HISTORY NOTES

(4 MARKS CH# 1 -5)

Q. Who was ShahWaliullah? [4]
The most prominent Islamic scholar and reformer bornn in 1703 Delhi.He played a vital role
for the betterment of Muslims by providing them Islamic teachings through Madrassa-e-
Rahimiya found by his father Shah Abdul Rahim a religious leader. He stood against the
Marathas torture on Muslims by organizing the battle of Panipat 1761 in which he defeated
the Marathas. He also translated the Holy Quran into Persian for better understanding and
knowledge of Islam for communities and leaders. He also provide the education to Muslims
accordingly Islamic norms.
Q. What happened at Battle of Panipat?
The Battle of Panipat was fought between Maratha empire and the Afghan ruler Ahmed Shah
Abdali/Durrani. It was contributed by a Muslim reformer Shah Waliullah to overthrow the
Maratha torture from Muslims in 1761. It involved the 70,000 death of Maratha troops and
many wounded including their leaders like Sadashiovrao and Vishwasrao death which created
the panic in marathas rank. The defeat of marathas make the way more strong for British
Colonial system.

Q. What was Madrassa-e-Rahimiya?

It was an Islamic institution / Seminary to teach Muslims students the basic principles of Islam in
Delhi 1718. It was founded by the Islamic leader Shah Abdur Rahim the father of the
reformer Shah Waliullah. Its main purpose was to reform the Muslim community through religious
education, focusing on Islamic sciences and principles. The madrasa likely emphasized the study
of the Quran, Islamic law (Sharia), aiming to instill a strong religious foundation in its
students.

Q. Who was Syed Ahmed Barelvi?

Syed Ahmed Barelvi an Islamic Scholar and Reformer also known as Syed Ahmed Shaheed
born in 29 Nov 1786 at Raibareli. He completed his early education from Madrassa e
Rahimiya from Shah Abdul Aziz and consider Shah Waliullah as ideal. He started his career
as a Pindari in Military of Amir khan Pindari.He stood against the torture of Sikhs in Punjab
and NWFP against the ruler Maharaja Ranjit singh by taking the inititative of Jihad
Movement. He made an army of 80,000 to protest the Muslim communities and encourage
them to follow the basic principles of Islam. He fought many battle against him like
Akora,Hazro Attock.
Q. What happened at Battle of Balakot?
It was a battle of fought between Syed Ahmed Barelvi along with Shah Ismail Dehalvi and
Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh in 1831.He launched a surprise a attack against Barelvi to destroy
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Barelvi as he encouraging Muslims against him. Syed Ahmed got betrayed by local Pathan
tribe leader leaders Yar Muhammad and Sultan Muhammad by telling the way of his hidden
place of mountains. Ranjit destroyed 600 forces of Barelvi and martyred him.

Q. Who were Mujahideens/What was Jihad Movement?

It was a group of Muslim fighters to stood against the oppression of Sikhs in Punjab and Sindh
for Muslims in 19th century. It was led by a reformer and scholar Syed Ahmed Barelvi to
protect the Muslims. He made an army of 300 to 80,000 soldiers and made the first
headquarter in Peshawar. He also targeted the Muslims to focus on the basic principles of
Islam. The battle of Balakot was also fought to destroy the Jihad movement.

Q. Describe the achievements of Ranjit Singh? (M/J13 / MJ /21)

A Sikh ruler of Punjab, NWFP/ Kashmir and most of Afghanistan . He also defeated Muslim
reformer Syed Ahmed Barelvi in the Battle of Balakot. He signed a treaty with Great Britain
in Sindh 1809 to stop the Russian expansion into Afghanistan which worried Britain. Lately he
withdrew his support from England to secure his rulership in Afghanistan.

