Nawab Viqarul Mulk and His Contribution in Aligarh Movement

 

Maulvi Mushtaq Husain commonly known as Viqar-ul-Mulk (March 24, 1841 – January 27, 1917) was a Muslim politician and one of the founding members of the All India Muslim League (Dhaka). He is also recognized for his actively participation in the Aligarh Movement.

Sir Syed was extremely impressed with Maulvi Mushtaq Hussain, during his early career, when he served under him. Hailing from Amroha UP, Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk attended a maktab and then studied under Maulvi Rahat Ali Amrohi, where he learned the basics of Arabic, Hadith, and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).

Main Gate of VM Hall: An Animation View

He eventually entered the government services, where he met Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in the United Provinces (UP) in 1861, when he began his career as a humble worker of the Aligarh Movement. In 1870, he became a member of the Scientific Society after winning second place in an essay competition organized by the Society for the Promotion of Education among Muslims.

The focus of his speech was on nurturing an educational renaissance among Indian Muslims. In 1877, he was asked to work for the British in Hyderabad State. After 17 years of distinguished service, he was promoted to the rank of Nawab and given the title Nawab Mushtaq Hussain Viqarul-ul-Mulk as his full name.

Photo taken during plantation Drive in VM Hall

Viqarul Mulk was one of Sir Syed's most enthusiastic supporters and an active member of his core team. He translated a book "French Revolution and Napoleon" for the Scientific Society. When the College Fund Committee was founded, he became a member and worked tirelessly to popularize Sir Syed's mission among the Indian Muslims and society. He raised 750,000 for MAO College. Viqarul-Mulk was deeply devoted and did not want the students to grow up without receiving a proper education of religion.

In 1907, Viqarul Mulk helped establish the Muslim League in Dhaka as the sole Muslim community leader. During his time as MAO College Secretary, significant progress was made toward establishing a Muslim university in Aligarh. He successfully collected huge amount of funds for the institution.

Hence, he was arguably the most prominent figure in the Aligarh Movement after Sir Syed. During Sir Syed Ahmad's lifetime, the Aligarh Movement was limited to the elites of the Muslim community. Later, Aligarh became known as the "Centre of Muslim Intellectuals" thanks to the efforts of Mohsinul Mulk and Viqarul Mulk, who expanded its scope and turned it into a mass movement. 1915 stroke crippled him and Viqarul Mulk was died in 1917 and was buried in Amroha.

Central Lawn of VM Hall

Posthumously, in 1932, during the Vice Chancellor ship of Sir Ross Masood, Aligarh Muslim University honored Viqar-ul-Mulk by dedicating its first Hall of Residence just outside of the main MAO College campus, situated on Anoopshahar road near Old Chungi just before Mohammad Habib Hall, Aligarh. In present time, Viqarul Mulk Hall has four hostels:

• Jubilee Hostel
• Marris Hostel
• Muzammil Hostel
• Nasrullah Hostel

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Article Written by:
MD Rafiqul Karim Abeer
MA Economics, AMU, Aligarh