SECTION 1hisoty Comprehensive notes

Shah Waliullah
Early biographical details
1 -Born in 1703 Delhi

-real name qutub-ud-din

-later named shah waliullah because of his piety

-Got early education at madarsa rahimiya

-Went to Saudi Araibia for haj in 1724

-took religious education from sheikh Abu Tahir ibn Ibrahim

-Came back to India, Delhi 1732

-Became teacher at his father’s madarsa rahimiya

-Died in 1761

Beliefs
-Muslims are divided in shia sunni sects. They should concentrate on basic principles

-Root of many problems is Muslims having incomplete knowledge of quran

-A good society’s economics, politics and social life is based on Islamic principles

-Mughal emperors have weak faith, character and control

-muslims should follow Islam morally and spiritually

-mughal’s leadership is weak and reforms should come from muslim community itself.

Works
-he had deep knowledge of quran, Hadith, Fiqah and tasawuf which made him great
scholar at early age

-Wrote 51 books (23 in Persian and 28 in Arabic)

-The important book are izalat-Akhfa and hujjat Allah- al baligha

-wrote letter to Mughal emperor Shah Alam II that he should focus on his character
and correct it

- wrote letters to farmers and craftsmen to contribute in national economy

-Invited Ahmed shah Abdali from Afghanistan to attack Marathas in 1761

-Translated Quran in Persian. Later his son translated it into Urdu

-Tried his best to unite muslims as he wrote books on first four caliphs which were
accepted for both shias and sunnis.

-Most important contribution was he eliminated Marathas with help of afghan leader
Ahmed shah Abdali.

Importance/Influence
-Among the first muslims who realized Mughal empire is in decline

-He was also the first who believed muslims are facing problems due to lack of
knowledge of Quran

-Madarsa Rahmiya played vital role in teaching Islamic principles and researching
thoughts even after his death just because he took responsibility of his father
carefully. His sons also maintained madarsa rahmiya

-his writing made religion easier for muslims to understand by translating many things
in Persian including quran as not all muslims could read and understand Arabic

-He worked hard to unite muslim sects. He tried to unite muslims by telling them to
focus more on basic principles rather than differences. He tried to unite muslims by
organizing jihad against marathars in order to unite muslims with the importance of
Jihad. which shows revival effort from him

-like all great reformers shah waliullah’s teaching and his writings were still important
for Indian muslims even after his death. Madarsa rahmiya continued to flourish in
future under his sons. Many future leaders were inspired from him

Q. Describe the revival movement of Shah Waliullah. (4)

Revival means to give life to something again. Shah Waliullah revived islam by writing
books and by translating holy quran in persian. He tried to unite muslims by telling
them to focus more on basic principles rather than differences. Due to his efforts
most of muslims of India corrected their ideology and he also defeated Mughal’s
bitter enemy Marathas with the help of Ahmed shah Abdali.

Q. What did Shah Waliullah believed has essential to create good society (4)

Answer Criteria: Write Beliefs of Shah Waliullah

Q. How successful was Shah Waliullah in reviving islam in Sub-continent? (7)

Shah Waliullah tried to revive Islam in India in 18th century he was partially
successful.

1.Among his success was he translated the quran in Persian which made easier for
muslims to understand the teachings of quran and follow Quran in life. Another
success was due to his efforts Mughal empire was saved from Marathas as he
defeated them with help of Ahmed Shah Abdali. His message, writing and teachings
not only survived after his death, but his character inspired future muslim leaders.

2. However there were some failures such as Muslims were still not united as Shia
and sunni were still divided and were still focusing on their differences, Many muslims
disliked his teachers and accused him for mis guiding muslims. Marathas threat was
not still over as muslim leaders did not unite to take advantage of defeat of
marathas.

We conclude that shah Waliullah was successful in his revival movement as his
achievements were more than his failures.

Q. Why is the movement of Shah Waliullah called the revival movement (7)

1. Shah Waliullah tried to revive Islam in sub-continent. The people of India were
away from religion. They had misunderstood the religion and manipulated some of
religious principles. So, Shah Waliullah tried to clear those mis concepts regarding
religion from muslim’s hearts.

