was in trouble due to financial mismanagement by College’s treasurer. He was so supportive to Sir Syed that Sir Syed used to announce his contributions for College development even without asking his permission and Maulvi Zainul Abideen never refused to comply Sir Syed’s announcement. Syed Zainul Abideen sold his ancestral properties of Machli-Shahar Jaunpur and part of it donated to College Funds. During the final moments of Sir Syed, he used to spend a lot of his time with Sir Syed.

Maulvi Syed Zainul Abideen died on 27th September 1905 and buried close to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in University Jama Masjid.

Raja Jai Kishan Das

2007-02-28T22:40:00.000-06:00

Raja Jai Kishan Das

Birth: 24th November 1832 (Muradabad- UP)
Died: 30th April, 1905
Father’s Name: Brindaban Das Chaubey

Jai Kishan Das, popularly known as Raja Jai kishan Das was born on 24th November, 1832 in a respected family of Mr. Brindaban Das Chaubey in Muradabad. His father was a respectable and influential figure in Muradabad. Jai Kishan Das completed his formal education in Muradabad and joined Civil Services as a treasurer in Tahseel and retired as a Deputy Collector. For his services to create a harmony between the government and people, he was awarded with Mutiny Medal. In 1860, received the title of RAJA and became Raja Jai Kishan Das. Later received C.S.I. from British Government.

Association with Sir Syed and Aligarh Movement

After reading Sir Syed’s articles in Loyal Mohammadan’s of India, Raja Jai Kishan Das were upset about Sir Syed and his vision but when he first saw him in helping and taking care of Hindus in Muradabad, he became a fan and life long companion of Sir Syed. In 1863, when Sir Syed established The Scientific Society at Ghazipur, Raja Sb praised Sir Syed’s efforts and encouraged others to participate in these efforts. When Sir Syed moved to Aligarh, he relocated the Scientific Society to Aligarh but when he got transferred to Banaras, the Scientific Society elected Raja Jaikishan Das as its Secretary in on 15th August, 1867. Raja Saheb took care of the society with full sincerity and played a key role in its growth and progress. On 21st February 1874, he got transferred to Allahabad. In the farewell function, Sir Syed praised his efforts and sincerity for The Scientific Society and The Society elected Raja Jai Kishan Das as Co-President of The Society for life.

He was also President and Secretary of British Indian Association (Founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan). He was always an active participant in Muslim Education Conference (Founded by Sir Syed, in 1886). Raja Jai Kishan Das always played a key role for promotion of education and communal harmony among Hindus and Muslims. He used to visit Aligarh regularly to meet Sir Syed and used to stay with Sir Syed at his residence. On Sir Ross Masood’s (grandson of Sir Syed and son of Justice Syed Mahmood) Bismillah, Raja Saheb gifted 500/- rupees which Sir Syed donated to MAO College Fund and a plaque were installed in Streachy Hall with Raja Jai Kishan Das’s name.

On 30th April 1905, he died and MAO College was remained closed for the day to mourn this great companion of Sir Syed. MAO College and later Aligarh Muslim University is awarding two medals with Raja Jai kishan Das’s name. Later one of the hostel in Sir Sulaiman Hall of AMU was named after Raja Jai Kishan Das.

Deputy Nazir Ahmad

2007-02-14T00:52:00.000-06:00

Shamsul Ulema Maulvi Deputy Nazir Ahmad

Father’s Name: Maulvi Sa-adat Ali
Born: 1831 Bijnor (UP)
Died: 28th December 1910 (Delhi)
Biographies:
Hayatun-Nazir by Syed Iftekhar Alam Bilgrami
Maulvi Nazir Ahmad ki Kahani, Kuch Unki Kuch Meri Zabani

by Mirza Farhatullah Beg

Maulvi Nazir Ahmad Dihlavi: Ahvaal-o-Aasar by Siddiqi, Iftikhar Ahmad

Literary Works:
Mara-tul-Uroos (A very famous Novel based on the Tarbiyat of girls)
Banatun-Naash, Taubtun-Nasooh, Ibnul Waqt, Mohsinaat, Aiyyami,

Rooya-e-Sadaqa, Fasana-e-Mubtala

The history of rise and fall of Islamic thoughts in Indian sub-continent and Aligarh Movement can never be completed without mentioning Nazir Ahmad.
Shamsul Ulema Maulvi Nazir Ahmad, popularly known as Deputy Nazir Ahmad was born in district Bijnor in western UP. He had spent his first 4 years of childhood with his father at his maternal grandfather’s place in Afzalgarh, Nageenah, Bijnor. After his maternal grandfather’s death, they moved to Bijnor. Their financial condition was not very good so his father became a private tutor and was Nazir Ahmad’s first teacher. The young Nazir Ahmad was very naughty so his father sent him to Delhi for further education in a small Arabic Madrasah in Aurangabadi Masjid close to Ajmeri Gate under Maulvi Abdul Khaliq. He faced a lot of hardship there and described his stay in this Madrasah as worst part of his life. Later he got married to the grand daughter of Maulana Abdul Khaliq. Later got admission in Delhi College, stayed there from 1845 to 1854 and completed his LLD. After completing his education started his career as a teacher in Punjab, later moved to Kanpur and then moved to Allahabad and became Deputy Inspector of School. In Allahabad he learned English and joined the team of translator who were translating Indian Penal Code from English to Urdu. After this he was appointed as Tahsildar and rose to Collector and worked in Jalone, Gorakhpur and Azamgarh. Deputy Nazir Ahmad was not very happy with the course material of schools so he decided to develop his own for his daughter Sakeenah. His intention was to make the course material interesting and useful. Later his work became very popular among the girls students and his course material resulted in a very famous novel Mara-tul-Uroos, a training guide for girls.

Association with Sir Syed and Aligarh Movement:
In 1877 on Sir Syed’s recommendation Mohsinul Mulk, who was working in Hyderabad state recommended Deputy Nazir Ahmad for Director (Administration) in the state. He was in Hyderabad state for a while and retired from there and moved back to his home in Delhi. He was a very good orator and Sir Syed used to take him to each Muhammadan Education Conference as Keynote Speaker. He was an ardent supporter of Sir Syed and Aligarh Movement and became a close Associate of Sir Syed. He wrote few poems in praise of Sir Syed. He was fully convinced about the role of Tahzeebul-Akhlaq for social and cultural progress of Muslims. Sir Syed had a great influence on his political thought. He traveled a lot with Sir Syed to garner the support for Aligarh Movement.

Like Sir Syed, Nazir Ahmad was a strong believer of Hindu-Muslim Unity. He strongly felt that the history books written by westerners which were taught in the government schools are spreading the communalism. He seriously intendend for Hindu-Muslims to live a life with peace and harmony. He was so serious about his thought that he became the first person to recommend putting forward a request to the department of education to re-write the history books with an emphasis on communal harmony.

He was emotionally very attached with Sir Syed. After Sir Syed’s death he used to refuse to deliver lectures and talks and used to say;

“ Kya Karoo(n) mashgala lecture ka aji ch-hoot gaya
Hum se ek yaar ch-hutaa aisa ke Ji ch-hoot gayaa”

He served the community with his money and pen till his last breath and died on 28th December 1910 in Delhi.

Maulvi Samiullah Khan

2007-01-31T01:06:00.000-06:00

Moulvi Samiullah Khan
Born in December, 1834, Delhi
Died on April 7, 1908 at Aligarh
(Buried in the courtyard of Shah Abdul Aziz Mohaddis Dehivi in Delhi)
Founding Secretary: Management Committee of Madarsatul Uloom, 24th May 1875
Founding President: Mohammadan Educational Conference 1886- Aligarh
Son: Hamidullah Khan, First student of Madarsatul Uloom

Teacher's name : Maulvi Mamlook Ali (Sir Syed's Teacher), Mufti Sadruddin

Moulvi Samiullah Khan is one of the earliest supporters of Sir Syed Ahmad. When Sir Syed thought of opening schools for the dissemination of western education he was a co-worker and assisted him in all his educational activities and social reforms. Samiullah Khan and Sir Syed both were unanimous that the acquisition of western education for the Muslims was a pre-condition for an honorable life. He supported Aligarh Movement from its inception. There was no committee at the time without his name.

Samiullah Khan was born in December, 1834 at Delhi in an aristocratic family. He was educated in Arabic and Persian at home and later joined the reputed Aalim of the time Moulvi Mufti Sadruddin Azurda. His family had won a name in Law as his two uncles and one maternal uncle had already joined the judiciary. Following their foot-steps, Samiullah passed the judicial examination in 1856 and was appointed Munsif at Kanpur in 1858. But he resigned from this and took to independent practice. His intelligence and understanding of legal complications soon won him a name. Again in 1872 he joined the judicial department and was appointed sub-judge at Aligarh. He had a perfect command on Mohammadan Law and his judgments when referred to the Privy Council upheld the same with great appreciation. Justice Ameer Ali, in one of his judgments admired his ability to deal with most complicated cases. He was offered the office of the Chief Justice of Hyderabad with many concessions but he refused it because of the state’s uncongenial atmosphere. In 1880 he toured Europe with the object of seeing the educational and industrial development. When he returned to India, Sir Syed had gone to Bombay to receive him. During his Viceroyalty, Lord North Brook (1873-1876) was willing to send a diplomatic mission to Egypt and selected Moulvi Samiullah because of his very proficient knowledge of Arabic and English and because of his being the most trusted man of the administration. This was a very crucial period for the British in West Asia because of the Pan-Islamic movement of Jamaluddin Afghani (1837-1897) but Samiullah did his job so efficiently that the relations of West Asian countries with Britain grew more cordial than ever and for that he was conferred the title of C.M.G. Maulvi Samiullah also helped to establish Muir central college at Allahabad later it became Allahabad University.

