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Question

Who among the following founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association (1893)?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

Understanding the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association

The question asks about the founder of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association, which was established in 1893. This association played a role in the political landscape of British India during that time.

Purpose of the Association

The Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association was founded with the primary objective of defending the political rights and interests of the Muslim community in British India. It was also intended as a counter-movement to the growing influence of the Indian National Congress, which Sir Syed Ahmad Khan viewed with suspicion, believing it did not adequately represent Muslim interests.

Identifying the Founder

Let's examine the options provided:

  • Auckland Colvin: Auckland Colvin was a British administrator who served as Lieutenant-Governor of the North-Western Provinces and Oudh, where Aligarh College was located. While he interacted with Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and was supportive of his educational efforts, he was not the founder of this specific political association.
  • Badruddin Tyabji: Badruddin Tyabji was a prominent lawyer and a leading figure in the Indian National Congress. He was the first Indian barrister of the Bombay High Court and presided over the third session of the Indian National Congress in Madras in 1887. He was an active member of Congress, which makes him an unlikely founder of an association specifically created to counter Congress influence.
  • Theodore Beck: Theodore Beck was an English educator and the Principal of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim University). He was a close confidant and associate of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and helped him in his educational and political activities. He was involved with the association but was not its founder.
  • Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was a towering figure in Indian Muslim history. He founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College, which became Aligarh Muslim University, and was a strong advocate for modern education among Muslims. He also held distinct political views regarding the future of Muslims in India and founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association in 1893 to articulate and defend Muslim political positions, particularly in opposition to the methods and goals of the Indian National Congress.

Conclusion on the Founder

Based on historical records, the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association (1893) was founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

Individual Key Affiliation/Role Connection to MAO Defence Association
Auckland Colvin British Administrator (Lt. Governor) Associate, supportive of Aligarh movement, not founder of association
Badruddin Tyabji Prominent Indian National Congress Leader Opposed ideologically, not founder
Theodore Beck Principal of MAO College Close associate of Sir Syed, involved, but not the founder
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Founder of MAO College, Muslim Reformer Founder of the Association in 1893

Revision Table: Key Facts

Association Name Year Founded Founder Primary Purpose
Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association 1893 Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Defend Muslim political rights, counter Congress influence

Additional Information: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's Political Views

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan advocated for Muslims to focus on education and government service rather than active politics, especially through mass movements like those advocated by the Indian National Congress. He believed that joining the Congress would be detrimental to Muslim interests and could lead to confrontation with the British government. The Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association was a manifestation of these views, aiming to represent Muslim interests through different means and maintain loyalty to the British Raj.

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