Abstract

Social movements are considered to be a modern phenomenon but they have existed in
the past as well. Aligarh movement initiated by Sir Sayyid Ahmed khan is a typical social
movement from 19th century, aimed at modernization and uplift of the Muslim
community of India. It emerged in a period when the Indian Muslims were facing a sharp
decline in their socioeconomic and political status. This decline had created a psychology
of retreat among them wherein they suspected any attempt to reform their lot. For
instance, the introduction of modern education by the British rulers was adopted by the
Hindu majority for obvious economic benefits. Conversely, the Muslims remained wary
of modern education, particularly the English language as a conspiracy to destroy their
age-old culture and religion. In this backdrop Sir Sayyid Ahmed Khan's tireless drive to
inculcate modern education proved to be a miracle that transformed the Muslim middle
classes for the next century. Although Aligarh movement has attracted tremendous
scholarship, there has been virtually little attempt to theorize it as a social movement. In
this context the present paper aims to study Aligarh Movement on the parameters of
contemporary theories highlighting the causal dimensions of social movements. It will
particularly explore the relevance of the elements of deprivation, resource mobilization,
political processes, structural strain and those highlighted by the new social movement
theory as causal factors in the emergence and evolution of Aligarh Movement.