Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
A visionary reformer, educator, and thinker who laid the foundation for modern Muslim identity in South Asia.
Early Life & Education
Born in 1817 in Delhi, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was educated in Persian, Arabic, and later English. He came from a noble Mughal family and began his career in the British East India Company as a clerk, eventually becoming a judge.
Educational Contributions
He founded the Scientific Society of Aligarh in 1864 and the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, which later became Aligarh Muslim University. He emphasized modern education and rational thinking among Muslims.
Indian Revolt & Loyal Muhammadans
After the 1857 revolt, he wrote "Causes of the Indian Revolt" and urged Muslims to remain loyal to the British. He coined the term "Loyal Muhammadans" to promote peaceful reform and cooperation.
Hindi-Urdu Controversy & Aligarh Movement
He opposed replacing Urdu with Hindi in official use and promoted Muslim identity. His ideas laid the foundation for the Two-Nation Theory and the Aligarh Movement, which aimed to modernize Muslim society.