Moulvi Samiullah’s contacts with Syed Ahmad started from his teen age and it was under his guidance at Bijnor, that Samiullah prepared for the judicial examination. In 1857 Samiullah was a man who saved his and Sir Syed’s family from the wrath of the English forces and took them to Hazrat Nizamuddin for safety. After the revolt when Sir Syed was planning to persuade his coreligionists to accept English education, Samiullah joined him. In almost every committee, if Sir Syed was the President, Samiullah was the Secretary. When Sir Syed had become the target of attack for his reformatory schemes it was Samiullah Khan, who shielded and cooperated him in the plans. When there was too much opposition of the foundation of a college for western education, it was Samiullah who advised Sir Syed to start a Madrasa and he himself laid its foundation on May 24, 1875 which started teaching after a week with only four students, the first being Hameedullah Khan, the son of Moulvi Samiullah. The inauguration of the School was presided by Maulvi Mohammed Karim, President of Managing Committee. Speeches delivered by Sir Syed, Raja Jai Kishan Das and Maulvi Samiullah.1 June 1875 the boarding house started with seven students on the roll with a budget of Rs. 989 per month. Managing committee constituted Maulvi Samiullah, Chiragh Ali, Syed Mahmood, Raja Jai Kishan Das, Sir Syed, Nawab Ziauddin Khan and Maulana Ahsan Nanotovi was appointed its member. Maulvi Samiulah Khan was appointed secretary of the Managing Committee.
This Madrasa was to serve as a model as to what was wrong with the English teaching and what would be the code and conduct of the proposed Mohammadan College for which the Muslim community was scared. He supervised the construction of the College buildings and whenever Sir Syed was out to collect fund, Samiullah accompanied him. In the construction of Victoria Gate and other adjoining rooms Moulvi Samiullah played a vital role along with Haji Ismail Khan and Sir Syed Ahmad. In the inner portion of the Victoria Gate there is a marble plate in which his services to the College had been inscribed in Arabic for posterity to know what he had done for the College. In 1875 in an Address presented to Sir William Muir, the Governor of N.W.F.P., his services were highly admired and Sir William also, while replying, appreciated his interest and motivation. In the annual report of the College 1877, Sir Syed highly appreciated his interest in the College and candidly expressed that had he not been there, the College would not have attained such a great success so soon. In 1884 when Lord Ripon the Viceroy, (1880-1884) visited MAO College he was impressed to know the zeal with which Samiullah Khan had performed the College work and he thanked him on behalf of the audience.
In the western side of the Strachey Hall, there is a spacious reading room known as ‘Hamidullah Khan Lecture Room’. It was built to perpetuate the memory of Hamidullah Khan, son of Moulvi Samiullah Khan who had returned from London after getting his Bar-at-Law. Moulvi Samiullah chaired the First session of the Mohammedan Educational Conference in 1886 held at Aligarh. This shows his closeness to the Aligarh Movement.
From 1875 to 1889 Moulvi Samiullah whole-heartedly supported Syed Ahmed and the College and Syed owed much to his devotion. But there existed some rudimentary differences between them as well. Syed was pro-British and totally relied on English Staff, while Samiullah and party would disagree to this. Sir Syed and Syed Mahmood’s leniency and soft attitude to the English Staff was an eye sore to Samiullah and party. Sir Syed knew this and felt seriously that after him Samiullah’s party would have hard attitude to them which would not be conducive to the College. Syed yed wanted the continuance of his policy till the College crossed its in far age. With this intention he introduced in 1889 a Trustee Bill in the Trustees Council for its approval to appoint Syed Mahmood the Honorary Secretary of the College after him. The Bill was vehemently opposed by Moulvi Samiullah and many other Trustees but anyhow it was passed. When the Trustee Bill was finally approved, the Maulvi Samiullah and his supporters severed their connections with the College, Their names, however, remained on the list of trustees for some time and Sir Syed continued to ask their advice and opinions on matters concerning the affairs of the Colleges, but since they were completely opposed to the way in which the business was being conducted and never replied to Sir Syed’s requests, he was left with no choice but to remove their names from the list. Later, His Excellency Nawab Sir Viqar-ul-Umara Bahadur Madur-ul-Maham, the Prime Minister of Hyderabad who came to Aligarh to inspect the College, in the interest of the College and of the Muslims as a whole, did his best to intercede in the quarrel between Sir Syed and Maulvi Samiullah. As a result of his efforts, Sir Syed proposed to the annual general meeting of the Trustee Committee the names of the Maulvi Samiullah and his supporters should once more be put on the list. This proposal was willingly adopted by all those who were present, but for a number of reasons, Maulvi Samiullah have not agreed, and his Excellency’s attempts to bring the two men together were all to no avail. This deprived the Aligarh Movement of the support of a very influential man who if continued, would have added more luster and glory to the College.

Moulvi Samiullah had passed away in 1908 at Aligarh but according to his instruction, he was laid to rest at Delhi in the courtyard of Shah Abdul Aziz, Mohaddis Dehivi

Source : Hayat-e-Javed by Maulana Altaf Hussain Haali
Aligarh Movement by Prof. Shan Mohammad.

Justice Syed Mahmud

2007-01-22T18:37:00.000-06:00

Justice Syed Mahmud
Father’s Name: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
Mother’s Name: Parsa Begum
Date of birth: May 24, 1850 Delhi
Died: May 8, 1903 in Sitapur
Buried in AMU Jama Masjid

Hony. Jt. Secretary MAO College Board : 1887-1898

Secretary MAO College Board : 1898-98

President MAO College Board of Trutees: 1898-1903

Books: A History of English Education in India

Law of Evidence in British India

Mohammadan Law Book (Arabic)

Justice Syed Mahmud, among the first Indians to study at Cambridge University, a British barrister and High Court Judge in India, played a major role in the formulation of "Anglo-Muhammadan Law," the synthesis of Islamic and British jurisprudence that remains influential in much of the Muslim world.
Syed Mahmud was the second son of Sir Syed Ahmad, the first being Syed Hamid. He was born at Delhi on May 24, 1850 and was taught at home. Persian was his favourite subject and later he founded a Persian Society at the MAO College. He accompanied Syed Ahmad wherever he was transferred and got his schooling in Moradabad and Ghazipur schools founded by his father. Finally he joined the Queen’s College Benaras.
In 1869 he was awarded a Government scholarship for higher studies in England. At that time Syed was also willing to visit England to study the English educational pattern and to write Khutbat-e-Ahmadiya, a reply to Sir William Muir’s misleading book ‘The life of Mohamet’. Both father and son sai1ed by the same ship and had to jointly study things relevant to the development of Muslim community. He was admitted to the Christ College, Cambridge and secured the first rank in English literature. In 1872 he got the degree of Bar-at-Law and was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn.
Contrary to the culture of sycophancy and genuflecting before the colonial English authority promoted by the British and freely adopted by the Indians at that time, both Syed Ahmad Khan and his high-profile and brilliant son Syed Mahmud strived to conduct themselves as if they were equal to the English. Syed Ahmad Khan hosted a dinner at Banaras in 1872 to honour Syed Mahmud when he returned from England after having been called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn. Alexander Shakespeare, Commissioner of Banaras, presided. While responding to Shakespeare’s toast, Syed Mahmud spoke of his wish to unite England and India socially even more than politically. The English rule in India, in order to be good, must promise to be eternal; and it can never do so until the English people are known to us as friends and fellow subjects, than as rulers and conquerors. The Pioneer, where report of this dinner was published, doesn’t record the alarm that Shakespeare and other Englishmen present must have felt at this. But Syed Mahmud had made his point. And he made it again when, on becoming a High Court Judge at Allahabad (1882) at the young age of 32, he submitted a Memorial to Government to the effect that since he was English except in name and parentage, he should be treated on par with British judges. (Syed Mahmud’s English contemporaries said that his mastery of English idiom was of an incredible precision.)

Law Career:
As a young lawyer, he worked under the supervision of Moulvi Samiullah, a close associate of Sir Syed who was then living at Allahabad. His legal acumen was appreciated by Sir Salar Jung I of Hyderabad who called him on a monthly salary of Rs.2000/- (Two Thousand) for editing the laws and reform the judicial administration. In 1879 he was appointed a District Judge at Rae Bareli and took some controversial decisions which won admiration from the higher judicial authorities His interpretation of law in Deputy Commissioner v. Raja Ram Pal Singh was so decisive that the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council upheld his opinion (in the Privy Council appeal No.3 1882) and in view of his profound erudition recommended the Governor-General for his promotion to the higher rank to which he deserved. Consequently Syed Mahmud was elevated to the Allahabad High Court in 1882 at the age of 32. He was the first Indian Judge of the Allahabad High Court.

He had a perfect command over the Laws and differed in the interpretation of his fellow English judges and thus incurred their displeasure and resigned in 1893 because of differences between him and the Chief Justice. He was a great authority on Hindu and Muslim Laws and me of his pronouncements are still regarded as classics.

Role in Aligarh Movement:
From the outset of the movement Syed Mahmud was the chief advisor of his father in all his schemes of education and national-building activities. They were unanimous in their opinion that the western education was the immediate necessity for the Muslims and when they proceeded to England and stayed there together, there was practically no moment when they had not discussed the crucial question of the foundation of a university for the Muslims in India. Syed Ahmad knew little English and all his correspondence was taken by Syed Mahmud. Since he had taken the appointment in judiciary he had very meager time to stay with his father who always regretted his absence from Aligarh.
Syed Mahmud drafted and published in England the first appeal to the Indian Muslims for modern education. He drafted the constitution Khwast-garan-e-Taraqqi-e-Talim-e Musalmanan which was to assess the attitude of the Muslims towards English education. Syed Mahmud also prepared a questionnaire to responsible Muslims to know their opinions on the causes of Muslim backwardness and also to suggest remedy.
While Syed Mahmud was, still in England brisk correspondence was taking place between him and Syed regarding the formation of the College Fund Committee and he was made a member of it. Before leaving England, he was the man who drew the whole scheme of education for the Indian Muslims. He had even sketched the structure of the building like Strachey Hall and Sir Syed Hall for the proposed College. He wanted, like Syed, a University free from the Government control, a perfect residential system, in which the students of both the communities lived together adhering to their faiths. Though Syed Mahmud while High Court judge lived at Allahabad yet he looked after the appointment of teachers, academic standards, Finance and official correspondence and it surprises one as to how he spared time along with his lofty judicial position to look into all this. Syed’ s every dream regarding Muslim uplift was given a practical shape by Syed Mahmud and how much the Aligarh Movement owes to his untiring efforts is very difficult of assess.

Syed Mahmud was obliged to resign his judgeship (1893). Syed Ahmad Khan issued a long statement to an Urdu newspaper on that occasion, asserting that the main reason why Syed Mahmud couldn’t continue in the service was that the English rob their Indian civil servants of their “self-respect”. The circumstances that forced Justice Mahmud to seek premature retirement from the Judgeship of the Allahabad High Court, have for long remained the subject of speculation. Some have characterised these circumstances as "sad",1 without explaining as to why they regard them so; others have attributed Justice Mahmud's resignation to his differences with Chief Justice Sir John Edge, without explaining the nature of these differences.

After his retirement in 1893 he devoted solely to the development of Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College, Aligarh. He taught English literature in the College and always thought of better relations between the teachers and students. He was a very active member of the Mohammadan Educational Conference and assisted his father in programming the sessions of the Conference. Syed Ahmad eulogizing his services confessed that ‘had he (Syed Mahmud) not helped me, my visit to England have been a failure’. There was no man who knew plans of Syed Ahmad more accurately than Syed Mahmud who was a true replica of his father

Syed Ahmad was always pensive as to what would be of the College when he was no more. But he was always contended when he looked to Syed Mahmud who knew his every plan and had the capacity to implement them. Sir Syed had great confidence in Syed Mahmud and he wished him to be his successor. That is why he got him appointed as Honorary Joint Secretary of the MAO College in 1887. He wanted that his policies regarding the College be continued and for that there was no better successor than his son. Therefore under the Trustees Regulation, Syed Ahmad got Syed Mahmud nominated in 1889 as the life Honorary Secretary after his death. But some senior colleagues of Syed Ahmad did not like this and his nomination was opposed. Syed Mahmud’s leniency towards the European Staff was the main issue in his opposition. When Syed Ahmad died on March 27, 1898, Syed Mahmud held the office of the Honorary Secretary of the College. Later after much persuasion, he accepted the Presidentship of Trustees which empowered him only to preside over the meetings of the Trustees.