Q. Who was Ahmed Shah Abdali/Durrani? (M/J19)

He was an Afghan ruler / leader also known as Durrani and a military genius with an
excellent tactical skills. He defeated the Marathas at the Battle of Panipat in 1761 which
reduce their rule and help the Muslims to get relief from Sikh torture. He also support Mughal
ruler Ahmed Shah for securing the rule. He invaded 9 times to India but he was unable to
make his victory for Indian Empire as his followers defied and returned to Kabul.

Q. Who was Haji Shariatullah?

He was an Islamic reformer and scholar born in 1781 Faridpur ,East Bengal . He initiated the
Faraizi Movement to revive Islam and focus on the principles of Islam and make Namaz, Zakat
and roza as compulsory for Muslims.He focused on depressed sections like Farmers, labours
and artisans to encourage them for follow the teachings and get rid of Zamindars (Hindu
landlords) torture. He aimed to remove unislamic practices from Muslim society of worshipping
idols . He died in 1840 by Zamindars.

Q. What was Faraizi Movement?

The Faraizi Movement was an Islamic revivalist movement started by Haji Shariatullah in 1818
in Bengal. Its main aim was to purify Islam by removing un-Islamic practices and encouraging
Muslims to follow the basic duties (Farz) of Islam. It opposed Hindu customs, British rule, and
the exploitation of Muslim peasants by zamindars. Under Dudu Miyan, Shariatullah’s son the
movement gained mass support and became more focused on social and economic justice for
the poor.

Q. What was EIC?

The East India Company (EIC) was a British trading company established in 1600 to trade with
India and the East and officially arrived at Port of Surat in 1608 to target the trade of spice
as prior. Over time, it gained political and military control over large parts of India. It
collected taxes, maintained an army, and governed territories. The company’s rule ended
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after the War of Independence in 1857, and India came directly under British Crown control
in 1858.

Q. Who was Aurangzeb/ Impact?

Aurangzeb was the last major Mughal emperor, ruling from 1658 to 1707. He expanded the
empire to its greatest size through military campaigns. However, his strict Islamic policies and
religious intolerance created unrest among non-Muslims especially target to Hindus. His long
wars and harsh rule weakened the empire, leading to its decline after his death.
Q. What was Jizya Tax? (O/N 20)
Jizya was a tax imposed by Muslim rulers on non-Muslims living under their rule. It was meant
in return for protection or defence and exemption from military service. While earlier Mughal
emperors like Akbar removed it to promote harmony, Aurangzeb re-imposed it in 1679. This
decision caused resentment among non-Muslims and increased tensions during his reign.

Q. What was Suttee? (O/N2014)

Suttee / sati was a former Hindu funeral custom or tradition in which a widow would burn herself on
her husband’s funeral pyre. It was seen as a sign of loyalty and devotion, but it often involved pressure
or force. In 1813 british stated that it was voluntary practice and would be banned if Hindu religion
opposed it ,as widow was under 16 or intoxicated or pregnant. The British banned suttee in 1829
during their rule in India by Governor General Lord Bentinck, considering it inhumane and against
moral values.

Q. What was Mansabdari System?

Aurangzeb divided the empire into districts and appointed separate mansabdars in each district.
Mansabdars responsibility was to collect taxes and administer. This system was known as Mansabdari
System. Unfortunately mansabdars in each district. Mansabdars responsibility was to collect taxes and
administer. This system was known as Mansabdari System. Unfortunately these mansabdars were
corrupt and used the taxes for unfair means and resulted in the decline of Mughals.

Q. Who was Nadir Shah?

Nadir Shah was the ruler of Persia (modern-day Iran) in the early 18th century. He invaded India in
24th Feb 1739 during the decline of the Mughal Empire. After defeating the Mughal army and ruler
Muhammad Shah at the Battle of Karnal (Haryana), he entered Delhi and looted the city, taking
immense wealth including the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor diamond. His invasion weakened the
Mughal Empire economically and showed how vulnerable it had become.

