Zakir Husain Delhi College: A Legacy of Education and Culture

Introduction

Zakir Husain Delhi College, a constituent college of the University of Delhi, stands as one of India's oldest educational institutions. With a rich history spanning centuries, the college has evolved from a Madrasa established in the late 17th century to a modern institution offering a wide range of courses. This article explores the college's history, its transformation over time, the courses it offers, and its significance in the educational landscape.

Historical Overview

Foundation and Early Years (1696-1857)

The origin of Zakir Husain Delhi College can be traced back to 1696 when Ghaziuddin Khan, a general of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, founded a Madrasa. Ghaziuddin Khan was one of Aurangzeb’s leading Deccan commanders and the father of Qamar-ud-din Khan, Asaf Jah I, the founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty of Hyderabad. This Madrasa, known as Madrasa Ghaziuddin Khan, was located just outside the walled city of Delhi, near Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj.

However, the upheavals that weakened the Mughal empire during the 18th century, resulted in the closure of the Madrasa in the early 1790’s, but, with the support of the wealthy citizens of Delhi, an oriental college for literature, science and art, was established at the site in 1792.

In 1824, the British East India Company's government integrated Delhi College into this institution. In 1829, Nawab Itmad udduala, the Oudh Vazir, provided an endowment of Rs. 1,70,000 for the promotion of oriental learning. Urdu or Hindustani soon gained importance in this unique institution. It became the principal medium of instruction, not only for oriental sciences and literature, but also for the study of astronomy and mathematics on European principles, which had been introduced and enthusiastically received by teachers and students as early as 1827. The translation of scientific treatises, Greek classics and Persian works into Urdu was taken up by the Vernacular Society which was set up in 1832. Within the space of two decades it published works covering a range of subjects including mathematics, science, philosophy, history, surgery, geography, political economy, civil law and principles of legislation.

In 1828, it was reorganized as the 'Anglo Arabic College' by the British East India Company to provide an education in English language and literature, in addition to its original objectives. The college fostered a vibrant multi-denominational and multi-racial community around Urdu culture and etiquette. It became the focus of this composite urbanity in northern India’s premier city. A distinguished group of its teachers and students - educationists, mathematicians, historians and literatures - became the center of a scientific and literary flowering that would be referred to as the `Delhi Renaissance’.

The college attracted the traditional elite and also imparted training in the English language. One of the early institutions with which the British were associated, it provided for a constructive engagement between the oriental and western intellectual traditions, particularly before the 1857 revolt. Students flocked to the college. In 1845, of a total strength of 460 students, 418 were studying in the Oriental Section, while 245 students were also learning the English language.

Impact of the 1857 Revolt

On May 11, 1857, the revolutionaries plundered the college, then located at Kashmiri Gate, because it provided western education. However, British authorities closed it down after the defeat of the Revolt because they suspected the loyalties of its teachers and students.

Revival and Transformation (1862-1975)

In 1862 the institution once again sent up candidates for the entrance examination of the Calcutta University. Between 1864 and 1871, intermediate, B.A. and M.A. classes were started with creditable results. Following the partition of India, the college was attacked And set on fire by incendiary mobs. Courageous staff members managed to save the Library and office records.

Supported by Dr. Zakir Husain and others, the Delhi College was revived as a non-denominational institution in 1948. In 1975 the College, now managed by the Zakir Husain Memorial Trust, was renamed Zakir Husain Delhi College. It was named after Dr. Zakir Husain, a distinguished educator and former President of India.

Relocation and Heritage Status (1986-Present)

The college was later shifted to its present building outside Turkman Gate in 1986, the old structure in the Madrasa Ghaziuddin complex, still houses a hostel for the college. In 2002, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) declared it a heritage monument.

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Dr. Zakir Husain: An Influential Figure

Zakir Husain's association with the college is significant, given his contributions to education and his role as the President of India. Born in Hyderabad in 1897, Husain was of Afridi Pashtun descent. He completed his schooling in Etawah and studied at the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, Aligarh, and the University of Berlin, where he earned a doctorate in economics.

Contributions to Education

A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, Husain was a founding member of the Jamia Millia Islamia, established in response to the Non-cooperation movement. He served as the university's vice-chancellor from 1926 to 1948. In 1937, Husain chaired the Basic National Education Committee, which framed the Nai Talim policy, emphasizing free and compulsory education in the first language.