In 1895 he wrote a book “A History of English Education in India”, which gives lengthy quotations from government documents and statistical data.

By 1896, his health deteriorated and he died in 1903 at Sitapur. The dead body was brought to Aligarh and he was laid to rest beside his father in the courtyard of the Jama Masjid of the University. Thus there lies buried a man who from his young age thought of a University, lived with it and died for it.

Allama Shibli Nomani

2007-01-13T00:57:00.000-06:00

Muhammad Shibli Nomani
Born on June 3, 1857 in Bindawal Azamgarh (UP)
Died on 18th November 1914 in Azamgarh (UP)
Father : Shaikh Habibullah

Mother : Moqeema Khatoon (d/o Mr.Qurban Ahmad, Phariha Azamgarh)

Wife : Majidunnisa (Married 1876-77)

Brothers : Mahdi Hasan (MAO College Student)

Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad
Children : Hamid Hassan Nomani , Rabia Khatoon , Jannutul Fatima

Teachers: Maulana Farooq Chirayyakuti, Chirayyakot Azamgarh

Maulana Irshad Husain, Rampur,

Maulana Faiz ul Hasan Saharanpuri, Lahore,

Maulana Ahmad Ali Saharanpuri

MAO College Association: 1882 - 1898

Professor of Persian and Arabic

Founder Editor of The Aligarh Magazine (Urdu)-1891
Famous Students:

Hamid ud din Farahi, Abul Kalam Azad, Saiyid Sulaiman Nadvi, Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Zafar Ali Khan, Sajjad Haider Yaldram, Aziz Mirza, Masud Ali Mahvi, Abdus Salam Nadvi, Abdul Bari Nadvi, Shibli Mutakallim Nadvi

Books :

Seerat-un-Nabi – 7 Volumes (co-edited by Syed Sulaiman Nadvi)
Muqadmat-Seeratun Nabi
Al-Farooq : Biography of Hazrat Omar Farooq (R.A.)
Al-Ghazali : Biography of Imam Ghazali (R.A.)
Al-Mamoon : Biography of Khalifa Mamoon Rashid
Seerat-un-Noman : Biography of Imam Abu Hanifa
Swaneh-Maulana Roomi
Al-Kalam
Ilmul-Kalam
Safar Nama Room-Misr-o-Shaam
Sherul-Ajam -5 Volumes
Kuliyat-e-Shibli (Urdu)
Kuliyat-e-Shibli (Farsi)
Mawazenah Anees-o-Dabeer
Al-Inteqar
Auragzeb Alamgeer per Ek Nazar

Muhammad Shibli Nomani (1857-1914) more popularly known as Shibli Nomani or even simply as Shibli was born in a respected family of landed aristocracy in Bindawal, a village of Azamgarh district in eastern U.P. in 1857. Thus Shibli was born while the first war of independence was at its peak. Azamgarh and surrounding areas were particularly affected by its patriotic fervour. It was a matter of symbolic significance that on the day of his birth the freedom fighters broke open the gates of district jail and set free the prisoners incarcerated there. He took his first breaths in this highly surcharged patriotic and rebellious atmosphere. It was bound to have an abiding influence on the thinking and attitudes of Shibli in the days to come. He had imbibed the indomitable spirit of independence in his cradle and it remained with him as a distinctive trait of his personality throughout his life.
Shibli occupies a very important place in the history of Muslim community in modern India. His role in revitalizing and reviving the community is enormous. By his scholarly and intellectual attainments, he revived the memories of the great scholars of our past. He was an accomplished scholar of Islamic sciences and Arabic and Persian languages and literature. He was a prolific writer of Urdu both in prose and poetry. He was a prose writer of great excellence who remains unrivalled for the literary elegance and beauty of his writings. His poetry, both in Persian and Urdu, was of a very high order and excellence. He is considered as the last great poet of Persian in India. His historical writings opened new vistas and touched unprecedented heights of scholarly depth, incisive interpretation, deep insight, penetrating criticism and refreshing approach. It earned for him the title of the first teacher of history of the Indian Muslims, an honour that he thoroughly deserved. By his powerful writings he not only defended Islam against the ideological onslaught of the orientalists but eminently succeeded in creating a deep and abiding sense of pride, attachment and belonging with the past among the Indian Muslims. His personality was multifaceted and his contributions are immense and multidimensional. The people whom he taught, trained and influenced are legion and the exact nature and magnitude of their contribution in the fields of their interest is difficult to assess. Among them are included such illustrious personalities as Hamid ud din Farahi, Abul Kalam Azad, Saiyid Sulaiman Nadvi, Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Zafar Ali Khan, Sajjad Haider Yaldram, Aziz Mirza, Masud Ali Mahvi, Abdus Salam Nadvi, Abdul Bari Nadvi to name only a few. He built many institutions that continue to play a vital role in the life of the community. Darul Musannifin Shibli Academy had no parallel in the Sub Continent as a centre of historical research and publication. He was an Alim, scholar, educationist, reformer, historian, litterateur and much more. It is, therefore, not possible to attempt even a brief survey of his varied accomplishments and contributions in a small article. The endeavour here therefore would be confined to a brief study of his association with Aligarh and the contribution that he made to the Aligarh Movement.

Shibli and Aligarh Movement

1881 proved to be a turning point in his life. In that year he went to Aligarh along with his father to pay a visit to his younger brother, Mahdi Hasan, who was a student at M. A. O. College. In this journey he also met Sir Syed, a meeting that was destined to change his life and give it a new purpose, meaning and direction. In accordance with the traditions of the time he presented an Arabic Qasida (Ode) in praise of Sir Syed. Contrary to the style of those days, it was composed in the style of classical Arabic poetry. Sir Syed was impressed by it as he could see through it the great creative genius of the writer. He published it in Aligarh Gazette with a note of appreciation. This paved the way for Shibli’s eventual appointment at Aligarh. A new star of matchless brightness was to impart its lustre to the intellectual firmament of Aligarh and the conditions for this were created on this occasion.

In 1882 there was a vacancy for a teacher to teach Arabic and Persian languages in the College. Towards the end of January Shibli was appointed as Professor of Persian and Assistant Professor of Arabic. He joined his duty on 1st of February 1882. He spent next sixteen years at Aligarh. Initially his salary was fixed at Rs. Forty a month. Shibli belonged to a well to do family. He seems to have felt deeply hurt at this paltry salary. But he also seems to have realised the immense possibilities that Aligarh offered to the growth of his intellectual faculties and attainment of academic excellence. He settled for the later. There could not have been a better bargain. Later in 1886, he was promoted as Professor of Arabic as well and his salary was also raised accordingly. Ultimately it rose to Rs. 100 per month. But the extremely vital role that he was destined to play in the uplift of the College, furtherance of the objectives of the Aligarh Movement and enlightenment of the Muslim community of the Subcontinent could not be determined and understood in terms of salaries and stipends.
The most important thing that Shibli acquired at Aligarh was his abiding concern for the plight of the community and realization of the imperative need to work for its uplift and taking it out of the morass in which it found itself. It was a natural outcome of his contact with Sir Syed. It provided a direction to him and gave him a purpose and objective to work for. It fired his imagination and opened up new horizons before his eyes. This concern remained with him throughout his life. At Aligarh he came into contact with European scholars. He developed very close and friendly relations with Professor T. W. Arnold and learnt from him modern methods of research and scholarship, which he put to maximum use in putting across his own views and researches. He learnt French from him and taught him Arabic. He has referred to him as a friend and a mentor. It was here that he had access to the works of the orientalists and became painfully conscious of the great need to do something to resist and stop their onslaught against Islam and the Muslims and it determined the course of his future academic activities. He was a voracious reader and at Aligarh he had access to a virtual treasure of rare books to satisfy his thirst. Sir Syed’s library was perhaps the best library of its kind during those days in the entire subcontinent. It had an excellent collection of Arabic and Persian books of great Muslim scholars, which were being published in Europe and which, according to Shibli himself, were still beyond the reach of scholars even in Egypt. Seeing Shibli’s interest in scholarly pursuits, Sir Syed had allowed him free access to his library. This opened up new vistas of research and scholarship before him. The results of his researches delighted and amazed even great scholars. Sir Syed was deeply impressed by his scholarship and began to rely more and more on him in his researches. He built a banglow for him near his residence so that he could have easy access to his library. They spent much time together discussing scholarly subjects of mutual interest. Shibli had a very high opinion about Sir Syed’s great qualities of mind and heart. This mutual respect and appreciation for each other found expression on many occasions and forms a shining chapter of Aligarh’s history.

The contribution of Shibli to the Aligarh movement and his services in furthering its cause are varied and many. First of all he was a committed and dedicated teacher and was fully alive to his responsibility towards educating and building the character of his students and molding their views. His erudition, scholarship, vast knowledge of Islam and Islamic history and his ability to effectively communicate with them enabled him to establish effective rapport with his students. This he used to create in the students an interest in Islam and instill a sense of pride and belonging to its glorious past. He always tried to uphold the sublime traditions of Islamic civilization and did not inculcate in his students a sense of loyalty to the British or interest in western civilization. He always emphasized Islamic values in his teachings, lectures and writings.

He used every available forum to educate and train the students to be able to fulfil their role in the society and to retain the distinctive mark of having been students of the M. A. O. College. Besides the union where students acquired debating and oratory skills, there was an association with the name of Ikhwan us Safa. It was a forum where students were trained in Urdu speaking. He actively participated in both these forums and gave talks and lectures there to instruct and guide the students. He established a new forum for training students in speaking and writing Arabic and took keen interest in its development. When Aligarh Gazette decided to publish an Urdu supplement, its charge was given to him. Later, it acquired a separate identity of its own and came to be known as Aligarh Magazine. Some of his important writings initially appeared in this magazine. Through this magazine he trained a generation of students in writing Urdu.

An important aspect of Aligarh Movement was Sir Syed’s desire to retain the Islamic identity while acquiring modern education and acquainting oneself with the western values. Modern education at the cost of religion was not acceptable to him. He was very clear on this point and his pronouncements on the subject are too well known to bear repetition. He never wanted to impose his own religious ideas on the students or include his writings in the curriculum of the College. The religious aspect of the College was left entirely to the care of a graduate of the famous seat of religious learning, Darul Ulum at Deoband, Maulana Abdullah Ansari. Maulana Ansari was not only a product of that great seat of Islamic education but he was also son in law of Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanatuwi, the founder of the Darul Ulum. Shibli was professor of Arabic and Persian and technically religious instruction was not one of his concerns. But it would appear in the light of the available evidence on the subject that his role in inculcating in the students an attachment with the religion was by far the most significant. To achieve this end he adopted various means and employed different methods besides personal contacts. He was very closely associated with Lujnatus Salat, an association that was formed to ensure punctual performance of five times prayers among the students and was proud of his own role in making it a success. Sir Syed entrusted him the responsibility of giving lectures to the students on the meaning and interpretation of the Holy Qur'an, a responsibility that he performed with great earnestness and enthusiasm. It became very popular among the students. When Maulana Abdullah Ansari was appointed, Shibli expressed his desire to be relieved of this responsibility but Sir Syed would not agree. He therefore continued to perform this responsibility till the end of his stay at Aligarh. Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar had observed that his interest in the Holy Book goes back to these lectures. There must have been many others who were inspired by his expositions of the meaning and exegesis of the Holy Qur'an.

