Analysing the Nature of Muslim Leadership in Northern India

Abstract

Muslims are the second largest group in India; their population in northern India, particularly in UP and Bihar, also occupy second position against the total state population. However, when it comes to their political representation, either at the assembly or at the parliamentary level, they are inadequately represented. This kind of low representation of Muslims in the democratic setup leads to the question of their leadership. In this context, this article attempts to unfold the nature of Muslim leadership, particularly in northern India. It tries to shed light on three dimensions of leadership: ulema leadership, Ashraf leadership and Pasmanda leadership through Weberian lens. It also elucidates the grassroots activism and leadership among Muslims. This paper argues that Muslim leadership in northern India does not fall under the charismatic leadership of Weber; against it, it follows ‘party or institution-based leadership style’, where the leadership is fragmented and follow different sheds of ideologies.