2. Quran was difficult to understand for many muslims as they don’t understand
Arabic which means the message of Quran was not conveyed. Shah Waliullah wanted
to revive islam in sub-continent so at first, he translated the quran in Persian
language so the message of quran should be conveyed to Indian Muslims and to
eliminate false beliefs from the hearts of muslims.

Due to efforts of Shah Waliullah Islam was partially revived in Sub-continent

Syed Ahmad Barelvi
Early biographical Details:
-Born in 1786 in lucknow in small town Rai Bareli

-in 1806 moved to Delhi and started studying in Madarsa Rahimiya

-Spent two years learning Hadith and Quran under two sons of Shah Waliullah

-In 1810 joined forces of Amir Khan a Pathan military leader

-Learned use of European weapons

-Was made Imam because of his piety and led Muslim prayers for short period

-1817 returned to Delhi and started struggle to restore Islam to its original purity

Beliefs:
-Man of Action and Ideal person to act as leader

-Believed that Armed struggle is necessary against foreign and non-muslim forces

-Believed that Islamic society is corrupted with evil acts and it should be stopped

-believed Mughal empire is in decline and Sikhs are dominant in Punjab. Jihad should
be practiced in order to overthrow non-muslim oppression and restore muslim power

-Muslims should learn to use weapon in order to win against British

-Jihad is the most important factor to spread Islam

-Believed that Khilafat System should be followed in Muslim Governments not kingdom

Works:
-in 1821 Went for haj but before it he travelled across india to convince muslim
leaders for jihad

-in 1823 returned from Arabia and was ready to take action

-At that time Punjab was under control of Sikh Empire and they had also extended
their authority into North west frontier

-Travelled hundred of miles across Punjab and NWFP in order to Gather Mujahid

-He Gathered Army of 80,000

-in 1826 established head quarters in Pehsawer and sent message to sikh emperor to
give freedom to Muslims of Punjab else he will attack

-In 1826 on 21 December he fought with Ranjeet Singh the leader of Sikh empire at
Hazro and same year at Akora. As Ranjeet Singh used to torture muslims and muslims
were unable to carry out their practices. Even the prayer call was banned in some
areas

-His victory Established himself as a successful military leader

-However, he faced problems as his army was consist of different people from
different communities.

-Sikh instigated muslims and caused hatred for him by highlighting differences.

-Blamed him that he is against teaching of Shah Waliullah in order to defame him

-in 1827 many muslim leaders recognized him as Imam(leader)

-Founded Khilaafat system in NWFP as he believed Kingdom only belongs to Allah

-Again fought with Ranjeet Singh in 1830 at firt if atticg but He was poisoned by
one of his own army man Yar Muhammad khan who betrayed and tried to poison him

-Yar Muhammad was later killed but his brother also revolted against Syed Ahmad
which made more confusion among his army

-Wanted to liberate Kashmir and Hazara. In 1831 in Battle of Balakot he was

ambushed by Sikh forces in Mountains where he was martyred

Importance:
-Laid down the foundation of Jihad in India

-His work inspired other Muslim leaders

-Made awareness about jihad

-United Various muslim leaders for Jihad

-His movement is also one of the reason which made formed Pakistan movement as it
conveyed the message that Muslims should defend their religion, culture and freedom.

Q. Why Did Syed Ahmad Barelvi found the Jihad Movement? (7)

There were several reasons why jihad movement was founded such as
1. Syed Ahmad Barelvi believed that Muslims are being oppressed so therefore a
Jihad is needed at such situation. Muslims should fight in order to restore muslim
power and to struggle to fight against foreign forces. Muslim’s freedom right was to
be taken away by them from non-muslim forces, so he founded Jihad movement in
order to protect the freedom of Muslims.

