Population geography of Muslims of India

This volume is the result of several years devoted to research in the field of Indian population. It is derived from the reading of a wide range of literature particularly pertaining to the Muslims of India, innumerable calculations based on diverse statistical sources specially the censuses of India, many discussions not only with eminent specialists in relevant disciplines but also with the masses who experi ence the things themselves. This synthesis owes itself to the study of the data available up to 1971 census. I do not claim it to be an all-comprehensive book on the Muslims of India. However, except for the active political field the rest of the aspects, particularly the spatial aspects, have been covered.

Although a study of population on the basis of religi ous composition would appear to be irrelevant to many in a secular society, it is a fact recognised by all the demo graphers, social scientists and geographers that religious convictions cannot be divorced from the social life. This is particularly true in the case of the Indian people as here religion and culture are very closely interlinked. It is sometimes argued that statistics about the religions whether released officially by the Census Commission or publicised otherwise tend to perpetuate disharmony among the people. It is not true. An accurate and factual study of the things as they exist in the country should be made and there is no reason why the educated people would not accept them with an open mind. A clear understanding of such facts will strongly help in the nation-building and integrating the vari ous components into one whole.