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Annie Besant
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- Annie Besant arrived in India in 1893. She laid the foundation of the Central Hindu College in Banaras, in 1898, where both the Hindu religion and the Western scientific subjects were taught. The college became the nucleus for the formation of Banaras Hindu University in 1916.
- Mrs Besant also did much for the cause of female education. She also formed the Home Rule League on the pattern of the Irish Home Rule Movement.
- The college curriculum included both Hindu religion and Western scientific subjects. The college became the basis for the formation of Banaras Hindu University in 1916.
- Annie Besant took enormous efforts towards the cause of the education of women.
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Muslim Reform Movements
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- In the early 19th century, the Muslim community witnessed signs of awakening, led by figures like Syed Ahmed Barelvi in Uttar Pradesh and Haji Shariatullah in Bengal.
- They perceived the degeneration of Islam in India and believed it had fallen under British influence.
- Their mission was to purify and strengthen Islam, focusing on Islamic learning.
- Contrary to some sections of Hindus, the influence of Western ideas and modern education among Muslims occurred later, primarily due to the traditional stance of the Ulema, who were custodians of Islamic learning, and the reluctance of upper-class Muslims to accept British rule.
- Despite this, a few movements emerged, aiming to promote modern education and address social issues like purdah and polygamy.
- The Mohammedan Literary Society of Calcutta, founded in 1863 by Nawab Abdul Latif, was among the earliest organizations working toward the spread of modern education.
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Wahabi Movement
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- The Wahabi Movement, also known as the Walliullah Movement, represented the earliest organized Muslim response to Western influences.
- The movement emphasized two main ideals: creating harmony among the four schools of Muslim jurisprudence and reviving Islamic principles.
- In the quest for reform within the Muslim community, various movements emerged, each with its distinctive features and objectives.
- Founded by Syed Ahmed Barelvi, the Wahabi Movement aimed to integrate the best elements from all four Islamic schools.
- A key tenet was the acknowledgment of individual conscience in matters of religion. When interpretations from the Quran and Hadis conflicted, Syed Ahmed Barelvi advocated that individuals could rely on their judgment and conscience to make decisions.
- Initially focused against Sikhs in Punjab, the movement shifted its focus to the British after the annexation of Punjab in 1849. However, the British suppressed the movement in the 1870s using their superior military force.
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Titu Mir’s Movement
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- Titu Mir, a disciple of Syed Ahmed Barelvi, organized Muslim peasants against Hindu landlords and British indigo planters. Despite British records portraying it as militant, the movement was only involved in a confrontation with British police in the last year of Titu Mir’s life, leading to his death in AD 1831.
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Faraizi Movement
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- The Faraizi Movement, founded by Haji Shariatullah, gained popularity in East Bengal. Emphasizing the Islamic faith, it aimed to eliminate social innovations prevalent among Muslims in the region.
- Under the leadership of Haji’s son, Dadu Mian, the movement became revolutionary from AD 1840 onwards.
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Ahmadiyya Movement
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- Founded in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmed, the Ahmadiyya Movement adhered to liberal principles.
- It positioned itself as the standard-bearer of the Mohammedan Renaissance, embracing the universal religion of all humanity, similar to the Brahmo Samaj. Notably, it opposed Jihad, which denotes a sacred war against non-Muslims.
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Ahrar Movement (Majlis-i-Ahrar-i-Islam)
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- Consisting primarily of nationalist Muslims, particularly religious leaders in Punjab, the Ahrars formed the Majlis-i-Ahrar-i-Islam. Former members of the provincial branch of the All India Khilafat Committee, convened the first Ahrar conference on July 31, 1931, to achieve independence for the country.
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