Abstract
This article highlightsthe vibrant role of the Muslim Anjumans in activating the educational
revival in the colonial Punjab. The latter half of the 19th century, particularly the decade 1880-
1890, witnessed the birth of several Muslim Anjumans (societies) in the Punjab province. These
were, in fact, a product of growing political consciousness and desire for collective efforts for the
community-betterment. The Muslims, in other provinces, were lagging behind in education and
other avenues of material prosperity. Their social conditions were also far from being satisfactory.
Religion too had become a collection of rites and superstitions and an obstacle for their
educational progress. During the same period, they also faced a grievous threat from the increasing
proselytizing activities of the Christian Missionary societies and the growing economic prosperity
of the Hindus who by virtue of their advancement in education, commerce and public services,
were emerging as a dominant community in the province. The Anjumans rescued the Muslim
youth from the verge of what then seemed imminent doom of ignorance by establishing schools
and madrassas in almost all cities of the Punjab. The focus of these Anjumans was on both secular
and religious education, which was advocated equally for both genders. Their trained scholars
confronted the anti-Islamic activities of the Christian missionaries. The educational development
of the Muslims in the Colonial Punjab owes much to these Anjumans.
Maqbool Ahmad Awan. (2019) Role of the Muslim Anjumans for the Promotion of Education in the Colonial Punjab: A Historical Analysis, Bulletin of Education & Research, Volume 41, Issue 3.
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