muslims of west bengal

Research on Humanities and Social Sciences ISSN 2222-1719 (Paper) ISSN 2222-2863 (Online)Vol 2, No.10, 2012

Muslims of West Bengal: Some Demographic, Socio

*Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Aliah University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Abstract Practically research studies on Muslim society and culture in inadequate is known to the people and such lacuna in knowledge have caused a great amount ofunderstanding the society under study The present account is a modest attempt to asboth males and females of West Bengal besides presenting some demographic profile compared to the people of other religious commcontributory factors acting as obstacle towards their socioFor this endeavor the textual facts are mostly gathered from a variety of mainly the author’s personal observations and field study among the Muslims of this state.Keywords: Muslims, society, economy, demography, backwardness, development 1. INTRODUCTION Muslims constitute the second largest religious group in Incensus enumerated India's Muslim population at over 138 million, and by 2006 the Muslim population would be over 150 million. India's Muslim population is amongst the largest in the world, exceeded onlythe Muslim populations of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Moreover, it is larger than the total populations of most countries of the world. India is considered an overpopulated country and India's population policy seeks to achieve replacement level fertility by 2010. However, population policy implementation in India has come under severe attack, more so due to the element of coercion inherent in the promotion and acceptance of modern contraceptives. Besides, Indian population policy does not adequately recognize the multiforces that prevail upon the household decisions regarding the size of families. For example, there are no noteworthy and dependable social safety nets in place to protect thsecurity still dominates fertility decisions, although the average family/household size has reduced over time. The population programme is over dependent on female sterilization with little or no cfamily limitation procedures. There is little recognition of the fact that ultimately it is development and equity that empowers citizens to make informed choices with respect to family formation. In this regard the impactespecially of women, has shown dominant influence, not only in reducing fertility but also in the reduction of infant and child mortality, improvement in birth weights and overall human developmentdevelopment of a country cannot be achieved without development of each constituent of the country at micro level as well as macro level. Poverty is the curse to any economy. Muslims are by and large poor. They have power and will to have education and to work in any f In spite the fact of power and will, the Muslims in India are backward both educationally and economically. Unless an assessment is made and the root causes of poverty and backwardness are found out, and would continue to contribute negatively in the economic development of the country.The study of socio-economic condition of Muslim Society in India is practically negligible. A few studies on some Muslim groups of Northern, Western and Southern parts of the country have been made so far. Very litabout the socio-economic status of Muslims of Eastern part of India. Hence, the e4ffort is made to have an instudy of socio-economic condition of Muslim Inhabitants of Eastern part of the country2011: 09). India is well thought-out to be a multination are belongs to diverse color and creed and live side by side since time immemorial. Harmony in variety and veracity within poly-ethnic cultural envirocountry. Many religious minority groups have also been living in coincidence in this subsuch groups, who bear the traits of Islamic ‘great tradition’ as wegrowth of Indian society, culture and civilization since the time of their advent and origin in Indian soil.

Research on Humanities and Social Sciences 2863 (Online)

44

f West Bengal: Some Demographic, SocioEducational Situation

Md. Intekhab Hossain* *Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Aliah University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Email: [email protected]

Practically research studies on Muslim society and culture in West Bengal are very negligible inadequate is known to the people and such lacuna in knowledge have caused a great amount of

under study from empirical point of view. The present account is a modest attempt to assess and enquire the socio-economic situationboth males and females of West Bengal besides presenting some demographic profile of the Muslims of West Bengal compared to the people of other religious communities of the state. Emphasis has also been given to find out the contributory factors acting as obstacle towards their socio-economic development, change and modernization.For this endeavor the textual facts are mostly gathered from a variety of in print resources while the primamainly the author’s personal observations and field study among the Muslims of this state.

Muslims, society, economy, demography, backwardness, development.

Muslims constitute the second largest religious group in India and thus the largest religious minority. The 2001 census enumerated India's Muslim population at over 138 million, and by 2006 the Muslim population would be over 150 million. India's Muslim population is amongst the largest in the world, exceeded onlythe Muslim populations of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Moreover, it is larger than the total populations of most countries of the world. India is considered an overpopulated country and India's population policy seeks to achieve

placement level fertility by 2010. However, population policy implementation in India has come under severe attack, more so due to the element of coercion inherent in the promotion and acceptance of modern contraceptives.

does not adequately recognize the multi-dimensionality of the economic and social forces that prevail upon the household decisions regarding the size of families. For example, there are no noteworthy and dependable social safety nets in place to protect the interests of the poor and infirm, and therefore old age security still dominates fertility decisions, although the average family/household size has reduced over time. The population programme is over dependent on female sterilization with little or no choice based access to a basket of family limitation procedures. There is little recognition of the fact that ultimately it is development and equity that empowers citizens to make informed choices with respect to family formation. In this regard the impactespecially of women, has shown dominant influence, not only in reducing fertility but also in the reduction of infant and child mortality, improvement in birth weights and overall human development (GOI, 2006: 27).

f a country cannot be achieved without development of each constituent of the country at micro level as well as macro level. Poverty is the curse to any economy. Muslims are by and large poor. They have power and will to have education and to work in any field.

In spite the fact of power and will, the Muslims in India are backward both educationally and economically. Unless an assessment is made and the root causes of poverty and backwardness are found out, and would continue to

the economic development of the country. economic condition of Muslim Society in India is practically negligible. A few studies on some

Muslim groups of Northern, Western and Southern parts of the country have been made so far. Very liteconomic status of Muslims of Eastern part of India. Hence, the e4ffort is made to have an in

economic condition of Muslim Inhabitants of Eastern part of the countryout to be a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural nation. People of this

nation are belongs to diverse color and creed and live side by side since time immemorial. Harmony in variety and ethnic cultural environment is one of the basic characteristic features of this multicultural

country. Many religious minority groups have also been living in coincidence in this sub-such groups, who bear the traits of Islamic ‘great tradition’ as well as local ‘little tradition’ playing a key part in the growth of Indian society, culture and civilization since the time of their advent and origin in Indian soil.

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f West Bengal: Some Demographic, Socio-Economic and

*Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Aliah University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

very negligible owing to which very inadequate is known to the people and such lacuna in knowledge have caused a great amount of loophole in

economic situation of the Muslims including of the Muslims of West Bengal

sis has also been given to find out the economic development, change and modernization.

print resources while the primary data are mainly the author’s personal observations and field study among the Muslims of this state.

dia and thus the largest religious minority. The 2001 census enumerated India's Muslim population at over 138 million, and by 2006 the Muslim population would be over 150 million. India's Muslim population is amongst the largest in the world, exceeded only by Indonesia's and close to the Muslim populations of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Moreover, it is larger than the total populations of most countries of the world. India is considered an overpopulated country and India's population policy seeks to achieve

placement level fertility by 2010. However, population policy implementation in India has come under severe attack, more so due to the element of coercion inherent in the promotion and acceptance of modern contraceptives.

dimensionality of the economic and social forces that prevail upon the household decisions regarding the size of families. For example, there are no noteworthy

e interests of the poor and infirm, and therefore old age security still dominates fertility decisions, although the average family/household size has reduced over time. The

hoice based access to a basket of family limitation procedures. There is little recognition of the fact that ultimately it is development and equity that empowers citizens to make informed choices with respect to family formation. In this regard the impact of education, especially of women, has shown dominant influence, not only in reducing fertility but also in the reduction of infant

(GOI, 2006: 27). The economic f a country cannot be achieved without development of each constituent of the country at micro level

as well as macro level. Poverty is the curse to any economy. Muslims are by and large poor. They have power and

In spite the fact of power and will, the Muslims in India are backward both educationally and economically. Unless an assessment is made and the root causes of poverty and backwardness are found out, and would continue to

economic condition of Muslim Society in India is practically negligible. A few studies on some Muslim groups of Northern, Western and Southern parts of the country have been made so far. Very little is known

economic status of Muslims of Eastern part of India. Hence, the e4ffort is made to have an in-depth economic condition of Muslim Inhabitants of Eastern part of the country (Rahaman and Bhuimali,

cultural nation. People of this nation are belongs to diverse color and creed and live side by side since time immemorial. Harmony in variety and

nment is one of the basic characteristic features of this multicultural -continent. Muslims, one of

ll as local ‘little tradition’ playing a key part in the growth of Indian society, culture and civilization since the time of their advent and origin in Indian soil.


