Separatism Among Indian Muslims

The separate Muslim front in Indian politics was mainly led and supported by men from the United Provinces. The first period of effective separatist politics ended in 1923. This book examines the circumstances in which the separate Muslim front built up and crumbled away in this period, and then analyses the different groups which at various times supported it. Professor Robinson argues that Muslim separatism was fostered both by the polictical needs of the British and by those of Muslims and Hindus. The argument is based on extensive research in government records, newspapers and collections of private papers, many of which have not been used before. Moreover, the analysis of different Muslim political groupings is supported by over 130 detailed biographies which in themselves represent a substantial work of reference. This is the first book to examine the position of Muslims in any one province. Bringing all types - from western-educated lawyers to traditionally educated priests - within its purview, it sets out the impact of British rule on the economic, political and religious sides of Muslim life and demonstrates the interplay between Muslim interests at local, provincial and all-India levels. The conclusions which emerge considerably advance our understanding of imperialism, separatism and Islamic reactions to the west in modern times. This is the first paperback edition of a major work in Indian history.