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  • Oct 17, 2023
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A Conflicted Modernist

Sir Syed’s views on women’s education were at odds with his reformist position

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Why in the News?

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan is revered for his pioneering efforts in promoting modern education among Muslims and advocating for various reforms. However, his stance on women’s education stands in contrast to his progressive image.

The Dual Face of Sir Syed: A Closer Look

  • On the occasion of Sir Syed’s 125th birth anniversary, and with the passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill, it is essential to examine his stance on women’s social, educational, cultural, and religious emancipation.

Traditional Views on Women’s Education

  • Sir Syed held conservative views on women’s education, advocating for a “disorganized tutor-based home education” as opposed to formal schooling.
  • He believed that education for women should primarily prepare them for family life and marriage, implying that extensive education might jeopardize these life goals.

Evolution of Views: Influence of European Encounters

  • Interestingly, Sir Syed’s views began to shift after his interactions with women in Europe.
  • His travelogue contains admiring comments on gender equality and the central role of women in societal progress. He realized that the rejection of women’s education played a significant role in the decline of the Muslim community.

Support for Gender Segregation

  • Surprisingly, Sir Syed supported gender segregation in educational institutions.
  • He advocated for purdah-centric home education for women, opposing the British government’s efforts to establish co-education schools and exclusive institutions for girls.
  • In his work “Causes of Indian Revolt,” he attributed public unrest against colonial rule to coeducation and the erosion of gender segregation, echoing societal disapproval of these changes.

Feudal Mindset Meets Progressive Values

  • Despite his seemingly feudal mindset, Sir Syed was a vocal advocate of women’s empowerment and a critic of regressive social practices.
  • He used the Aligarh Institute Gazette to campaign against female infanticide, polygamy, child marriage, sati, segregation of widows, and poverty-induced marriages of young girls to older men.

Inspiration from Abroad: Mary Carpenter and European Experiences

  • Sir Syed’s encounters with British philanthropist Mary Carpenter, a proponent of female education, left a lasting impression on him.
  • He welcomed her visit to India and was inspired by her dedication to providing modern education to Indian women. His visit to England in 1869-70 further influenced his perspective on women’s education.
  • He appreciated the vital role women played in the collective life of England and admired the freedom enjoyed by women in many European countries.

In conclusion, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s views on women’s education were indeed conflicted, reflecting the struggle between traditional and progressive values. While he initially advocated home-based education and gender segregation, his experiences abroad and evolving insights pushed him towards a more progressive stance. This nuanced perspective adds depth to his legacy as a reformer and underscores the complex nature of social change in historical contexts.

Key Points about Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

1. Early Life and Education

  • Born in Delhi, part of the Mughal Empire, to an affluent family with Mughal court connections.
  • Received education in the Quran and various sciences.
  • Later earned an honorary law degree from the University of Edinburgh.

2. Literary Pursuits and Family Heritage

  • His elder brother established the first Urdu printing press in Delhi.
  • After his father’s death, he worked as an editor for his brother’s journal.
  • Declined a job offer from the Mughal court, despite the family’s historical association with it.

3. Transition to the East India Company

  • Recognized the waning power of the Mughal Empire and became a clerk with the East India Company.

4. Impact of the 1857 Revolt

  • Lost several relatives during the 1857 revolt, deeply affected by the Mughal Empire’s downfall.
  • Authored a significant booklet, ‘Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind,’ attributing the revolt to British ignorance and aggressive expansion policies.

5. Championing Modern Education

  • Advocated modern scientific education for Muslims and emphasized the importance of learning English.
  • Opposed prevalent superstitions and customs in society.
  • Promoted inter-faith understanding and authored ‘Commentary on the Holy Bible.’
  • Urged the abandonment of rigid orthodoxy in favor of pragmatism.

6. Accolades and Contributions

  • Received the Order of the Star of India in 1869 from the British government.
  • Established educational institutions, notably the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim University) in 1875, sparking the Aligarh Movement.
  • Founded the Scientific Society of Aligarh, promoting science and rational interpretations of Islamic scriptures.

7. Advocacy of Urdu

  • Championed Urdu as the lingua franca for all Indian Muslims.
  • Proposed official use of Urdu to the government.

8. Involvement in Government

  • Nominated to the Viceroy’s Legislative Council in 1878.
  • Supported the representation of Indians in government and civil services.

9. Approach to Nationalism

  • Expressed concern about the rise of Indian nationalism, fearing that power might shift exclusively to Hindus.
  • Encouraged Muslims to maintain loyalty to the British.

10. Emphasis on Modern Education

  • Believed that modern education was vital for the improvement of Indian Muslims.
  • Advocated the study of European science and technology.
  • Asserted that there was no fundamental contradiction between the Quran and natural science.

11. Founding of Educational Institutions

  • Established the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh in 1875, pioneering scientific education for Muslims.

12. Two-Nation Theory

  • Considered one of the founders of the Two-Nation Theory, asserting the incompatibility of Hindus and Muslims as one nation.

13. Recognition by the British

  • Knighted by the British in 1888 in acknowledgment of his contributions.

14. Passing and Legacy

  • Died on March 27, 1898, at the age of 80 in Aligarh, leaving behind a legacy of educational reform and cultural revitalization among Indian Muslims.

Sources: Indian Express

Mains Question

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s views on women’s education present a complex blend of traditional values and evolving perspectives. Analyze how his stance on women’s education evolved and the impact of his interactions with European ideas and reformers. To what extent did his conflicting views reflect the broader social changes of his time?