2. LAND AND PEOPLE The Indian Constitution is committed to the equality of citizens and tand assure the rights of minorities in matters of language, religion and culture. That is why our national leaders while framing the Constitution, emphasized the doctrine of unity in diversity. The UnitedRights of Persons Belonging to National, Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities says that the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to such minorities contribute to the political and social stability ocountries in which they live. Meeting their aspirations and ensuring their rights acknowledges the dignity and equality of all individuals and furthers participatory development. This in turn contributes to the lessening of tensions among groups and individuals. These factors are major determinants for stability and peace. All developed countries and most developing ones give appropriate emphasis to looking after the interests of minorities. Thus, in any country, the faith and confidence of the minoribeing a just State (GOI, 2006: 01).The Indian Muslims, found to reside in almost every States and Union Territory of the sub-continent with diverse proportion. it has been rand republic country like India is lagged behind the rest of the Indian Society as compare to the other religious minorities of this nation due to various external and internal factors. They haveconomically and educationally toward the rear when modernization is the order of the day. With regards to economic, educational and political empowerment Muslims of this subcontinent are most marginalized, deprived, secluded and are in a state of impoverishment and destitution which retarded in normal progress in the field of economy, education, politics, knowledge and culture. The allanxieties in relation to security, ideconcerns for each and every one that the trends of development and the forces of modernization have bypassed this group and as a result they are subjected to destitution and sestigma of relative backwardness, insecurity, identity crisis, discrimination and injustice which have developed fearpsychosis, Islam phobia and inferiority complex inside their heart and mind and various reasons. Figure: 1. Distribution of various rel

Based on Census of India 2001

Hindus,

80.46


45

The Indian Constitution is committed to the equality of citizens and the responsibility of the State to preserve, protect and assure the rights of minorities in matters of language, religion and culture. That is why our national leaders while framing the Constitution, emphasized the doctrine of unity in diversity. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National, Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities says that the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to such minorities contribute to the political and social stability ocountries in which they live. Meeting their aspirations and ensuring their rights acknowledges the dignity and equality of all individuals and furthers participatory development. This in turn contributes to the lessening of tensions

individuals. These factors are major determinants for stability and peace. All developed countries and most developing ones give appropriate emphasis to looking after the interests of minorities. Thus, in any country, the faith and confidence of the minorities in the functioning of the State in an impartial manner is an acid test of its

The Indian Muslims, found to reside in almost every States and Union Territory of continent with diverse proportion. it has been reported that such a larger section of the democratic, secular

and republic country like India is lagged behind the rest of the Indian Society as compare to the other religious minorities of this nation due to various external and internal factors. They have still been remained socioeconomically and educationally toward the rear when modernization is the order of the day. With regards to economic, educational and political empowerment Muslims of this subcontinent are most marginalized, deprived,

and are in a state of impoverishment and destitution which retarded in normal progress in the field of economy, education, politics, knowledge and culture. The all-around strange evils faced by them are associated to anxieties in relation to security, identity perception, discrimination and equity. Obviously, it is a matter of great concerns for each and every one that the trends of development and the forces of modernization have bypassed this group and as a result they are subjected to destitution and seclusion, as the various reports reveal, suffering from the stigma of relative backwardness, insecurity, identity crisis, discrimination and injustice which have developed fearpsychosis, Islam phobia and inferiority complex inside their heart and mind and become tradition bound due to

arious religious communities of India (in percentage)


Hindus,

80.46

Muslims, 13.43

Christians, 2.34

Sikhs,

1.87

Buddhists, 0.77

Jains, 0.41

Animists, Others,

其他

www.iiste.org

he responsibility of the State to preserve, protect and assure the rights of minorities in matters of language, religion and culture. That is why our national leaders while

Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National, Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities says that the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to such minorities contribute to the political and social stability of the countries in which they live. Meeting their aspirations and ensuring their rights acknowledges the dignity and equality of all individuals and furthers participatory development. This in turn contributes to the lessening of tensions

individuals. These factors are major determinants for stability and peace. All developed countries and most developing ones give appropriate emphasis to looking after the interests of minorities. Thus, in any country,

ties in the functioning of the State in an impartial manner is an acid test of its The Indian Muslims, found to reside in almost every States and Union Territory of

eported that such a larger section of the democratic, secular and republic country like India is lagged behind the rest of the Indian Society as compare to the other religious

e still been remained socio-economically and educationally toward the rear when modernization is the order of the day. With regards to economic, educational and political empowerment Muslims of this subcontinent are most marginalized, deprived,

and are in a state of impoverishment and destitution which retarded in normal progress in the field of around strange evils faced by them are associated to

ntity perception, discrimination and equity. Obviously, it is a matter of great concerns for each and every one that the trends of development and the forces of modernization have bypassed this

clusion, as the various reports reveal, suffering from the stigma of relative backwardness, insecurity, identity crisis, discrimination and injustice which have developed fear-

become tradition bound due to

Christians, 2.34

Buddhists, 0.77

Jains, 0.41

Animists, Others,

0.65

其他, 1.83


Figure: 2. Distribution of Muslim population in Indian states and union territories (in per

Based on Census of India 2001 West Bengal is India’s fourth most Muslim populous state in the eastern region of India stretching from the Himalayan in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. In the eastern part of this state Bangladesh andlocated and Jharkhand and Bihar in the west are located. In these state mountains, valleys, plains, rivers, sea, stream and forests are originated and a complete representation of sociofound. People belonging to various religious faith, ethnicity, linguistic group, racial variety, tribal affiliation, caste, class, status groups, minority groups and the like coIndia. Owing to their divergent origin either the descendents of various groups of ethnoorigin or native converts from various caste/social backgrounds and the mixture of both. They are both horizontally and vertically divided in to various ethnic, status The biggest concentration of the Muslims of about forty seven per cent to the India’s entire Muslim inhabitants is in three states viz. West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar encompassing

Kerala, 24.7Uttar Pradesh, 18.49

Bihar, 16.53

Jharkhand, 13.85

Karnataka, 12.23

Uttaranchal,

11.92

Delhi, 11.72

Maharashtra, 10.6

Andhra

Pradesh, 9.17

Gujarat, 9.06

Manipur, 8.81Rajasthan,


46

Figure: 2. Distribution of Muslim population in Indian states and union territories (in per


West Bengal is India’s fourth most Muslim populous state in the eastern region of India stretching from the Himalayan in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. In the eastern part of this state Bangladesh andlocated and Jharkhand and Bihar in the west are located. In these state mountains, valleys, plains, rivers, sea, stream and forests are originated and a complete representation of socio-economic dynamics and multicultural pattern are

le belonging to various religious faith, ethnicity, linguistic group, racial variety, tribal affiliation, caste, class, status groups, minority groups and the like co-exist forming a varied cultural panorama found nowhere else in

rgent origin either the descendents of various groups of ethnoorigin or native converts from various caste/social backgrounds and the mixture of both. They are both horizontally and vertically divided in to various ethnic, status groups, caste, class, school of thought, sect, language and the like.

