Locating the ‘Indian Muslim’ Mind

Abstract

This contribution to the ‘Commentary’ series is based on the conversation contained in fourteen letters exchanged electronically in January–February 2005 between Neshat Quaiser, Ahmad (full name withheld) and Satish Saberwal. The text rests in major part on Quaiser’s response to issues raised by Ahmad and Saberwal. The conversation focuses on the various facets of being an ‘Indian Muslim’, with reference to the binary opposition between the high caste elite and the Shudra Muslim sections of the community. The conversation is confined to processes affecting North Indian Muslims. However, the central argument on caste and revivalist thinking as crucial structuring principles is, it is felt, applicable equally to Muslims of other parts of the country. It identifies the ways in which the high caste elite hegemonise readings of the ‘Muslim’ role in India’s history and the agenda they advance to further the ‘community’s’ more favourable location in India’s polity, economy and society.