Globalization and Empowerment of the Muslim Women in India

Originally, Islam developed in nomadic socio-cultural milieu and its social structure had egalitarian character. With expansion, the nomadic economic base of Islam was exposed to a mercantile and agrarian economy. which had brought structural changes, particularly in the politico-economic nature of Islam and its egalitarian and democratic structure of power was transformed into a feudal-authoritarian pattern. The former unity between political and religious leadership was weakened. The contradiction between political elite and religious elite became more sharpen as time passed. It still continues as an important factor in the process of modernization of Islamic society of India. The Ulema as representative of Islamic Great tradition tend to be conservative and reject innovations which they think are not within the framework of Islamic tradition. This basic contradiction still persists in different societies where ruling elites attempted to adopt modern way of life. The expansion of Islam in India faced typical confrontation with local stratification system based on castes which still exists in various forms. The status of Muslim women in Indian society changed after their conversion of Islamic faith and they were prescribed Islamic values and beliefs which resulted into a conservative way of life. The modernization process, which began during the British rule, however, opened some opportunities to the higher-class Muslim women to get western secular education. Although, the number such women were very limited but they provided appositive reference group to the mass of Muslim women. This process enhanced in post-independent period with an increase in enrolment of Muslim girls in government, missionary and public schools very significantly. As a result, they joined modern occupations, though initially in a limited number but during the globalization phase, their media exposure in different walks of life not only increased but they are struggling to get their legal rights as well.