** Founding of the Indian National Congress**

**Causes:**
1. **British-Educated Influencers:** The Indian National Congress originated in
1885, propelled by British-educated individuals in collaboration with Allan O.
Hume, a retired British official.
2. **Lord Dufferin's Perspective:** Viceroy Lord Dufferin supported the Congress,
seeing it as a potential outlet for Indian discontent, aiming to manage
dissatisfactions within a controlled framework.
3. **Grievances Against British Rule:** The initial Congress meeting in Bombay in
1885 highlighted dissatisfaction with British rule, calling for increased
representation in legislative councils, enhanced educational support, local Indian
Civil Service (ICS) entrance exams, and reduced financial exploitation.

**Main Objectives:**
1. **Middle-Class Focus:** Initially aimed at the new middle classes, the Congress
concentrated on issues like representation, education, and financial autonomy
during its early informal meetings.
2. **Nationalist Evolution:** Transitioning from a supporter of British rule, the
Congress later championed the idea of India as an independent state, fostering a
shared "national consciousness" across diverse regions and social groups.
3. **Governance Learning:** The Congress encouraged Indians to learn
governance from the British, emphasizing self-organization into a national entity
capable of self-rule.

**Impacts:**
1. **Shift in Loyalty:** Evolving from a loyal advocate of British rule, the Congress
played a pivotal role in steering India towards independence, cultivating a unified
identity and contributing significantly to the end of British rule.
2. **Theosophical Society Connection:** Allan O. Hume's affiliation with the
Theosophical Society influenced subsequent Congress leaders like Annie Besant, a
strong advocate for ending British rule and the first British woman President of
Congress. The Society attracted young Hindus, contributing to the growth of
nationalist sentiments.

**Overall Summary:** The Indian National Congress, formed in 1885,

originated from British-educated individuals dissatisfied with colonial rule. Initially
addressing specific grievances, it transformed into a potent force fostering Indian
nationalism, shaping a collective identity, and ultimately playing a crucial role in
India's journey towards independence.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and the Position of Muslims**

**Causes:**
1. **Decline of Muslims:** Muslims considered themselves "second-class
citizens" by the mid-19th century, facing mistreatment from both the British and
Hindus, with a decline evident in social, political, religious, and economic aspects.
2. **Loss of Muslim Power:** The decline initiated around 1707 with the death of
the last great Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, accelerating in the 1830s when Persian
ceased to be the official language, and few Muslims secured government jobs.
3. **Education Gap:** Unlike Hindus, few Muslims took advantage of Western
education, leading to further economic and social disparity.

**Main Objectives:**
1. **Sir Syed's Vision:** Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898) aimed to improve the
position of Muslims by advocating two critical steps:
- **Build Better Relations:** Encouraged Muslims to establish better relations
with the British, acknowledging their role in bringing peace and religious
freedoms.
- **Educational Reform:** Urged Muslims to learn English, not just for
government jobs but also to defend Islam against Western criticism.

2. **Foundation of Aligarh University:**

- In 1877, Sir Syed established the 'Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College' at
Aligarh, later becoming Aligarh Muslim University.
- Offered an Islamic setting for education, fostering a strong sense of Muslim
brotherhood.
- Influential alumni included leaders like Liaquat Ali Khan and Ayub Khan.

3. **Shift in Sir Syed's Views:**

- Initially believed in Hindu-Muslim unity but later advocated for the separation
of Hindus and Muslims.
- Discouraged Muslims from joining Congress, fearing potential blame for any
violence.

**Impacts:**
1. **Educational Progress:** Aligarh College played a crucial role in educating
Muslim leaders, contributing significantly to the early years of Pakistan.
2. **Urdu Language Protection:** Efforts to protect Urdu language from being
replaced by Hindi were evident as Hindus called for Hindi to be the official
language in 1867.
3. **Muslim Alternatives:** Muslims, cautious about Hindu-dominated Congress,
sought alternatives due to the perceived Hindu bias within Congress, which
intensified with growing Hindu nationalism.

**Overall Summary:** Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's efforts to uplift Muslims involved
building better relations with the British, educational reforms, and the
establishment of Aligarh University. His initiatives aimed at addressing the decline
of Muslims and fostering a sense of unity while navigating the challenges posed by
Hindu-dominated political movements. The impact of his work is evident in the
educational progress and the emergence of alternatives to Congress for Muslims.