Post-Independence Role

Following Independence and the Partition of India Husain stayed on in India and, in 1948, was appointed Vice Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University which he helped retain as a national institution of higher learning. For his services to education, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1954 and was made a nominated member of the Indian Parliament during 1952 to 1957. Husain served as Governor of Bihar from 1957 to 1962 and was elected the Vice President of India in 1962. The following year, he was conferred the Bharat Ratna. He was elected president in 1967, succeeding Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and became the first Muslim to hold the highest constitutional office in India. He was also the first incumbent to die in office and had the shortest tenure of any Indian president.

Legacy

Husain's legacy extends beyond his political achievements. His commitment to education and his efforts to promote national unity left a lasting impact on India. His death was mourned in Pakistan as well where flags flew at half mast on the day of his funeral. Pakistan's President Yahya Khan sent the Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force and Deputy Chief Martial Law Administrator Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan as his personal representative to the funeral. George Romney, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, represented President Nixon and the United States whereas the Soviet Union was represented by its Prime Minister Alexei Kosygin. The Prime Ministers of Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Nepal too attended the funeral.

Academic Programs and Courses

Zakir Husain Delhi College offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. These courses are designed to provide students with a strong knowledge base and prepare them for future careers.

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Undergraduate Courses

The college offers Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degrees. These programs cover a range of subjects, including:

Bachelor of Arts (BA): BA {Hons.}, BA Political Science, BA Bengali
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com): Bachelor of Commerce {Hons.}
Bachelor of Science (BSc): Bachelor Of Science, Bachelor of Science ( Honours )

Postgraduate Courses

At the postgraduate level, the college offers Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) degrees, including:

Master of Arts (MA): Master Of Arts, Master of Arts In Urdu
Master of Science (MSc): Master Of Science

Course Structure and Specializations

Dr Zakir Husain College offers 22 diverse courses across multiple disciplines. The institute provides a wide range of specialized programs in BA, B.Com, B.Com Hons, M.Com, BSc Hons, thoughtfully designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills. These specializations cover diverse fields such as General, Electronics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, and more-ensuring learners are well-prepared to meet the dynamic demands of the professional world.

Campus Facilities and Resources

Zakir Husain Delhi College provides various facilities and resources to support its students' academic and personal development.

Library

The college has a library possessing about 1,18,462 books. It runs on open shelf system but some important text books are also kept in reserve section. It not only caters to the academic requirements but also houses leisure books and books to increase general awareness. The College Library acquires books and reading resources on the recommendations of the Teachers-in-Charge of the various departments of the College. Some of the general and reference books needed by the library are purchased by the Librarian in consultation with the Convener of the Library Committee.

Auditorium

The college has an auditorium with a seating capacity of 417 persons. Various cultural programmes, lectures and college annual function are also organised in this auditorium.

Delhi College Archives

The Delhi College Archives, situated in a section of the M. M. The archives contain a large number of files relating to the college and significant developments in higher education in Delhi and North India from 1823 onwards. Original writings by teachers and alumni of the college in Urdu, Persian and English are also available in the archives. Text books prepared and/or used during the 19th Century for instruction in mathematics, history, geography, philosophy, literature etc., are on display.

Events and Traditions

A major annual event in the college calendar is the Zakir Husain Memorial Lecture to commemorate Dr. Zakir Husain. The speaker is an eminent personality of his field. It is organized in the 1st week of February. Zakir Husain Memorial Lecture is organized since 2006 annually.

This is the only constituent college of the University of Delhi which holds an annual convocation ceremony.

Admission Process and Eligibility

To be eligible for admission into undergraduate programs at Dr Zakir Husain College, Ilayangudi, candidates must meet the following general requirements:

Undergraduate Programs: Applicants must have completed the 10+2 (Class 12) examination from a recognized board. Minimum Marks: Usually 50%, depending on the course and institution.
Postgraduate Programs: Academic Qualification: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognized university. Minimum Marks: Typically 50%.

The admission process at Dr Zakir Husain College generally includes the following steps: Eligibility Check, Entrance Exams (if applicable), Application Submission, Document Verification, Merit List / Counseling / Interview, Admission Offer & Fee Payment, and Enrollment.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Yes, Dr Zakir Husain College offers scholarships to eligible students based on various criteria, including academic merit and special categories such as reserved quotas or financial need.

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