Dictionary of Indian Biography/Ameer Ali, Syad
AMEER ALI, SYAD (1849–)
Born April 6, 1849 : son of Syad Saadat Ali, of Unao, Oudh, of a family originally from Persia : descendant of Muhammad through the Imam Ali-ar-Raza, of Mashad : educated at Hughli College : M.A. and B.L., Calcutta : called to the bar at the Inner Temple, 1873, practised in the High Court, Calcutta: Fellow of the Calcutta University, 1874 : Magistrate and Chief Magistrate, Calcutta, 1878–81 : Lecturer on Muhammadan Law, 1875–9 : Member of the Bengal Legislative Council, 1878–83 : and of the Governor General's Legislative Council, 1883–5 : Tagore Law Professor, 1884 : C.I.E. : Puisne Judge of the Calcutta High Court, 1890–1904 : President of the Committee of the Hughli Imambara, 1876–1904 : founder of the Central National Muhammadan Association, and its Secretary, 1876–90 : a strong advocate of English education and of the education of Indian ladies : very influential among the Muhammadans in Bengal : wrote A Critical Examination of the Life and Teachings of Muhammad, The Spirit of Islam, The Ethics of Islam, A Short History of the Saracens, Personal Law of the Muhammadans, Students' Handbook of Muhammadan Law, Muhammadan Law : was joint author of A Commentary on the Indian Evidence Act, and of A Commentary on the Bengal Tenancy Act : has frequently written articles in The Nineteenth Century, and is engaged on a History of Muhammadan Civilization in India.