The biggest concentration of the Muslims of about forty seven per cent to the India’s entire Muslim inhabitants is in three states viz. West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar encompassing 25%, 18.5% and 16.5% respectively. Again in

Lakshadweep, 95.47

Jammu & Kashmir,

66.97

Assam, 30.92

West

Bengal,

25.25

Kerala, 24.7

Rajasthan,

8.47

Andaman & Nicobar

Islands, 8.22Tripura, 7.95

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Figure: 2. Distribution of Muslim population in Indian states and union territories (in percentage)

West Bengal is India’s fourth most Muslim populous state in the eastern region of India stretching from the Himalayan in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. In the eastern part of this state Bangladesh and Assam are located and Jharkhand and Bihar in the west are located. In these state mountains, valleys, plains, rivers, sea, stream

economic dynamics and multicultural pattern are le belonging to various religious faith, ethnicity, linguistic group, racial variety, tribal affiliation, caste,

exist forming a varied cultural panorama found nowhere else in rgent origin either the descendents of various groups of ethno-social milieu of foreign

origin or native converts from various caste/social backgrounds and the mixture of both. They are both horizontally groups, caste, class, school of thought, sect, language and the like.

The biggest concentration of the Muslims of about forty seven per cent to the India’s entire Muslim inhabitants is in 25%, 18.5% and 16.5% respectively. Again in

Lakshadweep, 95.47

Jammu & Kashmir,

66.97


the states like Assam (31%), West Bengal (25%) and Kerala (24.7%) high concentration of Muslims are found to live according to the Report of the Census of India, 2001, Government of India. So far West Bengal isis estimated (Census Report, 2001) that onelargest and principal minority of West Bengal with a population potency of about 96% (Census Report, 2001) to the entire minority population of the state. They are found to live in all the districts of West Bengal in varied proportion. There are twelve such districts where the Muslims represent about twenty five per cent (Census Report, 2001) population to the respective district Muslims correspond to more than fifty (Census Report, 2001) per cent to the entire population of the respective districts. Figure: 3. District wise distribution of Muslim

Based on Census of India 2001 3. ISLAMIC PRECEPT AND THE MUSLIMSThough Islam as a way of life is fairly defined yet, Muslim communities all over the world differ widely from each other. Spread all over the globe they have been drawn in from a wide range of racial, social, linguistic and regional backgrounds and in a good number of cases they are in living touch with the backgrounds they have been drawn from. The persisting elements of their past cultural backgroutradition’ are also a feature of a large body of Muslims

Howrah,

24.44

Coochbihar, 24.24

North 24

Parganas, 24.22

South Dinajpur,

24.02

Kolkata, 20.27

Burdawan, 19.78

Hooghly, 15.14

Medinipur (East

& West), 11.33

Jalpaiguri, 10.85

Bankura, 7.51


47

the states like Assam (31%), West Bengal (25%) and Kerala (24.7%) high concentration of Muslims are found to live according to the Report of the Census of India, 2001, Government of India. So far West Bengal isis estimated (Census Report, 2001) that one-fourth of the total state population are the Muslims considered as the largest and principal minority of West Bengal with a population potency of about 96% (Census Report, 2001) to the

ity population of the state. They are found to live in all the districts of West Bengal in varied proportion. There are twelve such districts where the Muslims represent about twenty five per cent (Census Report, 2001)

entire population and in the district like North Dinajpur, Malda and Murshidabad Muslims correspond to more than fifty (Census Report, 2001) per cent to the entire population of the respective

ise distribution of Muslim population in West Bengal (in percentage)

3. ISLAMIC PRECEPT AND THE MUSLIMS Though Islam as a way of life is fairly defined yet, Muslim communities all over the world differ widely from each

they have been drawn in from a wide range of racial, social, linguistic and regional backgrounds and in a good number of cases they are in living touch with the backgrounds they have been drawn from. The persisting elements of their past cultural background known as ‘little tradition’ as distinct from ‘great tradition’ are also a feature of a large body of Muslims (Siddiqui, 2011: 137). Islam means peace. Muslims are the

Murshidabad, 63.67

Malda, 49.72

North Dinajpur,

47.36

Birbhum,

35.08South 24

Parganas,

33.24

Nadia,

25.41

Howrah,

24.44

Medinipur (East

& West), 11.33

Jalpaiguri, 10.85

Bankura, 7.51

Purulia, 7.12

Darjeeling, 5.31

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the states like Assam (31%), West Bengal (25%) and Kerala (24.7%) high concentration of Muslims are found to live according to the Report of the Census of India, 2001, Government of India. So far West Bengal is concerned, it

fourth of the total state population are the Muslims considered as the largest and principal minority of West Bengal with a population potency of about 96% (Census Report, 2001) to the

ity population of the state. They are found to live in all the districts of West Bengal in varied proportion. There are twelve such districts where the Muslims represent about twenty five per cent (Census Report, 2001)

entire population and in the district like North Dinajpur, Malda and Murshidabad Muslims correspond to more than fifty (Census Report, 2001) per cent to the entire population of the respective

est Bengal (in percentage)

Though Islam as a way of life is fairly defined yet, Muslim communities all over the world differ widely from each they have been drawn in from a wide range of racial, social, linguistic and regional

backgrounds and in a good number of cases they are in living touch with the backgrounds they have been drawn nd known as ‘little tradition’ as distinct from ‘great

Islam means peace. Muslims are the

Malda, 49.72

North Dinajpur,

47.36


followers of Islam, the second most practiced religion of India. The most sacred text Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is considered as the last and greatest prophet in Islamic ideology. Islam prescribes five essential duties commonly known as the five pillars of Islam: belief in Allah (the almighty God), prayers five tiin a day, giving of alms to the destitute, one month fasting in the month of to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if possible (or when one can afford) to the devoted Muslims. Islam advocates for equity and universal brotherhood and strictly opposes and condemns inequality between rich and poor, high and low, superior and inferior, and pure and impure in society. In the Islamic precept there is also no place of discrimination on the ground of language speaking, raceDomination of one group over other and class or caste conflicts are extraterrestrial to the sphere of Islam. 4. DISCUSSION There is a lack of data on Muslim communities in India. Census indoes not present socio-economic information according to religion. Furthermore, there are very few studies on the economic profile of Muslims. There are, reportedly, numerous studies and analyses on Muslims the Indian government, (based on census reports), however, these are yet to be made public socio-economic condition of the Muslims has not been changed much in dependent India. The various reports and research studies clearly show that Muslims in India are educationally and economically backward. The backwardness of the Muslims is a cyclical and ongoing process leading to economic backwardness. Like other minorities, Muslims are suffering from multifaceted problemsProblems faced by Muslims are a combination of those faced by the poor ( a large proportion of Muslims are poor). The feeling of insecurity among Muslims is very high, especiallyGhettoisation is a result of insecurity and prejudice in housing, schools and jobs. Insecurity adversely affects mobility, especially of women leading to situations wherein Muslims are not able to fully explopportunities. Backwardness in education is a key concern of the community. Limited access to good quality schools is a major problem that affects female students more adversely economic condition of the Muslims in India can be assessed by examining the indicators like economy and land ownership, occupation, work participation, levels of living, literacy and schooling condition among the people of the said community (Mondal, 2000: 101).Table: 1. District wise distribution of Muslim popSl. No.

Districts

1. Kolkata 2. Burdawan 3. Nadia 4. North 24 Parganas 5. Howrah 6. Hooghly 7. South 24 Parganas 8. Birbhum 9. South Dinajpur 10. Darjeeling 11. Medinipur (East

&West) 12. Murshidabad 13. Coochbihar 14. Jalpaiguri 15. North Dinajpur 16. Bankura 17. Purulia 18. Malda All over West Bengal


48

followers of Islam, the second most practiced religion of India. The most sacred text (book) is the holy Quran and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is considered as the last and greatest prophet in Islamic ideology. Islam prescribes five essential duties commonly known as the five pillars of Islam: belief in Allah (the almighty God), prayers five tiin a day, giving of alms to the destitute, one month fasting in the month of Ramzan, and making a pilgrimage (to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if possible (or when one can afford) to the devoted Muslims. Islam advocates for

al brotherhood and strictly opposes and condemns inequality between rich and poor, high and low, superior and inferior, and pure and impure in society. In the Islamic precept there is also no place of discrimination on the ground of language speaking, race, ethnicity, property status and such other criteria in humankind. Domination of one group over other and class or caste conflicts are extraterrestrial to the sphere of Islam.

