The reason for this probably lies in the “ab-o-hawa” (water and wind), among other factors, introduced by the region that the Islamic educationist-reformer found after rigorous research and set about establishing a school. Convinced that it will lead to the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
The author Huma Khalil brings to the fore this and many other lesser-known aspects of the city and the university in the coffee table book “The Allure of Aligarh: A Poetic Journey into the University City” published by Hay House and presented by Rekhta Foundation. Khan founded the MAO (Muhammedan Anglo-Oriental) School on May 24, 1875, as a seat of higher education for the students, blending the best of Oriental and Western knowledge and science. Two years later, it expanded to become MAO College. It became AMU in 1920 itself.
But why Aligarh?
Khalil said, “Sir Syed did extensive research before deciding the site for the college he had envisioned. He consulted doctors and many other eminent persons about various issues related to the mental and physical well being of those wards. consulted, whom he intended to nurture in college.” writes.
A detailed description, she notes, was sent to Khan stating that Aligarh’s “ab-o-hawa” is “perfectly suitable” for a person’s intellectual and physical well-being.
Khalil says in Kitab, “Aligarh is in the Doab region of northern India. Its topography is bowl-shaped and situated between two dunes, making it a highly fertile region. The water level and water quality were quite good. ” .
“Furthermore, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, being a friend of the British, knew that many of the buildings left by him were lying vacant and could be donated to the College. The present VC and PVC Lodges are among such buildings that the British had built. left behind.” Says Khaleel, an AMU alumnus.
The author further states that the trade of salt, pepper and indigo was the main occupation of the residents of Aligarh at that time and Chauhan, Jadav, Khwaja, Sherwani, Lakhani Rajput were the main inhabitants of Aligarh.
“The class of people changed after 1947 as many moved to Pakistan,” notes Khaleel, who previously wrote “Money Summers Apart,” a work on contemporary Urdu literature.
With a foreword by AMU VC Tariq Mansoor, the book is about 300 pages and is full of legends, myths and photographs, including black and white, associated with AMU and its predecessor MAO College.
The book dedicates itself to notable alumni of the university – Akbar Allahabadi, Altaf Hussain Hali, Asrar ul Haq Majaz, as it also talks about the “tehzeeb” (culture) of the city and its changing environment over the years.
This book is also full of couplets and poems on Aligarh city, university, its culture and people.
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