The book discusses the meaning of Islam and Muslim community and the changing nature of Muslim consciousness, from the colonial state to near contemporary times in South Asia. It canvasses the background dynamics which were variously involved and played out in the Partition of India in 1947 and demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992 respectively. The volume has contributions from some very distinguished academicians like Francis Robinson, Ian Copland, I.J. Catanach, Hew McLeod, Javeed Alam, Kate Britlebank, etc.