The hierarchical and discriminatory caste system, legitimised by Hinduism, is so deeply entrenched in Southasian societies that it has even affected the adherents of theoretically egalitarian religions like Islam, Sikhism,
'Hindus' and 'Muslims' may not exactly be the distinct monolithic identities, as is made out in political rhetoric. The Hindus and Muslims of South India are a case in point.
The conflict in Kashmir may be projected as the 'militant Islamic' assault on the state. But the origins of Kashmiriyat were never built on inter-religious antagonism.
Religious Minorities in South Asia—Selected Essays on Post-Colonial Situations (2 vols.)
Manak Publiations, 2002. INR 950 [2 vols)
ISBN: 81-86562-89-3
Edited by Monirul Hussain and Lipi Ghosh
Madrasas first emerged in South Asia under the patronage of medeival Muslim rulers, who sought to create a class of clerics to interpret Islamic tradition in ways that suited statecraft.
Ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition I ' assumed office at the Centre in India, there has been a spate of attacks on Muslim madrasas (religious schools), mosques and