2. He believed that there is need to end up the evil activities that had corrupted
Islamic society. He recognized that Mughal empire is in decline as he was man of
action Syed Ahmad Barelvi decided to form Jihad movement in order to unite muslim
leaders on one platform

Q. Why was Syed Ahmad a very suitable person to lead opposition to British? (7)

There were several leadership qualities in Syed Ahmed Barelvi such as

1. European weapons were advanced weapons of that time and People of India could
not defeat or oppose British as they did not know how to use advanced weapons. Syed
Ahmad was the first muslim to learn how to use the European weaponry and it showed
Syed Ahmad can be a good leader as his knowledge regarding military matters were
advanced and superior from other Indian muslims.

2. Syed Ahmad was the man of action. He Gathered huge army of 80,000 and
bravely fought against Sikh empire in which he was victorious. Different muslim
leaders believed him and he united many muslim leaders together which shows that he
was a great leader as Muslims recognized him as Imam(leader) of that time.

Therefore, Syed Ahmad was a very suitable person to lead opposition to British

Q. How successful was Syed Ahmad Shaheed in His Jihad Movement?

1. Jihad Movement was founded by Syed Ahmad Barelvi in India in 1823 when he
travlled across India. He gathered 80,000 Mujahideen which was the success of Syed
Ahmad as people Believed and recognized him as leader. Due to Jihad Movement the
people of India Titled him as Ameer-ul-momineen. He established his own
headquarter at Peshawer which shows how much faith people have in him.

2. Another success factor of Jihad Movement was that it guarded Muslim rights and
their freedom as they spoke up against oppression which was done by Sikhs in Punjab
against muslims. In 1826 Mujahideens of Jihad movement defeated Sikhs at Hazro
and they also defeated Sikh again at Akora in 1826 which weakened the Sikh empire
and on the other hand strengthened the Muslims

3. Unfortunately, there were some failures too due to which Jihad Movement
suffered among them was Syed Ahmad was an emotional man due to which sometimes
he prefer emotion over wise decision. His policies in NWFP was criticized by his men
who left him and blamed him for going against teachings of shah Waliullah which
created confusion and chaos among Mujahideens.

4. Another factor was the betrayal of his army men. Yar Muhammad a pathan leader
tried to poison him, unity among his forces was damaged as his army consist of people
of different communities which led differences among his army. He was defeated by
Sikhs in Balakot in 1830. he was ambushed by Sikhs in mountains where he was
martyred

However, Success of Jihad Movement were greater than its failures as it united
muslims of that time on one platform, at such sensitive situation Muslims required a
strong leader so Syed Ahmad acted as a leader of Muslim community at that time.

Haji Shariatullah
Early Biography:
-Born in 1781 in East Bengal in Faridpur

-His family was not well off as his father was a farmer

-Received early education at home

-was inspired from the teachings of Shah Waliullah

-In 1799 went to Arabia on pilgrimage and stayed there for next 19 Years

-Met Sheikh Abdul Wahab in Saudi Arabia and was inspired from his teachings

-Returned to India and started his own reform movement to eliminate hindu influences
from Islam

-Died in 1840 but his work was carried out by his Son Mohsin-Ud-Din

Beliefs:
-Declared India Dar-Ul-Harb due to poor condition of Muslims (Area where non-
muslim rules)

-In areas where non muslim rules Friday and Eid prayers should not be offered

-believed that Muslims are in poor condition because they don’t follow principles of
islam
-Muslims should perform faraiz at its best in order to follow basic principles of islam
therefore he started Faraizi Movement

-Believed that muslims practices Hindu culture thinking it is part of Islam

-Muslims should not be influenced by Hindu culture

-Muslims should not be involved in Magic

-His Movement supported Idea of Jihad against non-muslim rulers

-Muslims lack unity and don’t raise voice for their rights

Works:
-Founded Faraizi Movement to make muslims follow basic principles and perform their
faraiz

-Founded Faraizi Movement to restore pride of muslims and remove those hindu
practices which had become part of worship of muslims

