Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s 125th birth anniversary: His record on women’s rights

Source: The post is based on the article “Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s 125th birth anniversary: His record on women’s rights” published in “Indian Express” on 17th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- History- Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities.

News: The article discusses Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s views on women’s education. While he promoted modern education for Muslims and opposed some harmful social practices, he had conservative beliefs about educating women. His experiences in Europe slightly changed his perspective, but he still favored home-tutoring for women.

What were the contributions of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to women’s upliftment?

Promotion of Education: While Sir Syed had conservative views about women’s formal education, he did believe in their learning, albeit through home-tutoring.

Campaign Against Harmful Practices: Through the Aligarh Institute Gazette, Sir Syed campaigned against female infanticide, polygamy, child marriage, sati, the segregation of widows, and the forced marriages of young girls to older men.

Support for Women Activists: He appreciated the work of Mary Carpenter, a British proponent of female education, highlighting her dedication to bringing Indian women into public life.

Recognition of Women’s Role: After visiting Europe, Sir Syed acknowledged the importance of women in the societal fabric of a country, noting the significant roles European women played.

In essence, Sir Syed’s efforts for women’s upliftment combined both traditional and evolving perspectives.