Q. Who were Marathas?

Marathas were a ferocious and militant Hindu community living in the Deccan, south India. They
were especially organised under their dynamic leader who laid the foundation of a Maratha
Empire in the 1670s. Aurangzeb fought against them for about 25 years but failed to crush them.
They defeated a huge Mughal army outside Delhi in 1737, and later occupied it in 1760. They
were defeated by the Afghan army of Ahmed Shah Abdali in 1761, in the third battle of Panipat.

Q. Who was Shivaji?

Shivaji Maharaj was a powerful Indian leader who founded the Maratha Empire in the 17th century.
He fought against the Mughal Empire and created an independent kingdom in western India. Shivaji
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was famous for using guerrilla warfare, building strong forts, and setting up an efficient government.
He became king in 1674 and is remembered for resisting Mughal control and promoting Hindu culture.

Q. What was Black hole Massacre?

The Black Hole Massacre happened in 1756 in Calcutta, India. Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal,
captured Fort William from the British. After the capture, many British soldiers and civilians were
locked overnight in a small prison cell known as the "Black Hole." Due to lack of air and extreme heat,
around 120 out of 146 people died. This event increased tensions between the British and the Nawab,
eventually leading to the Battle of Plassey.

Q. Who was Robert Clive?

The Black Hole Massacre happened in 1756 in Calcutta, India. Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal,
captured Fort William from the British. After the capture, many British soldiers and civilians were
locked overnight in a small prison cell known as the "Black Hole." Due to lack of air and extreme heat,
around 120 out of 146 people died. This event increased tensions between the British and the Nawab,
eventually leading to the Battle of Plassey.

Q, Who was Siraj ud Daulah?

Siraj-ud-Daulah was the Nawab of Bengal in the mid-18th century. He opposed the growing power of
the British East India Company in Bengal. In 1756, he captured Fort William in Calcutta, which led to
the Black Hole Massacre. However, in 1757, he was defeated by the British at the Battle of Plassey
due to betrayal by his commander, Mir Jafar. His defeat marked the beginning of British control in
Bengal.

Q. Who was Mir Jafar?

Mir Jafar was a commander in the army of the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah. He secretly allied
with the British East India Company during the Battle of Plassey in 1757. By betraying Siraj-ud-Daulah,
he helped the British win the battle. In return, the British made him the new Nawab of Bengal, but he
had little real power and acted under British influence. His actions helped the British gain control over
Bengal.

Q. Who was Mir Qasim?

Mir Qasim was the son-in-law of Mir Jafar and became the Nawab of Bengal succeeding Mir Jafar in
1760 with the support of the British East India Company. At first, he cooperated with the British by
consficating the wealth and give it to British, but later he tried to free himself from their control by
improving administration and strengthening his army. This led to conflict with the British, and he was
defeated in the Battle of Buxar in 1764. His defeat allowed the British to gain more power in Bengal.

Q. What was Battle of Plassey? (M/J2012)

The Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757 on the saying of French to the British East India Company and
Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. The British, led by Robert Clive, defeated Siraj due to the
betrayal by his commander, Mir Jafar, who had secretly allied with the British became reason for Siraj
death and jis body found in a river after battle. The battle was a turning point, as it marked the
beginning of British political and economical control in Bengal and later across India. After the battle,
Mir Jafar was made Nawab by the British.

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Q Who was Robert Clive ? / Achievements
Robert Clive was a British military officer and a key figure in establishing British rule in India. He led
the British East India Company’s forces during the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where he defeated Siraj-
ud-Daulah with the help of Mir Jafar’s betrayal. After the victory, Clive helped install Mir Jafar as the
Nawab of Bengal. His actions played a major role in expanding British control in India and
strengthening the Company’s power. Robert Clive helped the British East India Company gain major
trading advantages in India. After winning the Battle of Plassey in 1757, he secured control over
Bengal, which was rich in resources like cotton, silk, and spices. He made agreements with local rulers
that allowed the Company to trade without paying taxes. This greatly increased the Company’s profits
and gave the British a strong economic hold in India.
Q. Who was Shuja ud Daulah?
Shuja-ud-Daulah was the Nawab of Awadh (Oudh) in the 18th century. He played a key role in
resisting British expansion in India. In 1764, he formed an alliance with Mir Qasim (the Nawab of
Bengal) and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II to fight against the British East India Company in the
Battle of Buxar. However, the allied forces were defeated, which further strengthened British control in
India. After the defeat, Shuja-ud-Daulah had to sign a treaty with the British.