On the instance of Sir Syed he compiled a book on the early history of Islam titled Bada’ ul Islam (The Beginning of Islam) to be included in the syllabus of Theology. This book was translated into Persian by his cousin and pupil, Hamiduddin Farahi, who was a student of the College at that time and later rose to be the greatest scholar of Quranics in modern times. It was included in the curriculum of Persian. The function celebrating the birth of the Prophet had become a hallmark of the University. It is interesting to note that it was begun by Shibli to acquaint the students with the life account of our beloved Prophet, a theme that was destined to emerge as the main interest of his life and for which he received universal acclaim. In the beginning it was held at his residence but as it could not accommodate all those who wanted to attend it, the venue was shifted to some other place. Besides these, his writings, poems and lectures went a long way in instilling in the students a deep sense of attachment to the religious and cultural moorings of Islam. He was a source of inspiration and a role model to the students in this regard. It could be seen that in this particular sphere he made significant contribution in realising and furthering some of the basic objectives of the Aligarh Movement.

As noted above, he was a poet of great excellence. In the academic circles of the College he was first introduced as an excellent poet. His poetic talent was used in the service of the College and furthering of the objectives of the Aligarh Movement. Keeping with the traditions of the time, important personalities were welcomed at the College with a Qasida and it was invariably his responsibility to compose and present it on behalf of the College. It would seem that he did not relish this job which smacked of flattery still he did it in the interest of the College. He also presented his poetic compositions at the annual sessions of Educational Conference. One of his most stirring poetical compositions “Masnavi Subh-e Ummid” was presented at the 1885 session of the conference. After depicting the hopeless situation in which the Muslims of India found themselves, he makes a very forceful presentation of the Aligarh Movement and its objectives and considers it as the morning of hope for those who had lost all hope. It contains one of the finest portrayals of Sir Syed and his dedication to his mission. There could be little doubt about the fact that his poetic compositions rendered yeoman service in furthering the objectives of the Aligarh Movement and his forceful voice was an asset and a source of great strength for the Movement.

Shibli had written some polemical writings to his credit before his joining the College. But his career as a writer and author in fact began at Aligarh. Here he had access to the books that were published in Europe and Egypt and these introduced him to a world that was not known to him before. Sir Syed’s library was perhaps the richest repository of such books in the entire Subcontinent and Shibli had full access to it. His discussions with Sir Syed introduced him to new ideas in the fields of literature, history and other areas of learning. Shibli’s scholarly exploits are varied and many but his greatest contributions are in the field of history and sirat. He has been called the first teacher of Indian Muslims in history and rightly so. The book that seems to have stimulated his interest in the study of history was Gibbon’s history of Rome. Sir Syed had got it translated into Urdu for his personal use. Thereafter history became the field of his main interest and his researches in Muslim history have acquired legendary status that has been celebrated by succeeding generations of Muslim scholars. There could be little doubt that Sir Syed’s writings on the Muslim history particularly Khutbat-i Ahmadiyya that he wrote to dispel the allegations and malicious insinuations contained in the Life of Mohamet of William Muir must have inspired him and convinced him of the imperative need of meeting the onslaught unleashed by the Orientalists against Islam and the Prophet. Shibli’s achievements in the field are unrivalled but it would be useful to remember that the trend was set by Sir Syed who was first to stand up against the scholarly tyranny of the west against Islam. Shibli, however, was a perfectionist and he thought it necessary to first fully equip himself with all the essential means and resources for this onerous task before accepting the challenge and throwing down the gauntlet. From the date of joining the College till 1887 he seems to have been mainly engaged in study and preparation for the task that he had set for himself. Though his reputation as a scholar was established he contented himself with expressing his ideas and concerns for the community and the urgent need for reform mostly through the medium of poetry.
In 1892 Shibli undertook an academic journey to collect necessary material for his proposed book al Faruq. This took him to Constantinople (Istanbul), Cairo, al Quds and Beirut. This was first journey of this kind by a professor of the College. Sir Syed had gone to England before he launched his movement for the establishment of the College to collect material for his rebuttal of William Muir’s infamous book on the life of Prophet. Among the professors of the College, however, Shibli was first to have done so. In a way he was the first ambassador of the Indian Muslims to Turkey and was instrumental in establishing first contacts of the Muslims of South Asia with that region. This shows his thirst for knowledge and spirit of enquiry. This journey was undertaken with his personal resources and without any help from any outside agency. He spent six months on this academic tour, most of which was spent in Constantinople, scouring its many libraries for the books that he needed. Most of the books that he needed were still in manuscript form. The libraries were situated at considerable distance from each other and he had to walk for miles to go from one library to the other and it was very tiring but he bore it cheerfully as a labour of love. Academically this tour was a great success but the general conditions of the Muslim countries he visited greatly dismayed and depressed him. He had gone from a country that was under the subjugation of others to those which were free and masters of their own destiny. He made it a point to meet the scholars and visit the academic institutions there. But to his great dismay same ailments seemed to be infecting those Muslim countries as well, which were the bane of Muslim society in India. He found the great divide between the old and new systems of education particularly very disturbing because his studies had convinced him that without a judicious combination of the two systems there would be no possibility of progress for the Muslims in the modern times. But living and breathing in a free country was an experience in itself. In recognition of his great academic achievements and service for the community, the Ottoman government awarded him Tamgha-i Majidi. It was first such honour achieved by a professor of Aligarh. It brought fame not only to Shibli but also to Aligarh where he belonged. Theoretically, Ottoman Sultan was still considered as the head of the Muslims and a symbol of the unity of the community. And therefore recognition of a scholar by him was indeed a matter of great honour. Shibli took the name and fame of the College wherever he went and was instrumental in introducing the College to the academic circles of the countries he visited. Those who came into contact with him were deeply impressed by his great scholarship and depth of knowledge. This was bound to create favourable impression about the institution where he taught. Among those whom he met at Cairo was included the great Egyptian scholar Mufti Muhammad Abduhu. He spent considerable time at the grand al Azhar University discussing with the Ulama matters of mutual interest and looking for books in its library. On his return he was felicitated both by the staff of the school and the College. Sir Syed also attended the felicitations.

In 1894 Shibli was granted the title of Shams ul Ulama by the British Government. It was the firs title that was granted to a professor of the College by the government. Keeping in mind the fact that Shibli had not yet crossed 37 years of his age and during those days grant of such titles was not very common, this event was considered to be very significant. Besides Sir Syed none of his associates had received any title from the government so far. Even such eminent luminaries and members of Aligarh fraternity as Hali and Nazir Ahmad received it much later. There were celebrations in the College. Ikhwan us Safa and Lujnat ul Adab held a joint function on January 19, 1894 to felicitate Shibli on the receipt of this honour. Among others, it was attended by Sir Syed, Syed Mahmud, Muhsin ul Mulk, Hali, Muzammilullah Khan, Theodore Beck and Arnold. The meeting was chaired by Muhsin ul Mulk. Besides others, Hali also presented a congratulatory poem in Arabic which was appropriately titled “From friend to friend”. Among the students Hamid ud din Farahi, Zafar Ali Khan and Ghulam us Saqlain were included among those who spoke on the occasion and presented their poetic compositions. The high academic standards of the students of those days could be assessed from the fact that majority of the poetic compositions of the students presented on the occasion were either in Arabic or Persian. On February 17 another function was held in the Strachey Hall, which was attended by the European officers, their ladies, notables of Aligarh and the College community. In this function the title and the robe of honour (khil’at) was officially conferred on him.
Under the influence of the Aligarh Movement and realising the imperative need of introducing modern education to the Muslims, soon after his joining of the College Shibli had founded a school at Azamgarh with the name of National School in 1883. By 1895 it was upgraded as a High School. After independence it became a Post Graduate College with the name of Shibli National Post Graduate College. At present it is the best minority college in the province of Uttar Pradesh with post graduate facilities in all the main branches of Science and a number of subjects in Arts and Social Sciences. It also offers courses in law, commerce and education. It has all the potential of being developed as a university. Over a period of more than a century since it has been in existence it has continued to fulfil the same objectives in the region of Eastern U. P. which Aligarh Movement tried to propagate and popularise among the Muslims.

In 1895 he was nominated as a member of the Faculty of Arts and Board of Studies of Allahabad University. It may be recalled here that M. A. O. College was affiliated to Allahabad University before it became Aligarh Muslim University. Around that time a move was afoot to remove Persian as a subject from the syllabi of the University as its syllabus was considered to be below standard. Due to his intervention it was retained and Shibli was asked to prepare a new and suitable syllabus. He prepared a standard syllabus for this purpose. The course of study that he prepared continued to be taught at the university for many years. Shibli used to give a portion of the income that accrued to him from this course to the College fund.
Sir Syed died on March 27, 1898. Shibli left the College after few months. First he took leave for six months in May and after the expiry of the leave, he tendered his resignation form the service of the College. Thus the relationship that had that had begun in 1882 and had lasted for sixteen years that saw Shibli achieve glory and fame, came to an end. It may, however, be useful to remember in this context that in spite of all the admiration of Shibli for Sir Syed and appreciation of Sir Syed for the unusual calibre and talent of Shibli, there were a number of issues on which they differed. Men of substance do not agree with each other on each and every point. It was only natural that men of such stature as Sir Syed and Shibli would differ on some issues. It does not seem to be a coincidence that Shibli continued to serve the College as long as Sir Syed was alive in spite of whatever differences he might have had with him and in spite of the fact that he had been contemplating to leave thee College for quite some time. It was only after his death that he found it necessary to severe his relationship with the College. Even long after he had left Aligarh, there were moves particularly during the stewardship of Muhsinul Mulk to revive his association with the College. It would appear that Shibli was not averse to the idea but some how it did not materialise. Shibli lived another eighteen years. These years saw his talents blossom to the full. He authored many great books on a variety of subjects with equal ease and felicity. One is struck with wonder on the range of his interest. On every subject that he did chose, he wrote with compelling authority and beauty. But the crowning glory of his scholarship was the biography of the Prophet, peace be on him, for which he received universal acclaim and which remains unsurpassed even today. He founded many institutions and participated in many movements. These include, among others, Darul Musannifin Shibli Academy, Nadwatul Ulama and Madrastul Islah. His role in mobilising assistance and support for Turkey was very important. He did not actively participate in politics but supported the Congress from the very beginning. These and many other aspects of his life are no doubt very important but they are out of our purview here. In the midst of the plethora of real and alleged differences of Shibli with Sir Syed and Aligarh Movement, it would be useful to remember that after Sir Syed Shibli was the most towering personality among the galaxy of great men who had gathered around him and he made enormous contribution towards furthering the objectives of the Aligarh Movement.

