Having been known by countless names—Kol, Iqta, Sabzabad, or Ramgarh—Aligarh is now inseparable from the legacy of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). But how did a town, once home to different identities, become associated with a university?
In the book, titled, ‘AMU: Institution of Learning or Identity’, Anil Maheshwari and Arjun Maheshwari trace the university’s origin to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.
“When Sir Syed talked about modern education for Muslims, he did not envisage a religious university” like a madrasa—the book says. Hence, the institute was a rather more sophisticated and modern approach to education. After careful consideration of the site, he even “consulted doctors and other reputed people regarding various issues related to the mental and physical well-being of the wards he was intending to nourish at the college”.
However, Sir Syed's legacy isn’t without its controversies. AMU was initially perceived as primarily favouring certain sections but the book elaborates on how the association of Aligarh with education extends beyond religious identities, talking about AMU’s geographical history, the administration as well as the stories of individuals related to the institution, directly or indirectly.
The book recounts how the Aligarians, famous for their pranks, culture, adab, and tahzib, were fond of nicknames—inspired by fruits, vegetables, animals, or personal liking.
One such instance from the 1930s tells of a clever Maulavi nicknamed Matka (a round earthen pot), likely due to his potbelly. Decades later, in the 1970s, a young man introduced himself to a teacher as the son of Maulavi Matka. The professor instantly recalled the Maulavi.
In one chapter brimming with quirky, funny tales from the university, the writers—both fellows of AMU—look back on playful “mud bath” at the campus during rainy days and the 1095 funeral of math books when the compulsory subject was made optional at the intermediate level.
Not limited to fond campus stories, the authors also dive into the ethnic and political debates—particularly during the freedom movement and the lead-up to Partition.
With over 2,700 students enrolled and around 100 faculty members, “from the very beginning, Women’s College students are on par with male AMU students in all fields”. Begum Wahid Jahan and her husband, Sheikh Abdullah, were central figures in founding the Women’s College at AMU.
Despite some criticism, Naima Khatoon became the first-ever woman to be appointed as vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University in 2024.
A poem by alumnus and Urdu poet Asrar-ul-Haq Majaz was later set to music by another AMU student, Ishtiaque Ahmad Khan. The composition became the AMU Tarana, or the university’s anthem. A few lines from the song read:
Ye mera chaman hai mera chaman, main apne chaman ka bulbul hun
Sarshaar-e-nigaah-e-nargis hun, paa-bastaa-e-gesu-sumbul hun
(This is my garden, Mine own garden, And I am it's ‘bulbul’
Drunk am I on the look, Of the narcissus Bound by the tresses of the ‘sumbul’)
What makes the book engaging is how the authors don't resist discussing provocative topics. Whether you’re a scholar, a political reader, or just a curious reader, the book is an interesting pick regardless.
Book: AMU: Institution of Learning or Identity
Authors: Anil Maheshwari, Arjun Maheshwari
Publisher: BlueOne Ink Pvt. Ltd.
Pages: 415
Price: Rs. 899
