What are the responses to European colonialism illustrated in the …

History Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
History Questions

In your response, be sure to address all parts of the question. Use complete sentences, an outline or bulleted list alone is not acceptable. Use the passage below to answer all parts of the question that follows. “Now, suppose that all the English and the whole English army were to leave India, taking with them all their cannon and their splendid weapons and everything, then who would be rulers of India? Is it possible that under these circumstances two nations–the Muslims and the Hindus-could sit on the same throne and remain equal in power? Most certainly not. The aims and objects of the Indian National Congress are based upon an ignorance of history and present-day realities, they do not take into consideration that India is inhabited by different nationalities, they presuppose that the various religions, castes, and ethnic groups of India can all be treated alike and all of them belong to the same nation. For the successful running of a democratic government, it is essential that the majority should have the ability to govern not only themselves but also unwilling minorities. I consider the experiment that the Indian National Congress wants to make fraught with dangers and suffering for all the nationalities of India, but especially for the Muslims. The Congress cannot rationally prove its claim to represent the opinions, ideals, and aspirations of the Muslims.” Syed Ahmad Khan, Indian Muslim educator and political reformer, speech given before the Muslim community of Meerut in northern India, 1888 a) Explain ONE way that the passage illustrates a response to European colonialism b) Explain ONE way in which the circumstances of the speech might have affected the author’s argument in the passage c) Explain ONE way in which the author’s point of view is significant for illustrating how European ideologies influenced the development of Indian society in the nineteenth century

Short Answer

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan focused on reforming the Muslim community in India through the Aligarh Movement, emphasizing education and political awareness. He criticized the British administration for exacerbating communal tensions and believed the Indian National Congress failed to represent Muslim interests, advocating for genuine understanding among India’s diverse cultures instead.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s Focus

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan is best known for the Aligarh Movement, which aimed to reform the political, social, and educational landscape of the Muslim community in India. His efforts were primarily directed at addressing the plights and needs of Muslims during a time of colonial rule. He believed that improving education and political awareness among Muslims was essential for their empowerment in a rapidly changing society.

Step 2: Analyzing His Critique of British Administration

A significant aspect of Ahmad Khan’s argument revolves around the role of the British government in India. He expressed concerns that once the British Army withdraws, chaos would ensue as communal tensions could spark conflicts between Muslims and Hindus. Ahmad was frustrated with the British administration, which he felt disregarded the diverse religions, cultures, and customs in India while imposing their governance.

Step 3: Evaluating His Stance on the Indian National Congress

Ahmad Khan criticized the Indian National Congress, arguing that it inadequately represented the Muslim community’s interests. He perceived the Congress as complicit in supporting European colonization, rather than advocating for genuine peace and unity among the various cultures in India. He believed that maintaining a mutual understanding between different communities, even if tense, was preferable to an imposed order that ignored the realities of India’s pluralistic society.

Related Concepts

Aligarh Movement

A reform movement aimed at improving the political, social, and educational conditions of the muslim community in india, initiated by sir syed ahmad khan.

British Administration

The colonial governance system imposed by the british in india, which ahmad khan critiqued for its disregard of india’s diverse religions, cultures, and customs.

Indian National Congress

A political party in india that ahmad khan criticized for inadequately representing muslim interests and supporting european colonization rather than fostering genuine unity among various communities.

Table Of Contents
  1. In your response, be sure to address all parts of the question. Use complete sentences, an outline or bulleted list alone is not acceptable. Use the passage below to answer all parts of the question that follows. "Now, suppose that all the English and the whole English army were to leave India, taking with them all their cannon and their splendid weapons and everything, then who would be rulers of India? Is it possible that under these circumstances two nations–the Muslims and the Hindus-could sit on the same throne and remain equal in power? Most certainly not. The aims and objects of the Indian National Congress are based upon an ignorance of history and present-day realities, they do not take into consideration that India is inhabited by different nationalities, they presuppose that the various religions, castes, and ethnic groups of India can all be treated alike and all of them belong to the same nation. For the successful running of a democratic government, it is essential that the majority should have the ability to govern not only themselves but also unwilling minorities. I consider the experiment that the Indian National Congress wants to make fraught with dangers and suffering for all the nationalities of India, but especially for the Muslims. The Congress cannot rationally prove its claim to represent the opinions, ideals, and aspirations of the Muslims." Syed Ahmad Khan, Indian Muslim educator and political reformer, speech given before the Muslim community of Meerut in northern India, 1888 a) Explain ONE way that the passage illustrates a response to European colonialism b) Explain ONE way in which the circumstances of the speech might have affected the author's argument in the passage c) Explain ONE way in which the author's point of view is significant for illustrating how European ideologies influenced the development of Indian society in the nineteenth century

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