Sir Syed Ahmed Khan established the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (later known as Anglo-Oriental College) in 1875 to promote modern education among the Muslim community in India. He believed that education was essential for the socio-economic development and political influence of Muslims, especially in Northern India, following the decline of Muslim social and political standing after the 1857 revolt. Sir Syed aimed to bridge the cultural gap between British and Indian societies by providing an education modeled on the British system, particularly inspired by Oxford and Cambridge universities. The college combined traditional Islamic values with modern Western scientific education, preparing Muslims to participate actively in public life and government services under British rule. This initiative formed the core of the Aligarh Movement, which focused on the intellectual and social regeneration of Muslims in India.