-Asked Muslims not to work on Farm-land of Hindus and British as when British took
over East Bengal muslim families had to work on farm-land of non muslims which
reduced chances of muslims being educated and employed. Those who worked received
low wages in result result many muslim families suffered poverty

-Due to his movement non muslim farm owners suffered financially as muslims stopped
working on their farms or working at low wages

-Asked Muslims to pray and do repentance for their past sins and spend their life in
religious way

-Asked muslims not to do Black Magic

-Many muslim cultivators were uniting in desire of purifying their religion which
alarmed the British

-He was exiled to Nawabganj in Dhaka district where he died in 1840

-His work was carried out by his son Mohsin-ud-din who introduced following
economical theories (i) Divided East Bengal in two areas each under Control of Khalifa
who was responsible for Social and Spiritual matters in area (ii) United muslim
peasants to oppose Hindu and British farm owners when they impose high tax (iii) his
opposition to payment of tax led to his arrest from British in return he threatened to
announce Jihad on which British arrested and put him in prison. He died in 1860 and
Faraizi Movement declined
Importance
-Encouraged Muslims to rose up for their rights and oppression done against them
from non muslims

-His movement brought spiritual revival among Muslims

-Islam was purified from Hindu influenced cultures

-Political and economical impact on British and hindu land owners when Peasants united
and oppose them to the harsh treatment they received

-Muslims became more aware of their rights

- Faraizi movement was also one of the reason which led to creation of Pakistan
movement as it encouraged muslims to rose for their rights

Q. The work of Syed Ahmad Barelvi was the most important factor in the revival of
Islam in the period 1700-1850? Do you agree? Explain your answer. (14)

During Timeline of 1700-1850 3 Major reformers came in India to revive Islam. They
were Shah Waliullah, Syed Ahmad Barelvi and Haji Shariutallah

1. Shah Waliullah the First reformer who tried to revive Islam in India. He was born
in 1703 got early education at Madarsa Rahimiya. After returning from Arabia in
1722 Shah Waliullah was amongst the first one to recognize Mughal Empire was in
decline. Shah Waliullah worked hard to ensure that he was a role model for other
muslims. Shah Waliullah tried to unite shia-sunni division of Muslims by Writing book
regarding first four caliph which was acceptable for both sects. His writing was
famous among his famous books were Hujjat Allah al Baligha and Izalat Akhifa.

2.. The most important work he did that he translated Quran into Persian from
Arabic which helped many muslims to understand Quran and Follow their basic
principles as not all could understand Arabic and his sons later translated it to Urdu
which mode more easier for muslims to understand. He defeated bitter enemy of
Muslims which were Marathas with the help of Afghan Leader Ahmed Shah Abdali in
Battle of Panipat in 1761 which saved Mughals from being attacked by Marathas.

3. Syed Ahmad Barelvi was the second reformer who tried to revive islam in India.
Born in 1786 in small town of Rai Bareli. He was a man of action. He founded Jihad
movement and rose up for Muslim rights and he fought battles with non muslim
leaders in order to save muslim from being oppressed. He defeated Ranjeet Singh
Twice as he was oppressing muslims in Punjab. he was declared Ameer-ul-Momineen
(leader of believers) by Muslim leaders. He United Muslims for Jihad. He was
betrayed by his own army men and was martyred in 1831 at Balakot.

4. Haji Shariutullah born in 1781 in Faridpur, east Bengal was the third reformer.
He helped muslims by encouraging them to oppose and stop working at farms of non-
muslims as they pay less wage which made many muslim families to suffer financially.
His opposition led British/hindu farm owners to suffer economically He tried to purify
Islam from Hindu influenced cultures by starting faraizi movement. His movement
revived Islam spiritually amongst Indian muslims which started to unite them for their
rights. He believed that muslims should perform their basic principles(faraiz) in its
best way to prosper. He was exiled to Nawabganj in Dhaka district, died in 1840

In My opinion, Shah Waliullah’s work was most important compare to other reformers
as he not only made religion easier to understand by translating Quran, but his
teachings inspired upcoming reformers like Haji Shariutullah.