Allama Shibli Nomani and Nadwatul Uloom
On the occasion of convocation of MADARSA FAIZ-E-AAM, Kanpur in 1892 A.D.(1310 Hijri), scholars like Maulana Lutfullah Aligarhi, Maulana Hafiz Shah Muhammad Hussain Allahabadi, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi, Maualana Muhammad Khalil Ahmad (Deoband), Maualana Sanaullah Amritsari, Maulana Noor Muhammad Punjabi, Maualana Ahmad Hasan Kanpuri, Maulana Syed Muhammad Ali Kanpuri, Shaikhul-Hind Maulana Mahmud Hasan, Maulana Shah Sulaiman Phulwari, Maualana Zahurul Islam Fatehpuri, Maualan Abdul Ghani Mau-Rashidabadi, Maulana Fakhrul Hasan Gangohi and Maulana Syed Shah Hafiz Tajammul Husain Desnavi agreed to form an organization of Ulema and convene a gathering of Ulema of the thoughts in the next annual convocation of Madarsa Faiz-e-Aam, Kanpur. They decided the name of the Organization to be NADWATUL-ULEMA. The responsibilities of the organization were given to Maulana Syed Muhammad Ali and so he became the first NAZIM of NADWATUL-ULEMA. The main object of this Association was to bring about harmony and co-operation among the different groups within the Muslim Millat, and thereby to bring about the moral, religious and educational reform and progress of the Muslims.
Nadwatul-Ulema held its first convention on 22nd, 23rd and 24th April 1893 A.D. (15th, 16th and 17th Shawwal 1311 Hijri) in Madarsa Faiz-e-Aam, Kanpur. It was attended by a huge group of scholars from all sects of the Ummah and all corners of the sub-continent including Maulana Abdullah Ansari (Founder Nazim-e-Diniyaat, MAO College Aligarh) and Shamsul Ulema Allama Shibli Nomani, who were Professor of Arabic and Persian at MAO College. Allama Shibli Nomani had already visited Rome, Syria and Egypt and have seen the Madaris of those regions and met their scholars. Allama Shibli Nomani proposed the name of Maulana Mufti Lutfullah to chair the opening session of the convention. According to Nawab Sadar Yaar Jang Maulana Habibur Rahman Khan Sherwani, Maulana Ibrahim Aaroomi and Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalwi were representing Ahle-Hadis (Salafi) delegation, Maulvi Ghulamul-Hasnain were representing Shia delegation. Maulana Ahmad Raza Khan Barailvi also attended the convention and in his addressed praised Malana Inayatullah, maulana Lutfullah and Maulana Ahmad Hasan. Maulana Shah Muhammad hussain presented the aims and objective of the organization and then Allama Shibli Nomani presented the Working Guidelines (Dasturul-Amal) of the organization. On the recommendation of Maulana Muhammad Husain Batalwi, this working guidelines (Dasturul Amal) was referred to a committee of scholars to discuss.
On 23th April (16th Shawwal), after maghrib prayer, a special session comprising of 30 scholars were held and each and every guidelines were discussed and finalized. On the next day, 24th April (17th Shawwal) in morning session under the chairmanship of Maulana Lutfullah of Aligarh, Allama Shibli Nomani announced the proposals;

The Present educational system and needs a reform.
Principles or their representative of all the Islamic Institutions (Madaaris) should attend the annual convention of Nadwatul Ulema.
A Federation of Madaaris should be formed so that all the madaaris should come under one umbrella. To implement this scheme few large Madaaris should be started which will act as a main Madrasah known as Nadwatul-Uloom and rest will be their branches. Nadwatul-Uloom will keep an eye on the activities of the branches.
Expansion of Madarsa Faiz-e-Aam with Hostel facility.
Curriculum reform ( This was proposed by Shah Muhammad Husain Allahabadi and seconded by Allama Shibli Nomani)
After this 12 scholars including Allama Shibli Nomani were named to develop curriculum
All the members of the curriculum developing committee made their proposed changes in the curriculam but Allama Shibli Nomani presented the Model of Nadwatul-Uloom. When Allama Shibli’s proposal of a Darul-Uloom was accepted by the attendees, he requested to form a Managing group and so a panel of 16 people was selected with consensus.
The founding session of Nadwatul-Ulema was concluded with final remarks and vote of thanks by Allama Shibli Nomani.

Source :

Shibli at Aligarh ( ByProf. Ishtiaq Zilli , Sir Syed Day Magazine 2006)

The Federation of Aligarh Alumni Associations
(www.aligs.org)

Darul Musannefeen Shibli Academy

http://shibliacademy.blogspot.com/

Hayat-e-Shibli (Maulana Syed Sulaiman Nadvi (Darul Musannefin)

Maulana Khawaja Altaf Hussain Hali

2006-10-05T00:15:00.000-05:00

Maulana Khawaja Altaf Hussain Hali
Born: 1837, Panipat (Haryana)
Died: 30th September 1914 in Panipat (Haryana)
Auto-Biography: Hayat-e-Hali

Literary works/Books:

Musaddas e-Madd o-Jazr e-Islam, better known as Musaddas-e-Hali
(An elegaic poem on the Ebb and Tide of Islam)

Hayat-i-Javed, is the biography of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan,
(Now among one of the classics of Urdu language)

Yadgar-e-Ghalib, Mirza Ghalib's life, and a commentator of his poetry

Heyat-e-Saadi, life of great Persian scholar, Shaikh Saadi

Muqaddama-e-Sher-o-Shayari, (A book of literary criticism in Urdu)

Hayaat-e-Hali, Autobiography

Divaan-e-Hali, Collection of Hali’s Poetry

Maulana Khawaja Altaf Hussain Hali (1837-1914) was an Urdu poet, and the last pupil of Mirza Ghalib. He is also one of the most well-regarded biographers of Ghalib's life, and a commentator of his poetry. He also wrote the biography of the Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, founder of Mohammadan Anglo Oriental College (MAO) which later on became Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in 1920.

To Hali also goes the credit of being the first to introduce the genre of biography in Urdu and all in total he authored three biographies, Heyat-e-Saadi, life of great Persian scholar, Shaikh Saadi, Heyat-e-Javed, life of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, founder of AMU Aligarh, and his famous Yadgar-e-Ghalib.
Hali also wrote one of the earliest works of literary criticism in Urdu ''"Muqaddamah-i Shi'r-o-Sha'iri".''
Khwaja Altaf Hussain Hali, one of the greatest social reformers of India was born in Panipat in 1837, Altaf Hussain was educated in the same city and later went to Delhi where he wished to gain further education in the Indo-Islamic poetic tradition. It was here he chose the cognomen of "Khastah" (The Spent One, or The Tired One). He was forced to return home, and pursued a government job until displaced by the Mutiny of 1857. After this turning point in his life, he drifted from job to job for several years, arriving eventually in Lahore in the mid 1870s, where he began to compose his epic poem on the request of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the Musaddas e-Madd o-Jazr e-Islam (An elegaic poem on the Ebb and Tide of Islam) under the new poetic pseudonym of "Hali" (The Contemporary). The Musaddas, or Musaddas-e-Hali, as it is often known, was published in 1879 to critical acclaim, and considered to herald the modern age of Urdu poetry. On request of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan he wrote the famous Mussadas that was published in 1879. Halis' Mussadas was about the rise and fall of the Muslims. Hali reviled “the rich for their selfishness, the aristocracy for their degeneracy, religious leaders for their bigoted ignorance, poets for their foolish triviality.” Mussadas took Muslim India by storm. Its extracts are still being taught in Muslim schools and recited in religious and educational functions. It created a wide spread awakening amongst the Muslims of India. Apart from his poetic achievements, Hali was a pioneer in Urdu literature. Hali was the first major poet to put forward “the theory that literature should be harnessed into the service of the community, and made to advance the cause of social welfare and betterment.” His poems brought back to life the society of their time far better than any scholarly construction could.
Altaf Hussain Hali, until his death in 1914, served the Aligarh movement with considerable dedication, validating Sir Syed Ahmad's call for change among Muslims. Like Sir Syed Ahmad, Hali found the existing Muslim society to be decadent and static, but he arrived at that view not by comparing it with the modern western civilization, but with the history of Islam. Indeed, by presenting Islam as a modern religion, in accord with science and rationalism.
Hali was for a new start in politics and society as much as in literature. He believed in the irreversible movement of modern civilisation, arguing that only by contact with the West could life and vigour flow back into India. His simple and deeply moving poetry inspired millions and awakened a decadent people to revive their lost glory and look to the future with renewed hope. Hali’s construction of Islam, his understanding of himself as a Muslim, and as an Indian living in British India, are crucial in tracing the historical development of Islam in South Asia. He shared a political heritage and language, which helped reconstruct Muslim identity in the 19th century. Hali came into prominence during one of the darkest hours of Indian Muslim history. The Muslims had taken lead in India's first war of independence against the British in 1857, and after losing the war had to face the brunt of the victor's revenge. Muslim mutineers and their supporters were murdered in the thousands by the British and a policy of systematic discrimination was instituted against the Muslims.
Hali used his pen to bring about social and educational reforms among Muslims. He heralded a new movement in Urdu prose and poetry free from jargon and verbiage. He wrote the famous "Musaddas-e-Hali", a narrative on the rise and fall of Muslims that was published in 1879.
Hali reviled "the rich for their selfishness, the aristocracy for their degeneracy, religious leaders for their bigoted ignorance, and poets for their foolish triviality."
Extracts from Musaddas are still being taught to Indian Muslims in schools and in religious and educational functions. Hali blazed a new trail and used the poetic genre of the long Urdu nazm as an instrument of social and moral reform. Maulana Hali's ghazals reflect his command over the form of poetry but later on in life, he focused more on nazm as a means of expression. Hali also used the nazm for interpreting the beauties of nature, a theme that was more or less neglected, or treated marginally by the poets of classical ghazal.
In his prose treatise, "Muqaddam-e-Shair-o-Shairi", one of the earliest texts in Urdu literary criticism, Hali underscored the limitations of the classical ghazal and pointed out the hollowness of its hackneyed themes, thus putting the nazm on a surer path of progress.
The ghazal has been primarily used as an instrument of aesthetic and intellectual pleasure, and a source of courtly entertainment, while a nazm combines pleasure with purpose, in service of society. It is a more earthbound form of poetry, with a moral and a message. His patriotic nazm like Hubbe Watan went a long way in fostering Hindu-Muslim unity that was being undermined by the British.

In his novel, Majalis-un Nisan (Assemblies of Women), Hali, emphasizes the need of educating women. The heroine, Zubaida Khatun, is taught the Qur'an, Arabic, Persian and Urdu as well as mathematics, geography and history by her father. This was at a time, when studying "British" subjects such as geography and mathematics was a taboo even for Indian Muslim men.
Hali passed away on 30th September 1914 in Panipat, but the movement for reformation and renaissance he helped start continues to this day.

