Waqf ’Ala Al-’Awlād A Case of Colonial Intervention in India

Abstract

India has a very rich and vibrant tradition of awqaf. During the long period of Muslim rule in India, a large number of charitable endowments were created by individuals as well as governments (Bilgrami 1984: 88-96). However, after the downfall of the Mughals and establishment of British hegemony in the Subcontinent, the situation underwent a drastic change and most of such properties were embezzled by various ways and means by the colonial rulers. Hunter for example, speaking of the Muslims of Bengal, described the “misappropriation on the largest scale of their educational fund” (Hunter 1984: 87). This was part of an outrageous and shameful assault on the historic charitable endowments of India, many of which were established for the upkeep of students, the advancement of education, and the maintenance of educational institutions. This practice, obviously, was not confined to Bengal.