Q. Who was Hector Munro?

Hector Munro was a British army officer who played an important role in strengthening British power in
India. He is best known for leading the British East India Company’s forces in the Battle of Buxar in
1764. In this battle, he defeated the combined armies of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah, and Mughal
Emperor Shah Alam II. His victory at Buxar gave the British full control over Bengal and confirmed
their dominance in India.
Q. What happened at Battle of Buxar? (O/N 21)
The Battle of Buxar took place in 1764 between the British East India Company and a combined army
of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim, and Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-
Daula. The British, led by Hector Munro, defeated the alliance in which there were 1000 British and
6000 Indians casualties.This victory gave the British greater control over Bengal and led to the Treaty
of Allahabad, which allowed them to collect revenue (Diwani rights) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Q. What was Regulatory Act?

The Act of Parliament (1773), also known as the Regulating Act, was passed by the British government
to control the East India Company’s mismanagement in India. It served as a warning to the Company
by limiting its powers and increasing government oversight. The Act appointed a Governor-General in
Bengal with Four councilors and Governor of Madras and Bombay to take care of affairs, and
established a Supreme Court with Chief Justice and 3 judges in Calcutta. It was the first step towards
British government control over India.

Q. What was Pitts India Act?

The Pitt’s India Act was passed in 1784 to improve British control over the East India Company by
British PM William Pitts. It created a Board of Control to supervise the Company’s political activities
and reduce corruption. The Act separated the Company’s commercial and political functions. It gave
more power to the British government, showing a shift towards direct control in India. It also remove EIC
from power and shifted again to trade.

Q. What was charter of 1833?

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The Charter of E.I.C was renewed in 1833. The Governor General 's council was given power to
make laws for whole India, NWFP was made fourth presidency. Charter allowed Indian to play
an important part in running their country. Indians could be part of civil service administering India.

Q. Who was Warren Hastings? (O/N17)

Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of Bengal, in 1782. He played a key role in
establishing British control in India. He introduced the reforms like administration, improved revenue
collection, commerce, judiciary and reduced corruption.He developed a policies related to control over
Oudh and Rohilla and involved in wars including Anglo- Marathas and Anglo-Mysore. Hastings also
faced a famous impeachment trial in Britain but was later acquitted.

Q. What was treaty of Lahore?

In 1846 treaty of Lahore was signed after defeat of Sikh ruler of Punjab by British in First Anglo-Sikh
War. Sikhs paid a huge fine to British. Gulab singh who helped British was given Kashmir as reward.
Dalip Singh was kept on throne. Kashmir and doab area between Bias and Sutlej was surrendered to
British, Sikh army was reduced.
Q. What was annexation of Sindh?
In 1841, all British troops were killed in a rebellion in Afghanistan causing a serious damage to
the British prestige. They decided to undo this damage, and asked their general Charles Napier to
provoke the Amirs of Sindh who had been on friendly terms with the British since 1809. The Amirs
attacked the British Residency in 1843. The British, in turn, attacked and annexed Sindh by
defeating the Amirs the same year.

Q. What was Queen's proclamation of 1858?

It was read on Nov 1858 at Allahabad. Pardon was given to all expect those who were involved in
murder of British. Doctrine of Lapse and annexation policy was abolished, religious freedom was
ensured. Promiss was made to regard ancient property rights. E.I.C was abolished.