Compiled by:
Afzal Usmani

Nawab Muhammad Ishaaq Khan

2006-09-27T23:34:00.000-05:00

Nawab Muhammad Ishaaq Khan
Born: 1860, Delhi
Died: October 28, 1918, Jehangirabad-Meerut(UP)
Secretary of MAO College Board: Jan. 1913- October 28, 1918
President All India Muslim Educational Conference

A compossionate follower & Pillar of Aligarh Movement, son of Nawab Shefta (a great poet and contemporary of Mirza Ghalib), father of EX-Vice Chancelllor, Nawab Ismail Khan, deciple of Maulana Altaf Hussain Haali and an architect by hobby is a small introduction of Nawab Ishaaq Khan, 3rd Secretary of MAO College Management and President of All India Muslim Educational Conference.

Nawab Ishaaq Khan was born in reputed Delhi family and his father was Nawab Mustafa Khan of Jahangirabad, popularly known as Nawab Shefta [1804-1869], a famous friend of Mirza Asadullah Khan, Ghalib. In 1861 Nawab Mustafa Khan (Nawab Shefta) employed Maulana Altaf Hussain Haali to teach his son. The Nawab was himself a skilled poet and critic of Urdu & Persian and wrote under the name of Shefta.

He was district and session Judge at Muradabad when was elected as Secretary of MAO College Management in the last week of January 1913. His term was to expire on July 21, 1915. In March 1915 he announce that owing to his failing health he would not like to continue Secretary any longr. However, later he agreed to br re-elected for next 3 years, till january 1919. But his health broke down and did not completed his term.

Nawab Ishaaq Khan was district & session Judge in Allahabad. During his tenure of MAO College Secretaryship, he invited Sarojni Naidu to MAO College. To commemorate her visit, he, announced an annual donation of a collection of books in the Students’ Union Library, to be known as ‘Mrs. Sarojni Naidu Collection’.

During his job as district and session Judge in Allahbad, he was greatly impressed by the eminence of Pundit Moti Lal Nehru as a lawyer. When his son Nawab Ismail Khan returned from England after becoming a barrister at law, Nawab Ishaaq Khan made him start his legal practice as assistant lawyer to Pundit Moti Lal Nehru who prevailed upon Nawab Ishaaq Khan to let his son stay with him as his guest. So he stayed in Anand Bhawan for a couple of years. He had a life long friendship with Pundit Jawaher Lal Nehru and Mrs. Vijay Lakshmi Pundit.
Nawab Ishaaq Khan was a very good architect also. He himself designed a building with the help of some assistants who had experience of building barracks for the British army. The building is in Meerut (UP) and named after his father, Mustafa Castle. He amalgamated many styles of architecture in building Mustafa Castle. It has all the facilities which British bungalows provide. It has prominent features of the buildings of Rajasthan and Oudh area, mainly Lucknow. But as result of this amalgam the facade of Mustafa Castle is absolutely unique. This building was completed in 1900. Nawab Mustafa Khan's mother (grand mother of Nawab Ishaaq Khan) was the daughter of the Commander in Chief of the Mughal army, Ismail Baig Hamadani. Even after the surrender of the Mughal army he continued his fight against the British and finally retreated to Nepal. Nawab Mustafa Khan was tried for supposedly supporting the uprising which had emanated from Meerut. He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment. He was confined in a cell of the military jail of Meerut cantonment which had been improvised for the convicts of the 1857 uprising and was later abandoned.

This small jail happened to be right in the centre of the area which comprises Mustafa Castle. It was purchased by Nawab Ishaq Khan along with the adjoining area comprising nearly 30 acres of land. He then built Mustafa Castle as his homage to the memory and honor of his father Mustafa Khan. The cell in which he was imprisoned was retained in its original shape in the building he constructed.

The following outstanding persons have visited and stayed in Mustafa Castle.
Mahatma Gandhi. Three days during the Khilafat Movement
Jawaher Lal Nehru. Three days during the Khilafat Movement
Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Twice during the Pakistan Movement
Mrs. Naidu. Many times over a period of 30 years
Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad. Two or three times
Maulana Mohammad Ali. Many times
Maulana Hasrat Mohani. Many times
Bahadur Yar Jang of Hyderabad. Once
Mrs. Vijay Lakshmi Pundit, Many Times
Vitthal Bhai Patel. Elder brother of Vallabh Bhai Patel. Twice
Bhula Bhai Desai. Twice.
Govind Vallabh Pant. Twice
Liaquat Ali Khan. Many, many times

Nawab Viqarul Mulk

2006-09-19T19:53:00.000-05:00

Mushtaq Hussain, Nawab Viqarul-Mulk

Born: 24th March, 1841, Amroha (UP)
Died: 27th January, 1917, Amroha (UP)

Secretary of MAO College Board:
15th Dec-1907 to July-1912

Biography: Viqar-i-Hayat

Muhammad Ikramullah Khan

Aligarh: Muslim University, 1925.

The association of Maulvi Mushtaq Hussain known as Viqarul Mulk with Sir Syed began from his early career when he worked under him for some time. Sir Syed was highly impressed by his capabilities.
Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk was born in Amroha (UP) and started his education at a maktab and later on became a pupil of Maulvi Rahat Ali Amrohi, under whom he learned advanced Arabic, Hadith and Fiqh. He later joined government services where he came in contact with Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1861 in the United Provinces (UP).
In 1866, he started his career as a humble worker of the Aligarh Movement. He also became a member of the Scientific Society. In 1870, he was awarded second prize in an essay competition arranged by the Society for the Promotion of Education among Muslims. The subject of his essay focused on bringing about an educational renaissance among the Muslims.
In 1875, he was invited to serve in Hyderabad State under the British. He continued to serve for 17 years and as a result of his meritorious services, he was elevated to the rank of a Nawab, his full title being Nawab Mushtaq Hussain Viqar-ul-Mulk. He served the state of Hyderabad from 1875 to 1892.
Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk was a member of the Shimla Deputation in 1906. He wanted the Muslims to organize themselves politically and to safeguard their political rights. Starting his political career with the Aligarh Movement, he represented and guarded the Indian Muslim cause at few significant events which includes the Shimla Deputation.
Viqarul Mulk was one of the most ardent followers of Sir Syed and a very active worker of his camp. For the Scientific Society he translated a book ‘French Revolution and Napoleon’. When the College Fund Committee was formed, he became one of its members and worked ceaselessly for popularizing the movement of Sir Syed. He raised a huge amount of Rs. Seven Lakhs and 50 thousand for the establishment of the M. A. O. College.
After the death of Mohsinul Mulk he was elected unanimously Secretary by the Board of Trustees and took over charge in January 1908 when he was 67. He had sharp differences with the European staff of Aligarh College but Sir Syed and Mohsin-ul-Mulk believed in Anglo Muslim alliance. He, therefore, tried to put the necessary checks on the unquestionable authority of the Principal, which led to a serious clash between him and the European staff resulting in the resignation of Principal Archbold. The matter became so serious that it went to the level of Lt. Governor. However, Viqarul Mulk did not yield on the question of autonomy of the Institution. From a political point of view, his secretary ship was hard and stormy but he worked with courage.
Viqarul-Mulk had strong religious bent of mind and did not wish the students to grow up without a full share of religious training. He made it clear that those who did not say their prayers were liable to be turned out of College. This pleased the Ulemas who were opposed to English education (like Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi). They now supported the College and like Maulana Abdul Bari of Firangi Mahal chose the Aligarh College for education of their own children. Viqarul Mulk was primarily a leader of the Muslim community and he was one of the founders of the Muslim League in 1907 in Dhaka. It was during his Secretary ship of the M.A.O. College that intense efforts were made to set up a Muslim University at Aligarh. He succeeded in collecting donations for this purpose. Thus it may be said that after Sir Syed he was the most eminent figure behind the Aligarh Movement.

During the life of Sir Saiyad Ahmad, the Aligarh Movement was confined to the upper and middle class muslim society. Mohsinul Mulk widened its activities and Viqarul Mulk made it a mass movement creating Aligarh a Centre of Muslim intelligentia.

By 1915, he was paralyzed by a stroke. He passed away on January 27, 1917, and was buried in his family graveyard at Amroha.