There is a lack of data on Muslim communities in India. Census information includes a broad count by religion but economic information according to religion. Furthermore, there are very few studies on the

economic profile of Muslims. There are, reportedly, numerous studies and analyses on Muslims the Indian government, (based on census reports), however, these are yet to be made public

economic condition of the Muslims has not been changed much in dependent India. The various reports and dies clearly show that Muslims in India are educationally and economically backward. The backwardness

of the Muslims is a cyclical and ongoing process leading to economic backwardness. Like other minorities, Muslims are suffering from multifaceted problems; in addition, they face problems relating to security, identity, and equity. Problems faced by Muslims are a combination of those faced by the poor ( a large proportion of Muslims are poor). The feeling of insecurity among Muslims is very high, especially in communally sensitive states and among women. Ghettoisation is a result of insecurity and prejudice in housing, schools and jobs. Insecurity adversely affects mobility, especially of women leading to situations wherein Muslims are not able to fully explopportunities. Backwardness in education is a key concern of the community. Limited access to good quality schools is a major problem that affects female students more adversely (Rahaman and Bhuimali, 2011: 08).

the Muslims in India can be assessed by examining the indicators like economy and land ownership, occupation, work participation, levels of living, literacy and schooling condition among the people of the

community (Mondal, 2000: 101). wise distribution of Muslim population on the basis of sex in West Bengal (in percentage)

Total Population

Male Population

Female Population

Differences

35.11 55.70 7.24 48.4631.84 52.16 9.77 42.3933.87 54.29 12.10 42.2930.59 50.95 8.67 42.2829.53 49.51 7.57 41.9431.81 51.61 11.14 40.4727.71 46.83 7.53 39.3 31.89 50.91 11.91 39.0034.54 53.28 14.94 38.3429.97 47.25 10.08 37.1730.56 47.75 12.52 35.23

33.52 49.64 16.69 32.9536.78 52.18 20.64 31.5436.12 51.27 20.02 31.2535.51 49.21 21.09 28.1239.64 52.37 25.86 26.5134.48 46.27 21.88 24.3940.09 51.35 28.23 23.1232.89 50.52 13.99 36.53

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(book) is the holy Quran and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is considered as the last and greatest prophet in Islamic ideology. Islam prescribes five essential duties commonly known as the five pillars of Islam: belief in Allah (the almighty God), prayers five times

, and making a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if possible (or when one can afford) to the devoted Muslims. Islam advocates for

al brotherhood and strictly opposes and condemns inequality between rich and poor, high and low, superior and inferior, and pure and impure in society. In the Islamic precept there is also no place of discrimination

, ethnicity, property status and such other criteria in humankind. Domination of one group over other and class or caste conflicts are extraterrestrial to the sphere of Islam.

formation includes a broad count by religion but economic information according to religion. Furthermore, there are very few studies on the

economic profile of Muslims. There are, reportedly, numerous studies and analyses on Muslims in the possession of the Indian government, (based on census reports), however, these are yet to be made public (Kazi, 1991: 24). The

economic condition of the Muslims has not been changed much in dependent India. The various reports and dies clearly show that Muslims in India are educationally and economically backward. The backwardness

of the Muslims is a cyclical and ongoing process leading to economic backwardness. Like other minorities, Muslims ; in addition, they face problems relating to security, identity, and equity.

Problems faced by Muslims are a combination of those faced by the poor ( a large proportion of Muslims are poor). in communally sensitive states and among women.

Ghettoisation is a result of insecurity and prejudice in housing, schools and jobs. Insecurity adversely affects mobility, especially of women leading to situations wherein Muslims are not able to fully exploit economic opportunities. Backwardness in education is a key concern of the community. Limited access to good quality schools

(Rahaman and Bhuimali, 2011: 08). The socio-the Muslims in India can be assessed by examining the indicators like economy and land

ownership, occupation, work participation, levels of living, literacy and schooling condition among the people of the

est Bengal (in percentage) Differences Rank of the

Districts 48.46 1 42.39 2 42.29 3 42.28 4 41.94 5 40.47 6

7 39.00 8 38.34 9 37.17 10 35.23 11

32.95 12 31.54 13 31.25 14 28.12 15 26.51 16 24.39 17 23.12 18 36.53 N.A.


Source: Govt. of India, Census Report, 2001Figure: 4. Sex ratio among various religious communities of W

Based on Census of India 2001 The education commission, Ministry of Education, Government of India, 1966, stated that it is the responsibility of the educational system to bring different social classes and groups together to promote the emergence of an egalitarian and integrated society. But unfortunately the educational development is very poor in India. Various efforts have been taken in the post independensatisfactory, especially in the context of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, minorities and other backward communities or weaker sections (Mondal, 1997:19).Table: 2. Rate of literacy among various religious communities of W

Source: Govt. of India, Census Report, 2001 The educational backwardness of Muslim women is a matter of particular concern, especially the high drresulting in subsequently fewer proportions of them managing to complete high school, and even less availing of higher education. Not surprisingly, Muslim women account for the lowest levels of educational and Menon, 2004:47). Table: 3. Rate of literacy and illiteracy residence (in percentage)

Place of Residence Literacy Rate

Male

Whole State 64.61%

Urban 72.04%

Rural 62.92%

Source: Govt. of India, Census Report, 2001

Buddhists, 981

Jains, 929

Per

sons

All

Rel

igio

us C

omm

uniti

es

Hin

dus

Total 68.64 72.44

Male 77.02 81.12

Female 51.61 63.09


49

ia, Census Report, 2001 rious religious communities of West Bengal

The education commission, Ministry of Education, Government of India, 1966, stated that it is the responsibility of onal system to bring different social classes and groups together to promote the emergence of an

egalitarian and integrated society. But unfortunately the educational development is very poor in India. Various efforts have been taken in the post independent period to spread education among the masses. But result is not very satisfactory, especially in the context of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, minorities and other backward

(Mondal, 1997:19). various religious communities of West Bengal (in percentage)


The educational backwardness of Muslim women is a matter of particular concern, especially the high drresulting in subsequently fewer proportions of them managing to complete high school, and even less availing of higher education. Not surprisingly, Muslim women account for the lowest levels of educational

. Rate of literacy and illiteracy among the Muslims of West Bengal on the basis of sex and

Literacy Rate Illiteracy Rate

Female Male

49.75% 35.39%

59.23% 27.97%

47.87% 37.08%


All Religious

Communities, 934

Hindus, 932

Muslims, 933

Christians, 1002Sikhs, 807

Buddhists, 981

Jains, 929

Others, 985

Mus

lims

Chr

istia

ns S

ikhs

Bu

ddh

ist

s Jain

s

57.47 69.72 87.19 74.73 92.81

64.61 77.20 91.37 83.09 96.46

49.75 62.30 81.98 66.22 88.87

www.iiste.org

The education commission, Ministry of Education, Government of India, 1966, stated that it is the responsibility of onal system to bring different social classes and groups together to promote the emergence of an

egalitarian and integrated society. But unfortunately the educational development is very poor in India. Various t period to spread education among the masses. But result is not very

satisfactory, especially in the context of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, minorities and other backward

(in percentage)

The educational backwardness of Muslim women is a matter of particular concern, especially the high drop-out rate, resulting in subsequently fewer proportions of them managing to complete high school, and even less availing of higher education. Not surprisingly, Muslim women account for the lowest levels of educational attainment (Hasan

the Muslims of West Bengal on the basis of sex and place of

Illiteracy Rate

Female

50.25%

40.77%

52.13%

Oth

ers

Rel

igio

n no

t st

ated

92.81 51.53 ---------

96.46 68.63 71.52

88.87 34.24 54.82


There is also a common belief that Muslim parent feel that education is not important for girls and that it may instill a wrong set of values. Even if girls are enrolled, they are withdrawn at an early age to marry them off. This leads to a higher drop-out rate among Muslim girls. Our interactions indicate that the problem may lie in nonschools within easy reach for girls at lowand availability of scholarships as they move up the education ladder Table: 4. District wise rate of literacy between general the basis of sex (in percentage) Sl. No.

