Question

Give a reason for the establishment of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association in 1893.

Answer 1

Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association was established in 1893 by Syed Ahmad Khan as a part of the Aligarh movement. He established it as he considered competence in English and "Western sciences" necessary skills for maintaining Muslims' political influence, especially in Northern India. Also, the growing influence and popularity of the Congress became a cause of concern for the British. In order to counter the growing influence of the Congress, the British encouraged the formation of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (M.A.O.) Defence Association in the year 1893.