Deep within Delhi’s historic heart stands the Anglo Arabic Public School. It is more than just a school. This institution carries centuries of stories within its walls.
Founded in 1696 by Ghazi ud-Din Khan Feroze Jung I the Anglo Arabic Public School started as Madrasa Ghaziuddin Khan. Ghaziuddin Khan was a general for the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. He was also father to Asaf Jah I the founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty of Hyderabad. Imagine students learning in those early days. They studied under the patronage of a powerful Mughal general.
However the Madrasa closed in the early 1790s when the Mughal Empire weakened. An oriental college for literature science and art was established in 1792. Local nobility supported the college. This shows resilience and dedication to education.
In 1828 the British East India Company reorganized it into the Anglo Arabic College. The goal was to provide education in English language and literature. Charles Trevelyan played a key role in this transformation. He aimed to uplift the educational status of the community.
Dr. Sprenger the principal founded the college press Matba’u ‘l-‘Ulum. In 1845 he started the first college periodical the weekly Qiranu’s-Sa’dain. It was a hub of intellectual activity. The Anglo Arabic Public School nurtured a culture of learning and discourse.
Rao Shamshad Ali Khan a notable figure served as a teacher and principal. He joined in 1947 and served until 1975.
The Anglo Arabic Public School has produced many notable alumni. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan the founder of Aligarh Muslim University was one. Other alumni include journalist Meem Afzal writer Muhammad Husain Azad and poet Akhtar ul Iman. Mirza Masood a hockey Olympian also attended. These figures represent the diverse fields its graduates have influenced.
Located near Ajmeri Gate the school stands outside the walled city of Delhi. It was once connected to city fortifications and known as the College Bastion. Today it is close to the New Delhi Railway Station.
In 2012 the Anglo Arabic Public School became co-educational. Now over 400 of its students are girls.
The school faces challenges. It struggles with a shortage of teachers lab assistants and a librarian. Many students come from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The school provides them hope for a decent education at a nominal fee.
Despite these challenges the Anglo Arabic Public School continues to operate. It has been running an English-medium section for classes 6 to 10 since 1990. The school’s alumni association is active. They support the school’s mission.
“The School at Ajmeri Gate: Delhi Educational Legacy” chronicles its history. Azra Razzack published the book through Oxford University Press. It details the Anglo Arabic Public School’s journey.
The Anglo Arabic Public School stands as a testament to enduring educational legacy. It has witnessed empires rise and fall. It has adapted to changing times. The school continues to provide education and opportunity to its students. It remains an important institution in Delhi.