Districts General Population

Total

1. North Dinajpur 78.07

2. Purulia 55.57

3. Darjeeling 71.79

4. Malda 50.28

5.

Murshidabad 54.35

6. Nadia 66.14

7. Jalpaiguri 62.85

8. Bankura 63.44

9. Coochbihar 66.30

10. South 24 Parganas 69.45

11. Birbhum 61.48

12. Medinipur (East &West)

74.90

13. North 24 Parganas 78.07

14. Howrah 77.01

15. South Dinajpur 63.59

16. Burdawan 70.18

17. Kolkata 80.86

18. Hooghly 75.11



50

There is also a common belief that Muslim parent feel that education is not important for girls and that it may instill Even if girls are enrolled, they are withdrawn at an early age to marry them off. This leads to a

out rate among Muslim girls. Our interactions indicate that the problem may lie in nonschools within easy reach for girls at lower levels of education, absence of girl’s hostels, absence of female teachers and availability of scholarships as they move up the education ladder (GOI, 2006:85).

ise rate of literacy between general population and Muslim population o

General Population Muslim Population

Total Male Female Total

78.07 83.92 71.72 65.05

55.57 73.72 36.50 53.44

71.79 80.05 62.94 50.38

50.28 58.80 41.25 45.30

54.35 60.71 47.63 48.63

66.14 72.31 59.58 49.41

62.85 72.83 52.21 55.34

63.44 76.76 49.43 59.91

66.30 75.93 56.12 56.07

69.45 79.19 59.01 59.83

61.48 70.89 51.55 59.86

74.90 84.91 64.42 64.97

78.07 83.92 71.72 65.05

77.01 83.22 70.11 67.80

63.59 72.43 54.28 67.21

70.18 78.63 60.95 68.79

80.86 83.79 77.30 68.06

75.11 82.59 67.21 73.50


www.iiste.org

There is also a common belief that Muslim parent feel that education is not important for girls and that it may instill Even if girls are enrolled, they are withdrawn at an early age to marry them off. This leads to a

out rate among Muslim girls. Our interactions indicate that the problem may lie in non-availability of er levels of education, absence of girl’s hostels, absence of female teachers

population of West Bengal on

Muslim Population

Male Female

71.41 58.13

71.32 34.14

60.86 37.92

51.56 38.68

54.21 42.76

54.42 44.03

64.98 45.01

71.81 46.96

64.59 47.11

68.84 50.27

68.28 50.97

75.05 54.36

71.41 58.13

74.13 60.78

72.81 61.33

75.54 61.39

71.25 63.61

79.43 67.31


Figure: 5. District wise distribution of Muslim

Based on Census of India 2001 Another pillar towards modernity and economic progress apart from education is employment. Employment is a other major concern of the country. In India, low participation in government jobs disproportionate with share of population is observed. As compared to others, Muslemployed (home-based) activity and their share in regular work, especially in the government, public sector and large private sector is very low. The Muslim minority of India forms 13.4 percegrowth and greater orientation toward urban areas. They have, however, negligible influence on the process of economic development of the country. A massive part of Muslim work force seemspaid unorganized sector showing a trend of isolation from the economic mainstream and scientific and technological advancement of the country. The issue of economic backwardness of Muslims of India has received attentscholar in the past, but in recent times Sachar committee has worked in detail on it and reports has been submitted to the Central Government. The Central Government and different State Governments have taken initiatives, yto redress the problems and improve the socio2011: 35-36).

North Dinajpur

Purulia

Darjeeling

Malda

Murshidabad

Nadia

Jalpaiguri

Bankura

Coochbihar

South 24 Parganas

Birbhum

Medinipur (East &West)

North 24 Parganas

Howrah

South Dinajpur

Burdawan

Kolkata

Hooghly


51

ise distribution of Muslim literacy rate based on sex in West Bengal (in percentage)

wards modernity and economic progress apart from education is employment. Employment is a other major concern of the country. In India, low participation in government jobs disproportionate with share of population is observed. As compared to others, Muslim workers (especially women) are concentrated more in self

based) activity and their share in regular work, especially in the government, public sector and

The Muslim minority of India forms 13.4 percent for the country’s total population, having a significant decadal growth and greater orientation toward urban areas. They have, however, negligible influence on the process of economic development of the country. A massive part of Muslim work force seems to have taken shelter in the low paid unorganized sector showing a trend of isolation from the economic mainstream and scientific and technological

The issue of economic backwardness of Muslims of India has received attention of various organizations and scholar in the past, but in recent times Sachar committee has worked in detail on it and reports has been submitted to the Central Government. The Central Government and different State Governments have taken initiatives, yto redress the problems and improve the socio-economic conditions of Indian Muslims (Rahaman and Bhuimali,

51.56

54.21

54.42

58.13

34.14

37.92

38.68

42.76

44.03

45.01

46.96

47.11

50.27

50.97

54.36

58.13

Female Male

www.iiste.org

est Bengal (in percentage)

wards modernity and economic progress apart from education is employment. Employment is a other major concern of the country. In India, low participation in government jobs disproportionate with share of

im workers (especially women) are concentrated more in self based) activity and their share in regular work, especially in the government, public sector and

nt for the country’s total population, having a significant decadal growth and greater orientation toward urban areas. They have, however, negligible influence on the process of

to have taken shelter in the low paid unorganized sector showing a trend of isolation from the economic mainstream and scientific and technological

ion of various organizations and scholar in the past, but in recent times Sachar committee has worked in detail on it and reports has been submitted to the Central Government. The Central Government and different State Governments have taken initiatives, yet slowly

Muslims (Rahaman and Bhuimali,

71.41

71.32

60.86

54.21

54.42

64.98

71.81

64.59

68.84

68.28

75.05

71.41

74.13

72.81

75.54

71.25

79.43

58.13

54.36

58.13

60.78

61.33

61.39

63.61

67.31


Table: 5. District wise work participant rate among the Muslimspercentage) Sl. No.

Districts

1. Kolkata 2. Burdawan 3. Nadia 4. North 24 Parganas 5. Howrah 6. Hooghly 7. South 24 Parganas 8. Birbhum 9. South Dinajpur 10. Darjeeling 11. Medinipur (East &West) 12. Murshidabad 13. Coochbihar 14. Jalpaiguri 15. North Dinajpur 16. Bankura 17. Purulia 18. Malda All over West Bengal

Source: Govt. of India, Census Report, 2001 Table: 6. Various occupational pursuits of the Muslims in comparison toBengal (in percentage)

Source: Govt. of India, Census Report, 2001Figure: 6. Work participant rate on the basis of sex among vaper cent)

Occupations All Total

Hindus

Cultivators 19.2 18.6 Agricultural Laborer

25.0 24.0

Household Industry

7.4 5.9

Other Workers

48.4 51.4


52

work participant rate among the Muslims of West Bengal on the basis of sex (in

Total Male Female Difference

35.11 55.70 7.24 48.4631.84 52.16 9.77 42.3933.87 54.29 12.10 42.2930.59 50.95 8.67 42.2829.53 49.51 7.57 41.9431.81 51.61 11.14 40.4727.71 46.83 7.53 39.3 31.89 50.91 11.91 39.0034.54 53.28 14.94 38.3429.97 47.25 10.08 37.17