Q. What was Vernacular press act 1878?

It was passed by British. This act reduced freedom of expression in News papers. Publication of anti
British material was against law. News paper owner and editor could be fined and jailed in case of
breaking Vernacular Press act.

Q. Who was Lord Wellesley? (M/J 2019)

Lord Wellesley, also known as Richard Wellesley, was a British statesman and colonial administrator
who served from 1798 to 1805 and succeeded Lord Cornwallis as the Governor General of India. He
expanded the British influence in India by his famous subsidiary alliances. The local rulers were
allowed to rule while the British troops protected them. The rulers could not make any other alliances.
Rulers of Hyderabad, Oudh and the Maratha Peshawar were the first among those who accepted it.In
1799 Wellesley invaded Mysore killing Tipu Sultan and gaining control of his lands.

Q. What was Subsidiary Alliance?

A treaty system introduced by Governor General Lord Wellesley where Indian rulers had to accept
British troops in their territory.They had to pay for the maintenance of these troops.It Could not make
alliances or go to war without British approval which helped them to territorial gains.

Q. Who was Titu Mir? (M/J2018)

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Syed Mir Nisar Ali, who came to be known as Titu Mir, was a follower of Syed Ahmed and
Bengali freedom fighter. He organised Muslim farmers against oppressive Hindu land lords in
Bengal. He advised farmers to refuse to pay beard tax. Titu Mir setup his own rule and gathered
a small army of 15000 by declaring himself as King among them. He built a bamboo fort at
Narkelbaria and defeated British troops sent to destroy it. Titu Mir was killed by British in battle
1831. Titu Mir group was known as Hajjis.

Q. Who was Tipu Sultan? (M/J2015)

Tipu Sultan the son of Haider Ali was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in South India from 1782 to
1799 also known as “Tiger of Mysore”. He was known for his strong resistance against British
expansion, especially during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. Tipu introduced modern military techniques and
weapons, and he sought alliances with foreign powers like the French. He died defending his capital,
Srirangapatnam Fort, in 1799 during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War .

Q What were the Anglo-Mysore wars? [4]

These were four wars fought between the rulers of Mysore and the allied forces of the EIC, the
Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad. Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore, and his son Tipu Sultan
fought from 1769 to 1799. The last war in 1799marked the end of the House of Hyder Ali and Tipu.
These victories gave the British control of a huge territory of southern India.

Q. Describe the first Anglo-Mysore war. [4]

This was fought 1767 to 1769. Hyder Ali of Mysore fought and defeated the EIC army. The EIC
encouraged the Nizam of Hyderabad to attack Mysore. Hyder Ali fought boldly against the British
Bombay army from the west, and a Madras army from northeast. Hyder Ali fought valiantly and
forced his enemies to sign the Treaty of Madras (now Chennai).

Q. Describe the second Anglo-Mysore war. [4]

It was fought 1780 to 1784. Tipu and Hyder Ali fought boldly. Tipu defeated Bailie in the battle of
Pollilur in 1780, and Baithwait at Kumbakonan, in 1782. However, Sir Eyer Coote defeated Hyder Ali
at Porto Novo and Arni. Tipu continued to fight after the death of Hyder Ali, and the battle ended
by the Treaty of Mangalore in 1784.

Q. Describe the third Anglo-Mysore war. [4]

Tipu, an ally of the French, invade the British ally, Travancore in 1789. British forces, led by the
Governor General Cornwallis himself, fought against Tipu for three years. Tipu had to retreat and the
siege of Srirangapatnam lasted till the end of the war in 1792. Under the Treaty of Srirangapatnam,
Tipu had to give half his kingdom to the EIC. His young sons were also taken as hostage by Cornwallis.