Humanism of an Ultraconservative:
Viqar-ul-Mulk- has carved a niche for himself in the history of the Aligarh movement as Sir Syed's close confidante and the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the MAO College from 1907 to 1914 during a very turbulent phase of the history of the institution. He also played a role in shaping far-reaching political developments as one of the founders of the All India Muslim League of which he was the first Joint Secretary. By all accounts he was a very stern, uncompromising person not given to levity and humor so characteristic of the Muslim elite of the age. Someone writes of him as a person "who commanded respect and fear rather than affection." Without going into his biographical details it will be sufficient to note that Mushtaq Hussain resigned his position as Tehsildar in UP as his Collector was not agreeable to his taking a few minutes off for the Zuhr prayers. It was after this confrontation that Sir Saiyad helped him get employment in Hyderabad here he made long-lasting contribution to Revenue administration and was instrumental in making Urdu-instead of Persian- as the official language of the largest princely state in the British India. We shall see an extraordinarily `human' Viqar-ul-Mulk in the following account which is based on "Khutoot-i-Viqar- ul-Mulk" compiled by his youngest son Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed and published by the AMU in 1974.His eldest son, Mohammed Ahmed (1868-1896), went to England to qualify as Barrister. There, he married a young lady, "Shelly". The couple settled down in Bangalore while Viqar-ul-Mulk was still serving in Hyderabad. Mohammed Ahmed died in Bangalore at the age of 28 after a brief illness leaving a young widow and one year old daughter called "Hameeda". By then, Viqar-ul-Mulk had left Hyderabad, and returned to his native Amroha in UP. The widowed daughter-in- law and the grand daughter joined him there. The misfortunes of the family did not end; Hameeda was claimed by cholera at the age of five. Following the death of the daughter Shelly decided to return to her native England and Viqar-ul-Mulk, despite financial difficulties- after all he was only the 'title holder' of Nawab, but was otherwise a pensioner-ensured that the daughter-in- law received regular remittances for her upkeep. This arrangement went on for a number of years until she wrote to him on 6th January 1906 informing that she had received an inheritance of more than 10000 pounds and requested him to stop the financial assistance rather quaintly called "Pin Money". The following excerpt from her letter is worth quoting; " Let me in the fullness of my heart again express my loving gratitude to you for the fatherly care you have taken of me ever since you knew of me and during my widow-hood. I am thankful beyond words to you and especially now that you are relieved from the extra expense which you have so generously given and continued un-interruptedly. In reply, Viqar-ul-Mulk wrote to her a letter reproduced at pp 44-46 of the compilation. That being in Urdu is not being reproduced. It may be explained that the Nawab knew no English- he wrote to the daughter-in- law in Urdu; the originals were translated in English by his son-in-law Mr. Sibghatullah. We may only note the substance of what he wrote. The Nawab saheb mentioned that for long he wanted to tell something to Shelley but had so far refrained from doing so lest she misconstrued that as being intended to relieve his financial burden. Now that the situation has changed, he would suggest that she should give a serious thought to getting remarried. I venture to translate the relevant part of the letter as under; "Let me assure you that if one of my daughters had faced a similar situation, I would not only give her a similar advice but would have also tried to see that my advice was acted upon. … If you heed this advice, let me assure you that our relations will continue as before. If God (the Nawab uses `khuda') blesses you with an issue (from the second marriage), my affection for that off-spring will be the same as with the child of my own daughter. My hand of friendship will extend towards any family with whom you may choose to establish such relations. All this is on account of the affection which I have naturally for you and which shall always remain thus. My greatest satisfaction, if you act on this advice, will be that when my time comes I can leave this world unencumbered with the painful thought of your troubled life". The reply of the doting daughter-in- law is as interesting and its relevant portion (p-47) deserves to be quoted; "It is an extremely kind one and shows great delicacy in that you never mentioned the subject of my re-marriage whilst I depended on you for support.”My dear Mian, to be perfectly candid with you, I have no wish to marry again- there is no man who can take my dear husband's place. Probably, there are plenty of men who would not object to having me now that I have some money, and those I would scarcely marry. But under any circumstances I would prefer to die the widow of Mohammed Ahmed." To this the father-in-law replied (17th May 1906) "I realize that it is not appropriate on my part to write further in the matter; Nevertheless with apologies, I would like to submit that the matter will bear reconsideration at a future date. "The last word on the matter was said by the daughter-in-law who wrote; "I shall always think with loving gratitude of your care of me during all these long years of my widowhood. No English woman ever had a better father-in-law than I, although some are very good indeed."
The editor of `Khutoot-i-Viqarul Mulk” mentions that Shelly did not remarry and passed away at a fairly advanced age.This brief write-up do not admit of any rigorous analysis of the pognanant episode. It will be sufficient to note here the unreliability of stereotyping personalities. It was Sir Saiyad who wrote of Viqar-ul-Mulk, “I believe that Mushtaq Hussain would not change his opinion even if God revealed Himself against it" (quoted by Francis Robinson in "Separatism among Indian Muslims" pp 399-400; Oxford 1993). We need not question the judgment of Sir Saiyad but take note of the multi-layered nature of human personality. At an altogether different plain, the facts mentioned here invite the serious scholar to examine the human side of `Muslim orthodoxy' and whether it holds certain lessons- or at least provides `points to ponder'-for the current, self righteous orthodoxies with their rigid world views. In any case, the episode deserves to be widely publicized as providing new insights in the social life of the Muslim gentry.
(Source: AMUNetwork: by Mr. Naved Masood)

Viqarul Mulk Hall:
During the Vice Chancellor ship of Sir Ross Masood, Aligarh Muslim University honored Viqarul Mulk with naming the first Hall of residence outside of original MAO College campus after him in 1932. Viqarul Mulk Hall have four hostels: Jubilee Hostel, Marris Hostel, Muzammil Hostel and Nasrullah Hostel .

Compiled by:
Afzal Usmani

Nawab Mohsinul Mulk

2006-09-12T01:14:00.000-05:00

Saiyad Mehdi Ali, Nawab Mohsinul-Mulk

Born: 9^th December, 1837 Etawah (UP)

Died: 16^th October, 1907, Shimla (H.P.)

Father’s Name: Saiyad Mir Zaamin Ali,

Biography: Hayat-e-Mohsin (By Mr. Amin Zuberi : 1934)

Secretary of MAO College Board: 1899-1907

Very few friendships have been as stable and strong as that of Sir Saiyad Ahmed Khan and Mohsin-ul-Mulk. Such a high level of respect for difference of opinion was possible in those days only. Saiyad Mehdi Ali, popularly known as Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk, was one of the strongest supporters of Sir Saiyad’s mission and Aligarh Movement. He was born in Etawah(UP) and received the best of early education in and around Etawah. He was given a thorough basic education, both in Persian and Arabic. During his posting as Tahsildar in Etawah, he met Sir Saiyad Ahmad Khan. This meeting resulted in a long lasting companionship and Nawab Mohsinul Mulk became a staunch supporter of Sir Saiyad’s vision and Mission. He became member of the Scientific Society from its starting dates in 1864. He wrote passionate articles in Tahzeebul Akhlaq to support Sir Saiyad’s vision and spread his mission and became a spokesperson of Sir Saiyad’s social thoughts and Aligarh Movement. Regarding Sir Saiyad Ahmad Khan’s visit to England, Nawab Mohsinul Mulk wrote a letter to Honorable Haji Ismail Khan: “Saiyad Ahmad Khan went to England to see with his own eyes the nation which is respected all over the world, and to see the people in their own homes and in their own country. Whatever he observed, he made known to his own people when he returned. When people go to Britain from this country, they usually go for the sights, the theaters, the parks and the museums. But this great friend of Islamic faith went there and sat down in a library to write the Khutbat-e-Ahmadiya and to visit colleges and Universities. He went there for the sake of his people, he stayed there for the sake of his people and he came back for the sake of his people.”

When Sir Saiyad formed THE COMMITTEE OF THE SUPPORTERS OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF MUSLIM EDUCATION, Nawab Mohsinul Mulk was on his side and started collecting donations for the cause of the newly formed committee.

In 1867, he sat for the Provincial Civil Service examination and topped the list of successful candidates. He was appointed as Deputy Collector in U. P. In 1874, Mehdi Ali proceeded to Hyderabad and for his meritorious services, he was conferred the titles of Munir Nawaz Jang and Nawab Mohsin-ud-Daula by the Nizam of Hyderabad.

In 1893, he retired from Hyderabad and came to Aligarh and offered his services to Sir Saiyad Ahmad Khan to assist him in spreading the message of Aligarh Movement. Upon the death of Sir Saiyad, he was appointed as the Secretary of the Muslim Educational Conference in 1899. Towards the beginning of 20th century, the Hindi-Urdu controversy arose in the United Provinces. Mohsin-ul-Mulk took up the pen in defense of Urdu in collaboration with the Urdu Defense Association. He authored following books;

Mazaameen-e-Tahzeebul Akhlaq (Collection of his articles published in Tahzeebul Akhlaq)

Taqleed-e-Amal

Kitabul Muhabbat-o-Shauq Makaateeb

Musalmano(n) ki Tahzeeb

Aayaat-o-Bayyanat

Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk, being a farsighted and politically conscious leader, carried on correspondence with the private secretary of the Viceroy to give his point-of-view on the necessity of separate representation for the Muslims in all legislatures and local bodies. He presided the 9^th session of Muslim Educational Conference which was held in Aligarh in 1894 and proposed a resolution to help and support Nadwatul-Uloom, the newly formed religious school in Lucknow. His impressive Presidential remarks soften the hearts of modern educationist to support the cause of Nadwatul-Uloom.

After Sir Saiyad’s death in 1898, he became Secretary of the MAO College management and took Sir Saiyad’s burden on his own shoulders and is regarded with as much respect as his forerunner. He continued the mission of Sir Saiyad; at the same time he gave some special attention to bring religious and oriental stream scholars closer to AMO College so that the students can benefited from the scholars to have a proper understanding of religion also. He appointed a committee under the Chairmanship of Maulana Habibur Rahman Khan Sherwani to improve the religious studies courses in MAO College. Maulana Shibli Nomani was also a member of that committee. He played a key role in renewing Allama Shibli Nomani’s relationship with Aligarh and in result Allama Shibli again re-attached himself with Aligarh.

In 1906, he, along with Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk, became Secretary of Muslim League and were asked to draft the constitution of the Muslim League. On 16^th October, 1907, he died in Shimla (HP).

The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) honored him by naming a Hall of residence after him. The foundation stone of the Hall was laid by the then Vice Chancellor, Mr. Badruddin Tyabji on November 4, 1963. It started with an initial strength of 400 and is now one of the largest residential Halls both in size and strength, having 900 students and six different hostels: Allama Shibli Hostel (Previously this was Sir Ziauddin Hostel), Ameen Hostel, Majaz Hostel, Maulana Hali Hostel, Maulana Mohd. Ali Johar Hostel, and Saifi Hostel

Compiled by:

Afzal Usmani

Amir-e-Karwaa(n) : Sir Saiyad Ahmad, Khan Bahadur

2006-08-30T21:38:00.000-05:00

Sir Saiyad Ahmad, Khan Bahadur, L.L.D, K.C.S.I.

Born : 17^th October 1817 Delhi

Died : 27^th March 1898, Aligarh

Father’s Name: Saiyad Muhammad Muttaqi,

Mother’s Name : Azizun Nisa Begum

Wife’s Name : Parsa Begum(Mubarak) Married : 1836

Son/Daughter: Saiyad Hamid, Saiyad Mahmud and Amina.

Biography: Hayat-e-Javed (By Maulana Altaf Husain Hali)

“ Hai Dileri daste-arbab-e-siyaasat ka Aasa` “

“The real greatness of the man (Sir Saiyad) consists in the fact that he was the first Indian Muslim who felt the need of a fresh orientation of Islam and worked for it’’ (Sir Allama Iqbal)

“Sir Saiyad was a prophet of education “. (Mahatma Gandhi)

“Sir Saiyad was an ardent reformer and he wanted to reconcile modern scientific thought with religion by rationalistic interpretations and not by attacking basic belief. He was anxious to push new education. He was in no way communally separatist. Repeatedly he emphasized that religious differences should have no political and national significance”.

( Jawaharlal Nehru, Founder Prime Minister of India)

“Sir Saiyad’s vision and his laborious efforts to meet the demands of challenging times are highly commendable. The dark post 1857 era was indeed hopeless and only men like Raja Mohan Roy and Sir Saiyad could penetrate through its thick veil to visualize the Nation’s destinies. They rightly believed that the past had its merits and its legacies were valuable but it was the future that a society was called upon to cope with. I offer my homage to Sir Saiyad for his vision and courage that withstood all obstructions both from the friends and the foes” (Mr. Inder Kumar Gujral, Former Prime Minister of India).

An Architect of Modern India

History of social and educational reforms in Indian sub-continent can not be completed without Sir Saiyad Ahmad Khan. He is one of the great thinker, philosopher and revolutionaries who had dedicated his complete life for his nation and especially for his community. Nineteenth century was a hard time for the nation of India and especially for Muslims in the aftermath of 1857 revolt against British colonialism. Sir Saiyad tried and motivated Indian Muslim. In the history of India’s transition from medievalism to modernism, Sir Saiyad stand out prominently as a dynamic force pitted against conservatism, superstitions, inertia and ignorance. He contributed many of the essential elements to the development of modern India and paved the growth of a healthy scientific attitude of mind which is sine qua non for advancement, both material and intellectual.

