How have the Muslims of Bengal developed an identity historically separate from that of the Hindus, and even from the rest of the Muslims of India, evidenced in their lifestyles and their pattern of development? The book focuses attention on the status and development of the Muslims of India, evidenced in their lifestyles and their pattern of development? The book focuses attention on the status and development of the Muslims of Bengal from 1884 to 1912, a period crucial for India witnessing the emergence of the Indian National Congress, formation of the All India Muslim League, and partition of the province along communal lines and its annulment. During this period the Muslim awareness of their problems led to the projection of the demands for their social advancement. The author analyses in depth the growth and development of this community in the spheres of education, economic status, political and social activities and discusses the effects of the partition of Bengal. The extent of the concern of contemporary Muslims is illustrated through a review of the Muslim writings of that period. It is the ‘Muslim’ and ‘Bengali’ character of the Muslim community in Bengal, so carefully delineated in this study that explains the historical and political development of the Muslims of Bengal.

Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Educational Development of the Muslim Community in Bengal, 1884-1912 
3. The Economic Condition of the Muslim Community in Bengal, 1884-1912
4. The Social and Political Activities of the Muslim Community in Bengal, 1884-1906.
5. The Muslim Community and the Partition of Bengal, 1905-1912
6. Muslim Writings in Bengal 1884-1912
7. Conclusion
8. Map