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Commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a prominent figure in India’s history

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Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a name synonymous with educational reforms among Muslims, stands out for his groundbreaking efforts. Yet, his views on women’s education remain controversial and the topic demands a revisit, especially in the context of the recent passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill.

Sir Syed’s Contradictory Views:
While Sir Syed displayed a clear inclination towards liberal values and rationality, exemplified by his establishment of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh in 1875, his views on women’s education were more conservative.
He advocated for a form of education that revolved around home tutoring for women, emphasizing their role in family life. He believed that formal education could hinder their primary purpose – marriage.
Support for Gender Segregation:
It’s noteworthy that Sir Syed supported gender segregation in education, opposing the British government’s initiatives to open co-educational schools and girls’ exclusive institutions.
He even considered coeducation a major cause of public unrest during colonial rule, reflecting the prevalent societal disapproval of women’s education.

Sir Syed actively campaigned against various regressive practices that affected women’s lives in India.
He used platforms like the Aligarh Institute Gazette to address issues such as female infanticide, polygamy, child marriage, sati (the practice of widow self-immolation), the segregation of widows, and poverty-induced marriages of young girls to older men.

Sir Syed welcomed and appreciated the efforts of Mary Carpenter, a British philanthropist dedicated to female education.
Carpenter’s commitment to providing modern education to Indian women impressed him.
This support showcased Sir Syed’s recognition of the importance of education in empowering women and allowing them to participate more fully in public life.

Sir Syed’s visit to England in 1869-70 had a transformative effect on his views about women’s education.
His interactions with European women and observations about their roles in society led him to partially revise his stance.
He began to appreciate gender equality and the essential role of women in human progress.
He admired the freedom enjoyed by women in Europe and believed that the rejection of women’s education by Muslims played a part in the community’s decline

While Sir Syed Ahmed Khan never fully relinquished his initial preference for home-based education for women, his exposure to Western ideals brought about a marked shift in his perspective. As we reflect on his contributions, it’s essential to view him in the nuanced light of a reformer caught between tradition and modernity.