Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association was founded in the year 1893 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as a part of the Aligarh movement. He established it as he considered competence in English and 'Western sciences' necessary skills for maintaining Muslims' political influence, especially in Northern India. Also, the growing influence and the popularity of Congress became a cause of concern for the British. In order to counter the rising influence of the Congress, the British encouraged the formation of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (M.A.O.) Defence Association in 1893.