New Delhi: The Indian History Forum hosted a webinar on 10 December 2025 featuring Dr. Ishtiaq Hussain of Aliah University, Kolkata. The session examined how political narratives shape ideas of Muslim identity in India.
Dr. Hussain argued the term Indian Muslim reflects a colonial framework rather than lived reality. He said Muslim communities developed through region, language, class, and theology. He traced Muslim presence in the subcontinent from Arab traders to later Turkic and Central Asian rulers, explaining identity in premodern times followed geography and culture instead of religious uniformity.
He clarified Delhi Sultanate and Mughal governance should not be labelled Islamic rule. He referred to scholarly consensus showing medieval India functioned through coexistence and negotiation across communities.
The webinar addressed colonial policies which divided society into rigid religious blocs. Dr. Hussain said Partition removed sections of educated Muslim leadership, leaving space for leadership focused on cultural issues rather than economic and social needs.
He stressed Muslim political opinion never followed one line. He cited ideological differences between Aligarh, Deoband, and other traditions. He urged recognition of many voices including women, Dalits, regional groups, reformist scholars, and activists.
During discussion, he spoke on gender, education, and political participation. He supported women led organisations and engagement with democratic institutions. On claims portraying Muslims as invaders, he said such views rely on distorted history and hostility. He noted many invaders came from Central Asia or Arabia rather than local Muslim populations.
The session opened with remarks by Humaira Afreen of the Indian History Forum, who introduced the theme and speaker and reaffirmed the Forum’s focus on inclusive academic dialogue.