30.56 47.75 12.52 35.2333.52 49.64 16.69 32.9536.78 52.18 20.64 31.5436.12 51.27 20.02 31.2535.51 49.21 21.09 28.1239.64 52.37 25.86 26.5134.48 46.27 21.88 24.3940.09 51.35 28.23 23.1232.89 50.52 13.99 36.53


Various occupational pursuits of the Muslims in comparison to other religious communities of W

Source: Govt. of India, Census Report, 2001 . Work participant rate on the basis of sex among various religious communities of W

Hindus Muslims Christians Sikhs Buddhists

20.3 15.3 2.8 21.1

26.6 19.9 4.4 9.2

12.6 2.1 1.6 2.9

40.5 62.7 91.2 66.8

www.iiste.org

est Bengal on the basis of sex (in

Difference Rank of the District

48.46 1 42.39 2 42.29 3 42.28 4 41.94 5 40.47 6

7 39.00 8 38.34 9 37.17 10 5.23 11

32.95 12 31.54 13 31.25 14 28.12 15 26.51 16 24.39 17 23.12 18 36.53 ---------

other religious communities of West

rious religious communities of West Bengal (in

Buddhists Jains Others

7.8 32.0

5.4 52.9

1.0 4.5

85.8 10.6


Based on Census of India 2001 Predominantly rural, the Muslim population in the state is engaged in agricultural pursuits, a very large number of them work as agricultural labour and many others suffer from unemployment and undereducation are awfully inadequate and to the extent they are available, they are beyond easy reach of their overwhelmingly large number, because of the cost involved.Impelled to resort to self employment for their survival a substantial number specializes in a few crafts like carpneedle and zari works, tailoring, embroidery, paper crafts and the occupation of gold smith etc. and such odd jobs like rickshaw pulling, which draw them to cities including Delhi and Bombay. Kolkata provides very limited scope for their presence in the city is not quite significant. Day labourers, including women from poverty stricken families from suburban areas, arriving to the city every morning, largely through local trains quite often get grossly exploited. The sad tales of their sufferings deserve serious attention.The presence of Muslims from rural areas of West Bengal from districts, in the city is so negligible that a few educated Muslim youth, arriving to the city in search of employment do not find accommodation in suitable areas, and under situational pressure have to change their name for obtaining place to live in nonsimilar other social facts go to explain the overall prevailing social mostly self-employed and their share in regular paid jobs is low. The Hindu population is relatively better employed in regular salary-paying jobs in urban areas. The work participation of Muslim females is extremely low. The landholding is better among Hindus than Muslims, and Muslproportions in rural part of India. Muslims, are, by far, the least educated when compared with Hindus and Christian populations in India (Shariff, 2003: 92). Musalman to become poor; at present it is almost impossible for him to continue rich” assessment of the socio-economic conditions of Muslims in India needs to recognize that, like other minorities, issued faced by Muslims are multifaceted as they simultaneously face problems relating to security, identity, and equity. And the interplay of these dimensions is at the core of the sociocommunity is exposed to on a daily basis. An empirical exploration of these multidimensional issues is typically hampered by the non-availability of relevant ‘hard and unbiased’ data. Such data constraints are typically more severe for security and identity-related concernsmajor problems-education and employment which are essential for the sociobeings. It is evident that Muslims in India as well as Muslims in West Bengal are lagging behind iquantitative and qualitative education (Rahaman and Bhuimali, 2011: 84).in West Bengal in the field of education is very poor, even poorer than SCs/STs. Again, women’s education among Muslims in the state is lower than men. It is seen that the educational status of Muslims in West Bengal, like other parts of the country, is also depressing. Among various reasons, the major reasons for educational backwardness among the Muslims are poor economic conditiMuslim areas and lack of job opportunities of the educated people in the community. Perhaps Muslim women are

54 55.350.5

18.3 19.2

All Total Hindus Muslims


53

Predominantly rural, the Muslim population in the state is engaged in agricultural pursuits, a very large number of them work as agricultural labour and many others suffer from unemployment and under

dequate and to the extent they are available, they are beyond easy reach of their overwhelmingly large number, because of the cost involved. Impelled to resort to self employment for their survival a substantial number specializes in a few crafts like carp

works, tailoring, embroidery, paper crafts and the occupation of gold smith etc. and such odd jobs like rickshaw pulling, which draw them to cities including Delhi and Bombay. Kolkata provides very limited scope

the city is not quite significant. Day labourers, including women from poverty stricken families from suburban areas, arriving to the city every morning, largely through local trains quite often get grossly exploited.

erve serious attention. The presence of Muslims from rural areas of West Bengal from districts, in the city is so negligible that a few educated Muslim youth, arriving to the city in search of employment do not find accommodation in suitable areas,

er situational pressure have to change their name for obtaining place to live in nonsimilar other social facts go to explain the overall prevailing social situation (Siddiqui, 2011:213

eir share in regular paid jobs is low. The Hindu population is relatively better employed paying jobs in urban areas. The work participation of Muslim females is extremely low. The

landholding is better among Hindus than Muslims, and Muslims work on non-agricultural occupation in substantial proportions in rural part of India. Muslims, are, by far, the least educated when compared with Hindus and Christian

(Shariff, 2003: 92). W. W. Hunter states that, “….earlier it was impossible for a well born Musalman to become poor; at present it is almost impossible for him to continue rich”

economic conditions of Muslims in India needs to recognize that, like other minorities, ed faced by Muslims are multifaceted as they simultaneously face problems relating to security, identity, and

equity. And the interplay of these dimensions is at the core of the socio-economic and political processes that the aily basis. An empirical exploration of these multidimensional issues is typically

availability of relevant ‘hard and unbiased’ data. Such data constraints are typically more related concerns (Basant and Shariff, 2010: 02). Muslims in India are facing two

education and employment which are essential for the socio-economic development of human beings. It is evident that Muslims in India as well as Muslims in West Bengal are lagging behind i

education (Rahaman and Bhuimali, 2011: 84). It is evident that the condition of Muslims in West Bengal in the field of education is very poor, even poorer than SCs/STs. Again, women’s education among

tate is lower than men. It is seen that the educational status of Muslims in West Bengal, like other parts of the country, is also depressing. Among various reasons, the major reasons for educational backwardness among the Muslims are poor economic condition, limited number of government and government aided schools in Muslim areas and lack of job opportunities of the educated people in the community. Perhaps Muslim women are

50.5 48.6

54.8

45

56.5

14

29.2

7.6

25.8

Muslims Christians Sikhs Buddhists

Male Female

www.iiste.org

Predominantly rural, the Muslim population in the state is engaged in agricultural pursuits, a very large number of them work as agricultural labour and many others suffer from unemployment and under-employment. Facilities for

dequate and to the extent they are available, they are beyond easy reach of their

Impelled to resort to self employment for their survival a substantial number specializes in a few crafts like carpentry, works, tailoring, embroidery, paper crafts and the occupation of gold smith etc. and such odd jobs

like rickshaw pulling, which draw them to cities including Delhi and Bombay. Kolkata provides very limited scope the city is not quite significant. Day labourers, including women from poverty stricken families

from suburban areas, arriving to the city every morning, largely through local trains quite often get grossly exploited.

