Question

Which of the following statements are true about Sir Syed Ahmad Khan ?

1. He established the Scientific Society in 1852
2. His progressive social ideas were spread via his magazine Tahdhib-ul-Akhlaq
3. His initiatives resulted in the establishment of the Mohammedan Oriental College, which later grew into the Aligarh Muslim University.
4. He was appointed to the Imperial Legislative Council in 1878.

• A. 2, 3, 4
• B. 3, 4
• C. 1, 2
• D. 3 only

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 2, 3, 4

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

• Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was born on October 17, 1817, in Delhi IN a noble and educated family.
• He is best known for his efforts to modernize Muslim education in India.
• He believed that Western education and scientific knowledge were essential for the progress of the Muslim community.
• To this end, he established schools and colleges that combined traditional Islamic education with modern subjects.
• He advocated for a critical approach and freedom of thought, rather than total reliance on tradition or custom.
• He established the Scientific Society in 1862 to translate English books on science and other subjects into Urdu.
• The educational and social reform movement initiated by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan came to be known as the Aligarh Movement. 
• As an official, he opened schools in towns, had books translated into Urdu, and founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College (later, the Aligarh Muslim University) in Aligarh in 1875
• Syed's progressive social ideas were spread via his magazine Tahdhib-ul-Akhlaq (Improving Manners and Morals).
• He emphasized the importance of removing irrational social customs while preserving Islam's essence and encouraging a rational interpretation of the Quran.
• He also worked to improve women's status through better education, opposition to purdah and polygamy, support for easy divorce, and condemnation of the piri and muridi systems.
• In 1876, he was appointed to the Imperial Legislative Council in 1878 and in 1888, he was knighted for his devotion.