Question

With reference to Nationalism and the birth of the Indian National Congress, explain each of the following:
Role of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in the formation of the Muslim League.

Answer 1

HintSir Syed Ahmed Khan played an important role in the formation of Muslim league to nurture the social, political and economic and interests of Muslims.
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan is known as India's founder of Muslim nationalism and is widely credited as the father of Two-Nation Theory that formed the basis of the Pakistan movement.

Complete answer:
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan asked the Muslims not to go with the Indian National Congress and he was a loyal supporter of the British Empire. He considered that the Indian National Congress was harmful to the interests of the Muslims and an unnecessary organization.

According to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the congress was dominated by Hindus and Muslims had no place in the organization and he thought that Muslims can protect their political and economic interests only through the exposure to English language and western education.
All the opportunities and government posts were associated with western education.

Therefore, he said the Muslims should show their loyalty towards the British as they would take care of their interests through exposure to western education and English language.
To popularize the scientific and western learning among Muslims, he founded Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh. This college became the nucleus of the popular movement called Aligarh Movement.

Note
Because of the contribution and his efforts Sir Syed Ahmed Khan it is said that he played a key role in the formation of Muslim league and which helped to nurture the social, political, economic interests of Muslims.