Revisiting a Fractured Legacy: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Muslim Women Education.

Abstract

Indian Muslims during second half of nineteenth century witnessed significant changes in their socio-political and economic conditions. The men of intellect among the community sought the redressal of the despondency within Muslims through varied approaches of reformation. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was prominent among these reformers who advocated the necessity of western-modern education as a panacea for the deprived conditions of Muslims. Although not being antagonistic towards the education in principle but he disapproved the modern education for women and limited his mission of education only to men. He upheld the traditional model of education suitable for women and thus drew criticism from academic circle. In this paper an attempt is made to revisit the already existing debate regarding Sir Syed’s stance on education of women. An attempt to provide the plausible reasons which might have influenced Sir Syed’s opinion would be accounted. In the light of primary sources how his personal life, social standing and prevailing circumstances molded his opinion would be highlighted which would help in situating the reformer in a balanced perspective.