The Aligarh Movement
The Aligarh Movement, initiated by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in the late 19th century, played a pivotal role in
uplifting the socio-economic and educational status of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent.
1. Short Answer Questions (4 marks each):
What was the Aligarh Movement?
Answer: The Aligarh Movement was a reform initiative led by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan aiming to modernize the
Muslim community by promoting Western-style education and fostering better relations with the British.
What was the Muhammadan Educational Conference?
Answer: The Muhammadan Educational Conference, established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, was an organization
dedicated to promoting modern education among Muslims and addressing their socio-economic issues.
What was the main purpose of the Aligarh Movement?
How did the British view the Aligarh Movement?
Why did Sir Syed Ahmad Khan emphasize education for Muslims?
What role did the Scientific Society of Aligarh play in the Aligarh Movement?
Name two key institutions founded as part of the Aligarh Movement.
What was Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s advice to Muslims regarding politics?
Why did Sir Syed Ahmad Khan establish the MAO College?
What was the impact of the Aligarh Movement on Muslim nationalism?
How did the Aligarh Movement contribute to the formation of Pakistan?
What was the Two-Nation Theory, and how was it related to the Aligarh Movement?
What was the main aim of the Aligarh Movement?
How did the Aligarh Movement contribute to Muslim education?
Why did Sir Syed Ahmad Khan promote the English language among Muslims?
What was the impact of the British attitude towards Muslims after the War of Independence (1857)?
What role did the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College play in the reform of Muslims?
What was Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s view on Hindu-Muslim relations in India?
2. Structured Questions (7 marks each):
Why did Sir Syed Ahmad Khan found the Aligarh Movement?
Answer: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan initiated the Aligarh Movement to improve relations between Muslims and the
British, promote Western education among Muslims, and enhance their socio-economic status.
Explain the key features of the Aligarh Movement.
Why did Sir Syed Ahmad Khan focus on improving Muslim-British relations?
How did the Aligarh Movement affect Muslim education?
To what extent was the Aligarh Movement successful in achieving its aims?
What were the long-term consequences of the Aligarh Movement on Muslim politics?
How did the Aligarh Movement influence the demand for Pakistan?
Explain the significance of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in the Aligarh Movement.
In what ways did the Aligarh Movement change Muslim society?
3. Essay Question (14 marks):
‘The Two-Nation Theory was Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s main contribution to the development of the
Pakistan Movement during the nineteenth century.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain
your answer.
Answer: Candidates should discuss Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's advocacy for the distinct identity of Muslims, his
educational reforms through the Aligarh Movement, and his political efforts to safeguard Muslim interests,
evaluating the significance of each in contributing to the Pakistan Movement.
4. Source Based Questions
Source A (A statement by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, 1883)
"I advise my Muslim brothers to focus on education. Without modern knowledge, we will remain behind while
others progress. We must not engage in politics until we are strong enough to stand on our own."
Questions on Source A:
1. What does Sir Syed Ahmad Khan mean by "focus on education"? (2 marks)
2. How does this statement reflect the aims of the Aligarh Movement? (4 marks)
3. Why did Sir Syed Ahmad Khan discourage Muslims from engaging in politics at that time? (6 marks)
4. How far do you agree that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s ideas led to the creation of Pakistan? (8 marks)
Source A
"The Muslims of India have nothing to gain from joining Congress. The Hindus and Muslims are two separate
nations with different customs, traditions, and religions. If they continue to work under the same government,
conflict will arise."
— Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
(a) What does this source tell us about Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s views on Hindu-Muslim unity? (4 marks)
(b) Explain why Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was against the Indian National Congress. (7 marks)
(c) How far do you agree with the view that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan played a major role in shaping the
Two-Nation Theory? Explain your answer using the source and your own knowledge. (14 marks)
Source A (A British government report, 1890)
"The Aligarh College is a remarkable institution that is producing educated Muslims who understand English
and modern sciences. Such movements help in bridging the gap between Muslims and the British government."
Questions on Source A:
1. What does the source suggest about British attitudes towards the Aligarh College? (2 marks)
2. How did the Aligarh Movement contribute to the improvement of Muslim-British relations? (4 marks)
3. How reliable is this source in assessing the success of the Aligarh Movement? (6 marks)
4. Compare and contrast the views in the sources above regarding the purpose of the Aligarh Movement. (8
marks)
Muslim Revivalist
1. Short Answer Questions (4 marks each)
What was the main aim of Shah Waliullah’s movement?
Why did Syed Ahmad Barelvi fight against the Sikhs in Punjab?
What were the key beliefs of the Faraizi Movement?
How did Shah Waliullah try to reform Muslim society?
Why did the Jihad Movement fail?
What were the main religious teachings of Syed Ahmad Barelvi?
How did the Faraizi Movement help Bengali Muslims?
2. Structured Questions (7 marks each)
How did Shah Waliullah try to revive Islam in the 18th century?
What were the objectives of Syed Ahmad Barelvi’s Jihad Movement?
Why did Haji Shariatullah start the Faraizi Movement?
How successful was the Faraizi Movement in improving the lives of Bengali Muslims?
Why was the Jihad Movement important in Muslim revivalism?
3. Essay Questions (14 marks each)
"Shah Waliullah had the greatest impact on Muslim revival in the subcontinent." How far do you
agree? Explain your answer.
o Discuss the contributions of Shah Waliullah (translation of the Quran, Islamic teachings, efforts
for unity).
o Compare with Syed Ahmad Barelvi’s Jihad Movement and the Faraizi Movement.
o Conclude with a justified opinion.
To what extent was the Jihad Movement successful in reviving Muslim power in India?
o Explain its aims, battles, and impact.
o Discuss reasons for its failure, including British and Sikh opposition.
o Give a balanced conclusion.
"The Faraizi Movement was more important for Muslims than the Jihad Movement." How far do
you agree?
4. Source-Based Questions
Source A (Example)
"The Muslims of Bengal were suffering under Hindu landlords and British policies. Haji Shariatullah
encouraged them to follow true Islamic teachings and reject un-Islamic practices imposed on them."
Questions Based on Source A
(a) What does this source tell us about the Faraizi Movement? (4 marks)
(b) Explain how the Faraizi Movement helped Bengali Muslims. (7 marks)
(c) How far do you agree that Haji Shariatullah’s movement had a lasting impact on Muslims in the
subcontinent? Use the source and your own knowledge. (14 marks)