EAST INDIA COMPANY (EIC)

Background:
-in 1600, Queen Elizebath I granted permission to a group of merchants to go for
trading with East African Countries

-There was Dutch monopoly of traders in East Indies made EIC to go to India as
they cannot establish their trade in East indies due to monopoly of Dutch

-in 1612 Permission of trade was granted by Shah Jehan(Khurram)

Reason for involvement in Indian politics:

-Trade in India/look for trade opportunities/establish themselves as successful trader

-India had best quality of Species, silk and cotton which gives them high profit

-India had expensive wealth (Golden sparrow and Brightest Crown)

-They wanted to make colonies worldwide in order to rule over world (Colonization)

-Mughal empire was in decline and Indians were weak (best chance to colonize India)

Factors increased their power and influence:

-Established headquarters and trading ports

-They had their own private army on the name of security which was well equipped
- Went on war with Aurangzaeb which shows how much guts they had in 1686

-They owned number of lands in Bombay, Calcutta and Madras

-established bases Country wide i.e Bombay, Calcutta and Madras

-Got Monopoly in Trade after defeating other European nations

-Setting up governments in some as after defeating French forces in Battle of

Plassey a British general was made governor of east Bengal

Benefits of EIC to Indians:

-Indian merchants became rich and well of as they used to sell cotton, silk etc with
high profit to EIC

-The exports were increased as their products like species etc were sent to Britain

-Indians got exposure to discover about foreign cultures and languages

-Anglo Indian Education system was introduced in India

-Westernization

Factors which led EIC to expand:

- Got Monopoly in Trade after defeating other European nations like Dutch,
Portuguese and French

-Winning important battles (Plassey, Buxar and Mysore)

- Becoming part of administration (Robert clive made governor of East Bengal)

-Superior and advanced weaponry

-lack of unity among Indians

-Greed of Wealth from Indians (Mir Jafar)

Q. What was the East India Company (EIC)? (4)

The East India company was a trading company which was founded by the British
traders. The EIC first traded in East indies (Malaysia and Indonesia) but were
forced to leave due to Dutch monopoly. In 1612 Governor of Gujrat Shah Jehan
(future emperor) granted permission to trade in India. They traded Silk, species,
Iron, salt etc
Q. Why British wanted to Rule/Govern India? (7)

There were several reasons why British wanted to govern India such as

1.India was filled with expensive wealth and they were greedy to grab it such as
Golden sparrow and brightiest crown. The Products like species and silk were of high
Quality in India and expensive. They wanted to make high profit from them.

2. Another factor that they wanted to rule over the world by colonizing Different
countries, so they decide to colonize India as Indians as nations were weak. They
walso wanted to control the political influence of China and Russia by staying in India

Q. Describe Battle of Plassey (4)

In 1756 French encouraged nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah to attack on base of

EIC at Calcutta. He attacked the fort Of EIC and captured 130 women and Children
of Indian soldiers but he was not able to keep hold on it when Robert clive arrived
with forces in 1757 and defeated him with the help of treachery of of Siraj-ud-
Daulah’s General Mir Jafar who was made Nawab of Bengal.

Q. Describe Battle of Buxar (4)

British removed Mir jaffar and appointed his son Mir Qasim as Nawab of Bengal. Mir
Qasim was a stub born man he refused to pay taxes to the EIC. The commader of
EIC declared war against Mir Qasim who in return collected army from Bengal and
joined hands with Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. They fought battle at place called
Buxar where British defeated Mughal Empire and Established their rule.

Q. How did British Handle the issue of Afghanistan?

The British wanted to control Afghanistan. They wanted to make a pro-British ruler
in Kabul so they asked help from Ranjeet singh to get accsess to Punjab but he
refused. In 1831 The afghans killed the British troops so British turned to singh in
1893 the ruler of Afghanistan Sardar Abdul Rehman signed an agreement with British
Official Mortimer Durand. A boundary line was drawn between the Sub-continenet
and Afghanistan which was called Durand Line