History of Indian Scholarship

This course examines the religious and political history of Indian Muslims, with a focus on its prominent leaders, thinkers and institutions. It covers the period from the establishment of the Mughal empire to the era of colonial rule through to the post-colonial context. In particular, it looks at the development of Islamic institutions, and their figureheads, such as Darul-Ulum at Deoband, Nadawa al Ulama at Lucknow, and the Aligarh Muslim University.
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Level

Advanced

Duration

5 hour and 30 minutes in total

Number of Units

5

Course Overview

This course examines the religious and political history of Indian Muslims, with a focus on its prominent leaders, thinkers and institutions. It covers the period from the establishment of the Mughal empire to the era of colonial rule through to the post-colonial context.
Of particular relevance are the religious reform movements that have shaped the way Islamic is experienced by hundreds of millions of people today. During the British rule of India, Islamic theologians and revivalist groups mobilised masses of Muslims with a call to return to the authentic and prophetic way by establishing Islamic institutions such as Deoband and the Tablighi-Jama’at. This course explores the social, political and religious changes that took place through the prism of these religious reform movements.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
  • Understand the complexity of Muslim politics in India in the colonial and post-colonial context.
  • Appreciate key developments that took place in India.
  • Gain familiarity of prominent Indian scholars and thinkers.
  • Understand the development of the various Islamic institutions, groups, and schools in India and appreciate the context in which they arose