Q. Describe the fourth Anglo-Mysore war. [4]

Tipu’s alliance with the French was a threat for the British. So, Lord Wellesley launched an attack on
Mysore from all the four sides. The Nizam and the Marathas also helped the British. Tipu had to fight a
four times stronger army. Finally,at the end of the siege of Srirangapatnam, he was defeated and
killed in 1799. Most of Mysore was captured

Q. What was Wahabi Movement/Rebellion?

Wahabi Movement was an Islamic revivalist movement in the 19th century led by Syed Ahmed Barelvi.

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It aimed to purify Islam by removing un-Islamic practices and promoting Sharia law. The movement
also opposed British rule in India and sought to restore Muslim political power. It gained support in
regions like NWFP and faced strong resistance from both the British and local Sikh rulers and crushed
by British in 1870s.

Q. What was Doctrine of lapse?

It was a territorial expansion policy formally introduced by Lord Dalhousie during his tenure as
Governor-General of India, which lasted from 1848 to 1856. According to this policy, if a ruler of a
princely state died without a natural male heir, the British would annex the state. Adopted sons were
not recognized as legitimate heirs. This policy led to the annexation of several states, including Jhansi
and Satara, and caused widespread resentment among Indian rulers.

Q. What happened at WOI 1857? (M/J 2013)

Indian soldiers of E.I.C army refused to use greased cartridge at Meerut and started revolt against
British. Meerut sacked and British officers killed. Soldiers marched on Delhi and captured it, revolt
spread and British lost control of a number of towns (Mathura, Kanpur, Jhansi and Allahabad). In
September British took Delhi back, Bahadur Shah II surrendered and his sons murdered, Lucknow was
taken back. Jhansi held out and was killed in 1858.

Q. Who was Laxmibai? ( O/N 2018)

Rani of Jhansi Lakshmibai was adopted daughter of ruler of Jhansi and a brave women. She was
not accepted as ruler and Jhansi was captured by British under doctrine of Lapse. She revolted
against British after they regained control of Lucknow in 1857 during WOI and it was supported
by Tatya Topee an Army General. She was killed by British in battle of Gawalior in June 1858.
She was an important leader of the revolt of 1857.

Q. Who was Tatya Topee?

Tantia Tope was Indian leader of revolt, finest general. Follower of Nana Sahib. He forced
general Windham to retreat at Cawnpur. He came to rescue Rani of Jhansi Laxmibai, he was
defeated by Napier a British commander. He was betrayed by a friend and executed in 1859.

Q. Who was Nana Sahib/Battle of Kanpur? (M/J16)

Nana Sahib was adopted son of the last Peshwa Baji Rao II. Nana Sahib revolted against British
at Cawnpore,by not giving his pension. Nana Sahib defeated general Wheeler’s forces and
captured 300 British women and children going to Allahabad for 3 weeks and later killed them.
British attacked against Nana Sahib and got escaped never captured.

Q. Who was Mangal Pandey/Describe what happened at Meerut?

Mangal Panday was the famous Indian sepoy in the Bengal Native Infantry of the EIC. He defied
the British officers in March 1857, mobilized many rebels for the 1857 war due to greased
cartridge. Mangal Panday was trialed and executed on 8 April 1857. With this, the War of
Independence began and spread to many parts of India.

Q. Who was Sir Syed?

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Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was great reformer and educationist of 19th century born in 1817 at Delhi
started Aligarh movement to uplift educational standards of Muslim in India. He also tried to improve
Muslim relation with British after the revolt of 1857. He struggled to protect Muslim rights and founded
two nation theory. He set-up Mohammaden Anglo Oriental School in 1875.

Q. What was Aligarh movement?

Movement was founded by Sir Syed to educate Indian Muslim to uplift their status, advised Indian
Muslim to learn English, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan setup Scientific society in 1863 to translate books of
English in Urdu to provide first hand knowledge to Muslim. Moreover he also setup Mohammaden
Anglo Oriental School in 1875.

Q. What was Tahzib-ul-Aklaq?

This Journal was issued by Sir Syed in Urdu, contained articles from influential Muslim who agreed with
Sir Syed that there was a need for a new approach to education, the journal played important role in
bringing an intellectual revolution among Muslim. This journal helped to gain the support of ulemas in
western education.

