HISTORY OF MUHAMMEDAN EDUCATION IN NORTH ARCOT DISTRICT- A STUDY

Abstract

North Arcot District stands second in Tamilnadu in the percentage of Muslim Population. It is a strong hold Muhammadanism Vaniyambadi is the town of Islam. Its in habitats are accounted as among the most orthodox of their faith. The Muhammadans of Vaniyambadi are a thriving business community. In the affairs of commerce they prove themselves men of study common sense. In North Arcot district the Muslim population had a considerable effect on various aspects such as Education, religious, social and cultural fields. Most of the Muslim lived in Vellore, Ambur, Pernampet, Melvisharam, Gudiyattam, Umrabad, Tiruppattur and Vaniyambadi. The Mohammedans of North Arcot District were very much interested in Education for example in Melvisharam, the Muhammadans were running a charitable school of the poor Muslim students. In these schools mainly Arabic and other subjects were taught to the pupils with free lost of lodging and boarding. Alhaj Maulana Abdul Wahab founded the great Arabic college (Baquiyathus Salihath) Vellore, as early as 1875. In unrobed the famous Arabic College is run by the Muslims. In Ambur, Gudiyattam, Tirupattur, most of the elementary schools were run by the Muslims Vaniyambadi is located on the river of –bed of Palar. It became the centre of business as well as learning, both religious and secular. The Muhammadans of Vaniyambadi are mostly merchants. Their trade extends also internationally many tanneries were situated around the town. At present the Vaniyambadi Mohammed and Educational society is running many elementary schools for boys and girls.