The presence of Muslims from rural areas of West Bengal from districts, in the city is so negligible that a few educated Muslim youth, arriving to the city in search of employment do not find accommodation in suitable areas,

er situational pressure have to change their name for obtaining place to live in non-Muslim areas. These and situation (Siddiqui, 2011:213-214). Muslims are

eir share in regular paid jobs is low. The Hindu population is relatively better employed paying jobs in urban areas. The work participation of Muslim females is extremely low. The

agricultural occupation in substantial proportions in rural part of India. Muslims, are, by far, the least educated when compared with Hindus and Christian

s impossible for a well born Musalman to become poor; at present it is almost impossible for him to continue rich” (Hunter, 1969:158). Any

economic conditions of Muslims in India needs to recognize that, like other minorities, ed faced by Muslims are multifaceted as they simultaneously face problems relating to security, identity, and

economic and political processes that the aily basis. An empirical exploration of these multidimensional issues is typically

availability of relevant ‘hard and unbiased’ data. Such data constraints are typically more Muslims in India are facing two

economic development of human beings. It is evident that Muslims in India as well as Muslims in West Bengal are lagging behind in terms of

It is evident that the condition of Muslims in West Bengal in the field of education is very poor, even poorer than SCs/STs. Again, women’s education among

tate is lower than men. It is seen that the educational status of Muslims in West Bengal, like other parts of the country, is also depressing. Among various reasons, the major reasons for educational backwardness

on, limited number of government and government aided schools in Muslim areas and lack of job opportunities of the educated people in the community. Perhaps Muslim women are

56.5 55.7

7.5

50.4

Jains Others


lagging behind in education because of sociotowards girls’ education and are lack of infrastructural facilities for education in Muslim concentrate4d areas. Muslims have limited access to far off school. Need of the hour is to provide job oriented education and also up sufficient number of technical schools for male and female separately in the Muslim concentrated areas and Bhuimali, 2011: 91). Observing a general lack of knowledge about the meaning and implications of being a minority the author is critical of the people who discourage revealing the facts of extremely bad sociocondition of the Muslims for fear of making them unnerved. Revealing truth is necessary for creating awareness leading to the solution of the problem.Quoting reports of the national Family Health Survey it is shown that Muslim Women are seven times behind Hindu women in high school education and in postMuslims in rural Bengal bare predominantly engaged in agriculture, a verlabour. They also specialize in several handicrafts. Predominantly much smaller number of Muslims from districts has come to live and work in this difficulty they have to change their name to conceal; their identity.Over 75% of Muslims in Calcutta live in t5hey have been seldom resettled in the area developed. They are the victims of the wrong notion of being a floating population. Nearly 80% are either born in the same numbers of children are enrolled in recognized schools and a total of 9% attend same sort of school recognized or unrecognized and 91% do not have any school toof the enrolled get dropped out. Child labour is rampant.Occupational structure of the Muslims in Calcutta differs sharply from that of the Hindus. Their of a number of handicrafts besides providing them space to live. Action programme to improve the overall condition has to keep in mind both economy and education because of their 5. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONThe preceding consideration reveals the fact of the Muslims, the largest minority not only in numerical sense but also in the sense of their subjugation and deprivation from equal treatment in the given society in India broadly and West Bengal in particular. These realities come into sceneRanganath Misra Commission present their empirical findings regarding the situation of the Muslims of Indian subcontinent. The reports mostly advocate towards the sociomarginalization and exclusion of the Muslims living in this subcontinent owing to which a larger section of the population remains way behind the mainstream. The multifaceted strange troubles faced by the MuslimBengal are correlated to anxieties pertaining to protection, identity perception, discrimination and equity.Furthermore, social scientists with special reference to sociologist and social anthropologists, academicians, researchers, scholars, social activists, planners and policy makers and the like have also not paid as much concentration to study and explore the Muslim society of West Bengal. As a result we hardly know about their society, economic activities, social structure, social organizatisocial mobility and social change, developmental process and culture. Again a good number of the studies, which are easily available, frequently advocate to the way of Islamic theology, ideology, lmovements, historical perspectives and the like.The backwardness of any community or social groups of any nation or any part of a country is a national catastrophe which ought to be recognized as a hinder of the entire county anwhole act together to eradicate such evil curse of humanity.What needs to be done are the awareness growing which is very indispensable for their development along the line of growing more inspiration within the community and last but not the least their mass participation in the almost all the developmental programmes whatever available coming out from their tradition bound nature, frustration, low level of aspiration, minority as well as inferiority complex,liftmen in the society.


54

lagging behind in education because of socio-cultural pattern of the family and the society, the negative attitude towards girls’ education and are lack of infrastructural facilities for education in Muslim concentrate4d areas. Muslims have limited access to far off school. Need of the hour is to provide job oriented education and also up sufficient number of technical schools for male and female separately in the Muslim concentrated areas

Observing a general lack of knowledge about the meaning and implications of being a ritical of the people who discourage revealing the facts of extremely bad socio

condition of the Muslims for fear of making them unnerved. Revealing truth is necessary for creating awareness leading to the solution of the problem.

of the national Family Health Survey it is shown that Muslim Women are seven times behind Hindu women in high school education and in post-high school they are nine times behind them. Muslims in rural Bengal bare predominantly engaged in agriculture, a very large number of them are agricultural labour. They also specialize in several handicrafts. Predominantly much smaller number of Muslims from districts has come to live and work in this difficulty they have to change their name to conceal; their identity.Over 75% of Muslims in Calcutta live in bustees, large areas of their abode have been acquired by the authorities and t5hey have been seldom resettled in the area developed. They are the victims of the wrong notion of being a floating

0% are either born in the same bustee, or in Calcutta or in West Bengal. 4 percent of the total numbers of children are enrolled in recognized schools and a total of 9% attend same sort of school recognized or unrecognized and 91% do not have any school to attend. Those enrolled hardly complete school education and 90% of the enrolled get dropped out. Child labour is rampant. Occupational structure of the Muslims in Calcutta differs sharply from that of the Hindus. Their

andicrafts besides providing them space to live. Action programme to improve the overall condition has to keep in mind both economy and education because of their interdependence (Siddiqui, 2011: 210

5. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS AND REMARKS ding consideration reveals the fact of the Muslims, the largest minority not only in numerical sense but also

in the sense of their subjugation and deprivation from equal treatment in the given society in India broadly and West realities come into scene more prevalently when the Sach

Ranganath Misra Commission present their empirical findings regarding the situation of the Muslims of Indian subcontinent. The reports mostly advocate towards the socio-economic, employment, educational, cultural, political marginalization and exclusion of the Muslims living in this subcontinent owing to which a larger section of the population remains way behind the mainstream. The multifaceted strange troubles faced by the MuslimBengal are correlated to anxieties pertaining to protection, identity perception, discrimination and equity.Furthermore, social scientists with special reference to sociologist and social anthropologists, academicians,

ial activists, planners and policy makers and the like have also not paid as much concentration to study and explore the Muslim society of West Bengal. As a result we hardly know about their society, economic activities, social structure, social organization, social stratification, social problems, gender issues, social mobility and social change, developmental process and culture. Again a good number of the studies, which are easily available, frequently advocate to the way of Islamic theology, ideology, laws, religious reformatory movements, historical perspectives and the like. The backwardness of any community or social groups of any nation or any part of a country is a national catastrophe which ought to be recognized as a hinder of the entire county and to overcome from this menace the nation as a whole act together to eradicate such evil curse of humanity. What needs to be done are the awareness growing which is very indispensable for their development along the line of

the community and last but not the least their mass participation in the almost all the developmental programmes whatever available coming out from their tradition bound nature, frustration, low level of aspiration, minority as well as inferiority complex, fear psychosis and so on for their over

www.iiste.org

e society, the negative attitude towards girls’ education and are lack of infrastructural facilities for education in Muslim concentrate4d areas. Muslims have limited access to far off school. Need of the hour is to provide job oriented education and also to set up sufficient number of technical schools for male and female separately in the Muslim concentrated areas (Rahaman

Observing a general lack of knowledge about the meaning and implications of being a ritical of the people who discourage revealing the facts of extremely bad socio-economic

condition of the Muslims for fear of making them unnerved. Revealing truth is necessary for creating awareness

of the national Family Health Survey it is shown that Muslim Women are seven times behind Hindu

y large number of them are agricultural labour. They also specialize in several handicrafts. Predominantly much smaller number of Muslims from districts has come to live and work in this difficulty they have to change their name to conceal; their identity.

