Consider the following statements: 1. Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College was founded at Aligarh by Sayyid Ahmad Khan. 2. Sayyid Ahmad Khan was a great believer in religious toleration, and Hindus, Parsis and Christians had contributed to the funds of his college. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Statement 1 is correct as Sir Syed Ahmad Khan founded a modern school at Aligarh in 1875, which developed into the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College in 1877 [4]. This institution was the cornerstone of the Aligarh Movement, aimed at reconciling Western scientific education with Islamic teachings [3]. Statement 2 is also correct; Sir Syed was a staunch advocate of religious toleration and believed that all religions shared an underlying unity of practical morality [4]. He viewed religion as a private affair and condemned bigotry [4]. Consequently, his educational vision received broad support; the funds for the college were contributed not only by Muslims but also by Hindus, Parsis, and Christians, reflecting his inclusive approach and the college's role as a center for liberal culture and social reform [4].

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 19: Towards Modernity > Aligarh Movement (1875) > p. 304
2. [4] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 13: Growth of New India Religious and Social Reform After 1858 > Savvid Ahmad Khan and the Aligarh School > p. 222
3. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 19: Towards Modernity > Aligarh Movement (1875) > p. 303
4. [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 9: A General Survey of Socio-Cultural Reform Movements > A General Survey of Socio-Cultural Reform Movements > p. 231