Sir Saiyad said : After the Revolt of 1857, I was grieved neither on account of the plunder of my house nor on account of the loss of property that I had suffered. What saddened my heart was the misery and destruction of people. When Mr. Shakespeare offered to me the Taluqa of Jehanabad, which originally belonged to a distinguished Saiyad family, and yielded an annual rental of more than a lac rupees, as a reward of my services, my heart was deeply hurt. I said to myself, how can I accept this jagir and become the Taluqdar while all the people are in distress. I refused to accept it.

Sir Saiyad was born on 17^th October 1817 in Delhi in a respectable family of Saiyad Mohammad Muttaqi & Azizun Nisa Begum . Sir Saiyad and Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Founder of Darul-Uloom, Deoband) studied together under the able guidance of Maulana Mamlook Ali in Delhi. Sir Saiyad studied mathematics, Geology and Medicine from his uncle, Saiyad Zainul Abedin. He also studied Arabic literature, Tafseer-e-Quran, Hadith, and Fiqah from Maulana Makhsusullah (s/o Maulana Shah Rafiuddin Dahlwi ), Maulana Nawazish Ali and Maulana Faizul Hasan Saharanpuri.

In 1836 Sir Saiyad got married to Parsa Begum (Mubarak) and had two sons, Hamid (born in 1849) and Mahmood (born in 1850) and a daughter Amina. His elder brother Saiyad Muhammad started a weekly newspaper in 1837 and out of love of his younger brother Saiyad Ahmad (also known as Saiyad in his youth), named the newspaper Saiyadul-Akhbar . After Saiyad Muhammad’s death in 1845, Sir Saiyad Ahmad started managing Saiyadul-Akhbar.

Sir Saiyad was a great champion of Hindu-Muslim Unity. Addressing a big gathering at Gurudaspur on Jan. 27, 1884 He said: “ Hindus and Muslims ! Do you belong to a country other than India ? Don’t you live on this soil and are you not buried under it or cremated on its Ghats ? If you live and die on this land, then bear in mind, that Hindus and Muslims is but a religious word; all the Hindus, Muslims and Christians who live in this country are one nation.”

Father of Aligarh movement

This most respected and important educational centre for Indian Muslims was initially founded as Mohammedan Anglo Oriental College (MAOC) at Aligarh in 1875 by Sir Saiyad Ahmed Khan and subsequently raised to the status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in 1920. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), known more as a movement than an academic institution is one of the most important chapters of Indian history as far as the sociology of Hindu-Muslim relation is concerned. Sir Saiyad said: “This is the first time in the history of Mohammedans of India, that a college owes it nor to the charity or love of learning of an individual, nor to the spending patronage of a monarch, but to the combined wishes and the united efforts of a whole community. It has its own origin in course which the history of this county has never witnessed before. It is based on principles of toleration and progress such as find no parallel in the annals of the east.” Sir Saiyad’ famous speech which he made while foundation of MAO College was laid down by Lord Lytton on 18^th January, 1877 is the soul of Aligarh Movement. Sir Saiyad said: “from the seed which we sow today, there may spring up a mighty tree, whose branches, like those of the banyan of the soil, shall in their turn strike firm roots into the earth, and themselves send forth new and vigorous saplings”.

It’s a common misconception that Sir Saiyad and Aligarh Movement is anti-oriental studies (Islamic and Eastern studies) and MAO College was started in a reactionary movement to counter the religious school, Darul-Uloom Deoband, started by Maulana Qasim Nanotvi (another student of Sir Saiyad’s teacher Maulana Mamlook Ali Nanotvi). In fact Sir Saiyad had a broader vision and had put forward the need of the hour to get equipped with the modern education to improve the social and economical conditions of Muslims of India. He never discouraged or denied the importance of religious and oriental studies. By his individual means and with the help of Muslim Educational Conference, he always tried to modernize the Madarasas, update their syllabus as per the need of the hour. He wrote a lot about these things in Tahzeebul-akhlaq. Sir Saiyad’s educational vision has two strong points;

Adoption of Modern education 2. Moral Education

From the beginning, Madarsatul-Uloom, later MAO College was equipped with the above philosophy. Tarbiyat of the students living in Hostels were part of the duties of Principal and Manager of Hostels. For Islamic and moral education, Sir Saiyad created a position of Nazim-e-Diniyaat for MAO College who was responsible for Islamic and moral education of the students. Dars-e-Quran was part of curriculum of the college and every morning before the start of the class, Allama Shibli Nomani used to give Dars-e-Quran for about half hour from 1887 to 1895 and later on the responsibility was handed over to Maulana Abdullah Ansari, the founder Nazim-e-Diniyaat.

Sir Saiyad breathed his last on Sunday, 27^th March 1898. The funeral took place on Monday, 28^th March 1898. The Janazah prayers were offered in the cricket field lead by the founder Nazim-e-Diniyaat, Maulana Abdullah Ansari (son in law of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi and grandson of Sir Saiyad’s teacher Maulana Mamlook Ali). The burial took place in College Jama Masjid.

“After Sir Saiyad’s death, it was not only by words but also by actions that the people proved their love and respect for his high ideals. Almost at once, some people began to press for the foundation of Muslim University. The movement spread all over India and abroad and people started raising money for Sir Saiyad’s finest memorial.. Even in England students raised money for the Muslim University. People were surprised to see the interest of Englishmen and their efforts to collect money to fulfill the dream of Sir Saiyad to make MAO College as Muslim University.

There is an old saying that a good friend is like a leafy tree. For when a tree is in full bloom one has the pleasure of its shade and the enjoyment of its fruits, and when it withers, its wood is put to many uses. Sir Saiyad was such a friend to the Muslims. When he was alive, he laboured for them with his body, his words, his pen and his money. When he died he left the memory of his love and work imprinted on their hearts so that they might come together and build on the foundations he has laid. “ (Maulana Altaf Hussain Haali- writer of Sir Saiyad’s biography, HAYAAT-E-JAVED)

Life Chronology of Sir Saiyad Ahmad Khan

1817 Birth at Delhi, October 17.
1828 Death of Khawaja Fariduddin, maternal grandfather.
1836 Married to Parsa Begum(Mubarak)
1837 Sayyid-ul-Akhbar started by Sayyid Muhammad Khan.
1838 Death of his father, Sayyid Muhammad Muttaqi.
1839 Appointed Naib Munshi at Agra.
1841 Appointed Munsif at Mainpuri, December 24.
1842 Transferred from Mainpuri to Fatehpur Sikri, January 10.
1842 Received the title of Jawad-ud-Daula Arif Jung from the Mughal court.
1842 Completed Jila-ul-Qulub bi Zikr il Mahbub.
1844 Completed Tuhfa-i-Hasan and Tashil fi jar-i-Saqil.
1845 Death of Sayyid Muhammad Khan, his brother.
1847 First edition of Asar-us-Sanadid appeared.
1849 Completed Kalamat-ul-Haqq.
1850 Completed Risala Sunnat dar radi bid'at.
1852 Completed Namiqa dar bayan masala tasawwur-i-Shaikh and Silsilat ul-Mulk.
1854 Second edition of Asar-us-Sanadid.
1855 Appointed permanent Sadr Amin at Bijnor, January 13.
1855 Edited A'in-i-Akbari.
1857 Revolt breaks out, May 10.
1857 Death of his mother at Meerut.
1858 Appointed Sadr us Sadur, Moradabad.
1858 Published Tarikh Sarkashi-i-Zilla Bijnor.
1859 Nominated member of special commission for hearing appeals about confiscated property.
1859 Published Causes of the Indian Revolt.
1859 Established a Madrasa at Moradabad.
1860 Published Loyal Muhammadans of India.
1860 Famine in N.W. Frontier Provinces and relief work by Sayyid Ahmad Khan.
1861 French translation of Asar-us-Sanadid by Garcin de Tassy.
1861 Death of his wife.
1862 Transferred to Ghazipur, May 12.
1862 Edited Tarikh-i-Feroz Shahi.
1863 Published a pamphlet on education.
1864 Laid the foundation of a Madrasa at Ghazipur but with some time Transferred to Aligarh.
1864 Elected Honorary Member of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain, July 4.

1865 Sends a memorandum to the Government about the intention of the Scientific Society to publish books on agriculture, December 30.
1866 Aligarh Institute Gazette started.
1867 Sends a memorandum to the Viceroy for establishment of a vernacular university, August 1.
1867 Transferred to Benares, August 15.
1867 Started homeopathic dispensary and hospital at Benares, September 25.
1869 Leaves Benares for England, April 1.
1869 Receives the insignia of C.S.I, August 6.
1870 Left London for India, September 4.
1870 Reached Bombay, October 2.
1870 Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq started, December 24.
1870 Established the Committee for the Better Diffusion and Advancement of Learning among Muslims of India, December 26 .
1873 Scheme for establishing a college presented.
1875 Inauguration of the college, May 24.
1875 Regular teaching starts at M.A.O. College, June 1.
1876 Retired from service.
1876 Starts writing commentary on the Quran.
1877 Lord Lytton's visit to Aligarh, January 8 .
1878 Nominated member of the Viceroy's Legislative Council.
1882 Appears before the Education Commission.
1883 Founded Muhammadan Civil Service Fund Association.
1883 Established Muhammadan Association, Aligarh.
1886 Established Muhammadan Educational Conference.
1887 Nominated member of the Civil Service Commission by Lord Dufferin.
1888 Established Patriotic Association at Aligarh. 1888 Received K.C.S.I.
1889 Received the degree of LL.D. honoris causa from Edinburgh. Circulates the Trustee Bill.
1898 Death at Aligarh, March 27

Institutions named after Sir Saiyad Ahmad Khan:

Sir Saiyad College Taliparamba, Kannur, Kerala, India

http://www.sirsyedcollege.org/

Sir Saiyad University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi Pakistan

http://www.ssuet.edu.pk/

Sir Saiyad College of Medical Sciences for Girls, Karachi Pakistan

(Affiliated to SSUET, Karachi Pakistan)

http://www.sscms.edu.pk/

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Foundation, Pune, Maharashtra (INDIA)

http://www.webspawner.com/users/ssakf/

F.G SIR SAIYAD COLLEGE,

The Mall Rawalpindi Cantt, Pakistan

Sir Saiyad College, Muzaffarabad, Kashmir (Azad Kashmir/ POK)
Sir Saiyad Girls College, Bahraich (UP) India
Sir Saiyad College Of Commerce Muzaffarabad, Kashmir (Azad Kashmir/ POK)
Sir Saiyad Institute Of Technology Islamabad, Pakistan
Sir Saiyad College of Education Kotli, Pakistan
Sir Saiyad Govt. Girls College, Karachi, Pakistan
Sir Saiyad Science College For Boys Tipu Road Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Sir Saiyad Science College For Girls Tipu Road Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Sir Saiyad College of Education Mardan, Pakistan (Affiliated to Peshawar University)
Sir Saiyad College of Education Kohat, Pakistan (Affiliated to Peshawar University)
Sir Saiyad Girls Degree College Haripur, Pakistan (Affiliated to Peshawar University)

Compiled by:

Afzal Usmani