Q. What was scientific society and its impact?

Scientific society was founded by Sir Syed in 1863 at Ghazipur to translate books of social and
physcial sciences from English to Urdu. He wanted to provide first hand knowledge to Muslims. It also
played a vital role during Hindi-Urdu Controversy and many Hindus were also members of this society.

Q. What was Aligarh institute Gazette?

This Journal was issued in 1866 under Scientific society. Urdu and English essays on social and political
problems of people were published. It was published twice a week, continued for 22 years. It also
propogated educational activities of Aligarh.

Q. Describe the purpose of MAO School& College? (O/N 13 M/J22)

The purpose of the MAO (Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental) School and College, founded by Sir
Syed Ahmad Khan 24 May 1875, was to provide modern, Western-style education to Muslims
in India. It aimed to bridge the gap between traditional Islamic learning and replicate the
pattern of English education comparable of Hindus. The college promoted science, modern
subjects, and English language to help Muslims progress socially, economically, and politically
under British rule with improved relations. It assure the symbol of Unity for Muslims and many
future leaders of Pakistan studied there like Liaquat Ali Khan / Ayub Khan.

Q. What was Loyal Muhammadens of India? (O/N 2011)

Sir Syed wrote this book/Pamphlet in 1860 and he defended the Muslim from the British accusation for
WOI 1857 that they were disloyal. He states services of various Muslim towards British. At the same
time he called on British to end the hostility towards Muslim after the revolt.He also perceived that
Muslims are loyal towards British and want to respect Muslim religious perspective by British.

Q. What was Hindi – Urdu Controversy? (O/N 2012)

In 1867 Hindus tried to replace Urdu by Hindi as second official language of Northern provinces of
India. Hindus also demanded the Scientific society published the works in hindi alone. Sir Syed
defended Urdu through out his life, Sir Syed was so disappointed that he presented Two nations
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theory. Hindi was declared as status of second official language in 1900 after death of Sir Syed.

Q. What was Two nation theory?

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan founded two nation theory, according to it Hindu and Muslim living in India were
two separate nations due to distinct religions, culture and language. Later theory became base of
Pakistan movement. He opposed their demand of replacing Urdu with Hindi, and holding of elections
on the basis of joint electrorate. He also opposed the idea of competitive examinations for civil
services in India.

Q. What was Muhammadan defense alliance?

In 1893 Sir Syed Ahmed Khan renamed United Patriotic Alliance as Muhammadan Defense Alliance to
protect Indian Muslim from Hindu abuses such as music was played in front of mosques during prayer,
Muslim were restricted from performance of Azan and cow slaughtering.

Q. What was Tabyin-ul-Kalam?

In this book Sir Syed pointed similarities between Islam and Christianity to reduce misunderstandings
between Indian Muslim and British, to improve relation between both. Hence, relations between Muslims
and British got better.

Q. What was meant by Nadarath?

British were called as Nadarath by Muslims of India. British were resented by the term. Sir Syed tried
to clear up the misunderstanding among the British. Sir Syed pointed out that the word came from an
Arabic word Nasir meant helper.

Q. What was the Pamphlet "Causes of Indian Revolt"?

It was a pamphlet of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in which he pointed the main reasons of the revolt of 1857
as poor management of Indian army, change of Muslim to Christianity by force and lack of share of
Indians in Government. He wrote it to clear misunderstanding of British with Muslim by stating that
“Only Muslims were not a part of war”. It was a brave statement by SSAK.

Q. Who were Thugees? (O/N17)

They were armed robbers who were involved in many terrible activities including murders,robbing etc
which really frightened the people of India and EIC. They claimed that they were serving the goddess
Kali.EIC used force to destroy them hence their practices came to an end by 1830. They used this
money against peasants and poors.

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