Jamia Introduction
Jamia Millia Islamia, which was originally established in Aligarh, United Provinces, India, in 1920, became a Central University through an Act of the Indian Parliament in 1988. In Urdu, ‘Jamia’ means ‘University’, and ‘Millia’ means ‘National’.
The journey of Jamia Millia Islamia, from a small institution in pre-independence India to a major Central University in New Delhi, offering education from nursery to research in specialized fields, is a story of dedication, determination, and vision. The people behind its growth worked tirelessly against many challenges. As Sarojini Naidu, the nightingale of India, said, they “built Jamia Millia stone by stone and sacrifice by sacrifice.”
Founding of Jamia Millia Islamia
Under British colonial rule, two major forces came together to establish Jamia Millia Islamia: anti-colonial Islamic activism and the pro-independence goals of the politically active, western-educated Indian Muslim thinkers. In 1920, these two movements aligned, with Mahatma Gandhi playing a key role in bringing them together. The Khilafat movement represented the anti-colonial struggle, while the non-cooperation movement of the Indian National Congress embodied the demand for independence. Together, these movements provided the energy and inspiration to create Jamia Millia Islamia. Rabindranath Tagore called it “one of the most progressive educational institutions of India.”
In response to Gandhi’s call to boycott educational institutions funded or run by the British, a group of nationalist teachers and students left Aligarh Muslim University, opposing its pro-British stance. Leading figures of this movement included Maulana Mehmud Hasan, Maulana Mohamed Ali, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari, and Abdul Majid Khwaja.
Establishment of Jamia Millia Islamia
On 22 November 1920, Hakim Ajmal Khan was elected as the first Chancellor of Jamia, while Mohamed Ali Jauhar became the first Vice Chancellor. Allama Iqbal declined the position offered by Gandhiji. The committee also elected a syndicate and established a syllabus subcommittee.
The foundation stone of Jamia Millia Islamia was laid by Maulana Mehmud Hasan, a prominent freedom fighter and Islamic scholar, on 29 October 1920 in Aligarh. Despite the challenging circumstances, Jamia was fortunate to have a dedicated group of early educators.
The Foundation Committee of Jamia Millia Islamia met on 29 October 1920 and included the following members:
| Name | Region | Name | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maulana Abul Kalam Azad | Bengal and Bihar | Dr. Syed Mehmood | Bengal and Bihar |
| Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari | Delhi | Mufti Kafayattullah | Delhi |
| Maulana Sanaullah Khan Amritsari | Punjab | Dr. Mohammad Iqbal | Punjab |
| Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew | Punjab | Maulana Husain Ahmad Madni | Uttar Pradesh |
| Chaudhury Khaleeq-uz-Zaman | Uttar Pradesh | Maulana Abdul Bari Farang Mahali | Uttar Pradesh |
| Maulana Shabbir Ahmed Usmani | Uttar Pradesh | Tasadduq Husain Khan | Uttar Pradesh |
| Nawab Mohammad Ismail Khan | – | Maulana Sulaiman Nadvi | Bihar |
| Saith Abdullah Haroon Karachiwale | Sindh, Bombay, and Hyderabad | Abbas Tyabji | Sindh, Bombay, and Hyderabad |
| Sait Miyan Mohammad Haji Jaam Chhotani | Sindh, Bombay, and Hyderabad | Maulavi Abdul Haq | Sindh, Bombay, and Hyderabad |
Jamia Millia Islamia’s Move to Delhi
The phrase “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” perfectly describes Jamia’s journey. Facing a major crisis, the trio of Hakim Ajmal Khan, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, and Abdul Majeed Khwaja—with Gandhiji’s support—relocated Jamia from Aligarh to Karol Bagh, New Delhi, in 1925. Gandhiji encouraged Jamia, saying, “The Jamia has to run. If you are worried about its finances, I will go about with a begging bowl.” Following Gandhiji’s vision of self-reliance, Jamia promoted spinning with the Charkha and Takli.
Though Gandhi’s network helped Jamia obtain some financial support, many hesitated to assist a Congress-backed institution under British rule. Some conservative Muslims also saw Jamia as a competitor to Aligarh Muslim University, often called the “Muslim Oxford.” In those difficult times, Hakim Ajmal Khan covered most of Jamia’s expenses himself. Dr. Ansari and Abdul Majeed Khwaja traveled across India and overseas, explaining Jamia’s importance and raising funds. Their combined efforts helped prevent the imminent collapse of Jamia Millia Islamia.
Jamia Millia Islamia in Crisis
Jamia Millia Islamia, born during a time of political crisis, faced many challenges that threatened its survival. It supported the Bardoli resolution and sent volunteers across the country to inspire people to join the freedom struggle. However, the British government soon imprisoned many of its teachers and students. In 1922, Gandhiji ended the non-cooperation movement, and by 1924, Mustapha Kemal Ataturk abolished the Khilafat.
This left Jamia in a serious crisis. Some believed that Jamia had fulfilled its purpose, while others felt it had lost its mission with the end of both the non-cooperation and Khilafat movements. Even the small financial support from the Khilafat stopped. As key supporters left, Jamia’s collapse seemed inevitable.
