Question

Describe the efforts of Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan which led to the formation of Muslim League.

Answer 1

Sir Sayyed Ahmad Khan was an Indian Muslim pragmatist, Islamic reformist, philosopher of nineteenth-century British India. He was an influential figure who strongly advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity. He emphasized on joining hands with the Hindus. In the 1880s, he gave up his earlier views and declared that the political interests of Hindus and Muslims were different and opposed the formation of INC.

He was supported by Mr. Beck, the British Principal of Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College (Aligarh) whose idea was that Anglo-Muslim unity was possible, but Hindu-Muslim unity was impossible. Sir Sayyid Ahmad believed that since the Hindus formed the majority of the Indian population, they would dominate the Muslims in case of a withdrawal of the British rule. He felt if he supported British, they would secure their rights and be rewarded with government jobs and other special favours.