Islam and Gandhi : A Historical Perspective

When Indian nationalism gathered momentum during the early half of the twentieth century, some of her finest historians who often played pioneering roles in their respective fields responded by launching their quest for the great Indian heritage. Political history played a significant role in the evolution of Indian historiography. A little later, alongside political history, Indian historians concentrated on economic history. Another important dimension was added to Indian historiography particularly during the postindependence phase, that is, writing social history. Though scholars in the West have taken pains to contextualise theology in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of society, culture and even polity, the study of theology is still in its embryonic stage in Indian historiography. An overwhelming majority of the Indian population believe in one religion or another.