4.2.3 SALIENT FEATURES OF ALIGRAH MOVEMENTS IN EDUCATION
The following were the salient features of the Aligarh Movement, namely:
I) Training of the Students for successful life
The Aligarh University not only provided modern education to its student but it also inculcated in them leadership qualities to enable them to led successful social life, in future, along: de their education.
II) Social Activities for all-round growth of students
For an all-round growth of the students there were a Riding Club, swimming pool, Cricket club and Union club founded in the University. The Students Union and the Old Boys Association created in the students the qualities of leadership.
III) Facilities for the Students (scholarship, dispensary, hostel etc.)
The College Dispensary had a Surgeon and a Hakim. In addition to a book depot, many books were also published locally. The hostels were according to the taste and paying capacity of the students both rich and poor. Moreover, the arrangements of scholarships and medals for the intelligent students and stipends and interest free loans for the needy students were also there. A Sir Agha Khan Overseas Scholarship was also available for study abroad.
IV) Administration by Council
Till 1885 A.D., the Management/Administrative Council was responsible for the administration and management. Later on, it was taken over by the Trustees' Committee. Its secretaryship remained with Sir Syed Ahmed Khan; his son Syed Mahmood; Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk and Nawab Waqar- ul-Mulk successively. The Principal of the College, two professors and the Headmaster had to be the British so that the students might learn the western style of living alongside their education. The appointment of the English teachers helped to narrow down the gap between the Indian Muslim and the British. It also facilitated financial grants from the Government and helped to secure jobs for the educated Muslims youth.
V) Some Religious Education
Some religious education was also imported alongside the western education. However, it remained inconsequent. In short, we conclude that there was the subject of Deeniyat attached to the curriculum only as satellite. This subject is still common in the name of Islamiat or Islamic Studies.
VI) Educating the Elite and the Gentry
As regards the circulation and currency of knowledge, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan believed in it to be restricted to the elitist class of the Muslims. On the other hand during their rule in South Asia the Muslim monarchs made it free and for all whether rich or poor.