REMAKING OF MUSLIM IDENTITY IN INDIA - FACT OR MYTH

Primordial identities have assumed a new significance in South Asian c ountries in particular and in Third World countries in general. At a s uperficial level, this seems surprising, but on deeper analysis it doe s not appear to be so. This paper seeks to examine the causes of the r eassertion of Muslim identity on the part of Indian Muslims, specially since the early eighties. It is my contention that this reassertion s hould be seen both in the Indian and the international context. It nee ds mention that in India, there are some factors which are common to a ll castes and communities, others which are specific to each caste and community, while still others are specific to each caste and communal group. It must further be borne in mind that this reassertion is neit her a purely religious nor ethnic phenomenon as maintained by some, no r is it purely political and economic in nature as held by others.