, large areas of their abode have been acquired by the authorities and t5hey have been seldom resettled in the area developed. They are the victims of the wrong notion of being a floating

, or in Calcutta or in West Bengal. 4 percent of the total numbers of children are enrolled in recognized schools and a total of 9% attend same sort of school recognized or

attend. Those enrolled hardly complete school education and 90%

Occupational structure of the Muslims in Calcutta differs sharply from that of the Hindus. Their bustees are the hub andicrafts besides providing them space to live. Action programme to improve the overall condition

interdependence (Siddiqui, 2011: 210-211).

ding consideration reveals the fact of the Muslims, the largest minority not only in numerical sense but also in the sense of their subjugation and deprivation from equal treatment in the given society in India broadly and West

more prevalently when the Sachar Committee and the Ranganath Misra Commission present their empirical findings regarding the situation of the Muslims of Indian

employment, educational, cultural, political marginalization and exclusion of the Muslims living in this subcontinent owing to which a larger section of the population remains way behind the mainstream. The multifaceted strange troubles faced by the Muslims of West Bengal are correlated to anxieties pertaining to protection, identity perception, discrimination and equity. Furthermore, social scientists with special reference to sociologist and social anthropologists, academicians,

ial activists, planners and policy makers and the like have also not paid as much concentration to study and explore the Muslim society of West Bengal. As a result we hardly know about their

on, social stratification, social problems, gender issues, social mobility and social change, developmental process and culture. Again a good number of the studies, which are

aws, religious reformatory

The backwardness of any community or social groups of any nation or any part of a country is a national catastrophe d to overcome from this menace the nation as a

What needs to be done are the awareness growing which is very indispensable for their development along the line of the community and last but not the least their mass participation in the almost all the

developmental programmes whatever available coming out from their tradition bound nature, frustration, low level fear psychosis and so on for their over-all progress and up-


References Besant, Rakesh and Shariff, Abusaleh, (2010), “The State of Muslims in India: An Overview” in of Muslims: Empirical and Policy Perspectives, Press, p.02.

Census of India, A Report, 2001, Government of India, New Delhi.

GOI, 2006, Social, Economic and Educational Status of the Muslim Community of India Minister’s High Level Committee, Cabinet Secretariat, New Delhi, p. 27.

Ibid., p. 01.

Ibid.,p. 85.

Hasan, Z. and R. Menon, (2004), “Unequal Citizens: A Study of Muslim Women in India”,

New Delhi: Oxford University Press, p. 47.

Hunter, W. W. (1969), “The Indian Musalmans”, 3

Kazi, S. (1991), Muslim Women in India

Mondal, S. R. (1997), “Educational Status of Muslims: Problems, Prospects and Priorities”, New Delhi: InterPublications, p. 19.

__________________‘Muslim population in India: some demographic and socioJournal of Anthropology, Vol. 15-N. 1

Rahaman, Md. T. and A. Bhuimali, (2011), “Indian Muslims and their Economy”

Ibid.,p. 08.

Ibid.,pp. 35-36.

Ibid.,p. 84.

Ibid.,p. 91.

Shariff, A. (2003), National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), 43RD Vempeny, Minorities in Contemporary India, New Delhi: Kanishka, p. 92.

Siddiqui, M. K. A. (2011), “Muslims in India: Issues and Challenges”Publication, p. 137.

Ibid.,pp. 213-214.

Ibid.,pp. 210-211.

-----------------------------------------------------


55

Besant, Rakesh and Shariff, Abusaleh, (2010), “The State of Muslims in India: An Overview” in of Muslims: Empirical and Policy Perspectives, (Eds.), R. Besant and A. Shariff, New Delhi: Oxford University

2001, Government of India, New Delhi.

GOI, 2006, Social, Economic and Educational Status of the Muslim Community of India Committee, Cabinet Secretariat, Chairperson- Justice Rajindar Sacha


sity Press, p. 47.

Hunter, W. W. (1969), “The Indian Musalmans”, 3rd edition, Delhi: Indological Book House, p. 158.

Kazi, S. (1991), Muslim Women in India – A Report, London, UK: Minority Rights Group International, p. 24.

al Status of Muslims: Problems, Prospects and Priorities”, New Delhi: Inter

__________________‘Muslim population in India: some demographic and socio-economic features’, International N. 1-2 (91-107)-2000. P. 101.

Rahaman, Md. T. and A. Bhuimali, (2011), “Indian Muslims and their Economy”, Delhi: Abhijit Publications, p. 09.

Shariff, A. (2003), National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), 43RD ROUND, 1987Vempeny, Minorities in Contemporary India, New Delhi: Kanishka, p. 92.

Siddiqui, M. K. A. (2011), “Muslims in India: Issues and Challenges” (A collection of articles), Kolkata: Abadi

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edition, Delhi: Indological Book House, p. 158.

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(A collection of articles), Kolkata: Abadi


Notes: In spite of the fact that the provisional data of the Census of 2011, Govt. of India has been accredited on 31st March 2011 for the census year-2011, still to avail the relito make such data ready in public. For this grounds the foregoing discussion as far as necessary, is based on the data of 2001 Census, i.e. The Census Report of India, New Delhi: Government of -----------------------------------------------------Few words about the author: Mr. Md. Intekhab Hossain receives his first class Master Degree in Anthropology in 2005 from the University of North Bengal, West Bengal, India and specialized hCultural Anthropology. Mr. Hossain has qualified University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India conducted National Eligibility Test for Lectureship twice in December, 2007 examination and December, 2008 examination respectively. Mr. Hossain joins Aliah University, West Bengal, India as Lecturer in Sociology in 2009 and has been serving there till date. Mr. Hossain is not only engaged in teaching he is also active in research. Mr. Hossain is a registered Ph. D. scholar at Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, India with effect from 23published various research papers in various journals of national and international character besides his participation in various academic seminars and workshop.


56

: In spite of the fact that the provisional data of the Census of 2011, Govt. of India has been accredited on 31st 2011, still to avail the religion wise data, it will take at least about two to three years

to make such data ready in public. For this grounds the foregoing discussion as far as necessary, is based on the data of 2001 Census, i.e. The Census Report of India, New Delhi: Government of India, 2001. -----------------------------------------------------

Mr. Md. Intekhab Hossain receives his first class Master Degree in Anthropology in 2005 from the University of North Bengal, West Bengal, India and specialized himself in the field of Social and Cultural Anthropology. Mr. Hossain has qualified University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India conducted National Eligibility Test for Lectureship twice in December, 2007 examination and December, 2008 examination

tively. Mr. Hossain joins Aliah University, West Bengal, India as Lecturer in Sociology in 2009 and has been serving there till date. Mr. Hossain is not only engaged in teaching he is also active in research. Mr. Hossain is a

idyasagar University, West Bengal, India with effect from 23published various research papers in various journals of national and international character besides his participation in various academic seminars and workshop.

www.iiste.org

: In spite of the fact that the provisional data of the Census of 2011, Govt. of India has been accredited on 31st gion wise data, it will take at least about two to three years

to make such data ready in public. For this grounds the foregoing discussion as far as necessary, is based on the data

Mr. Md. Intekhab Hossain receives his first class Master Degree in Anthropology in imself in the field of Social and

Cultural Anthropology. Mr. Hossain has qualified University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India conducted National Eligibility Test for Lectureship twice in December, 2007 examination and December, 2008 examination

tively. Mr. Hossain joins Aliah University, West Bengal, India as Lecturer in Sociology in 2009 and has been serving there till date. Mr. Hossain is not only engaged in teaching he is also active in research. Mr. Hossain is a

idyasagar University, West Bengal, India with effect from 23rd December 2010 and has published various research papers in various journals of national and international character besides his participation

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