MUSLIMS IN UTTARAKHAND

The Uttarakhand Muslims are among less known groups of Muslims outside the Union Territories of India (Except Delhi, by course). By and large, the Muslim population of this state can be divided into three categories: The Muslim Gujjar tribes, settling down gradually to a pastoral life; the Muslims of the hills who are of a local stock and have been residing in the hill villages and small towns for centuries like other locals and finally the Muslims of the lower areas adjacent to Uttar Pradesh. Usually, it is easier to find relatively well-to-do Muslims among the last category than among the hills Muslims or the tribal. Despite a reasonably good share in the population of about 12 percent their share in the state‟s resources is virtually negligible. Even before it got separated from Uttar Pradesh, Muslims here have been generally unlucky in the leaders of their region, some of whom rose to become chief ministers of UP, Union cabinet ministers, UP cabinet ministers and governors.

This project was undertaken by Institute of Objective Studies, with an aim to study the socio-economic and educational conditions of Muslims in Uttarakhand, Indian hilly state. This study is a general, rudimentary introduction of Muslims of Uttarakhand, which does not go into issues of economic and political empowerment of deprivation of Muslims of the state.

Hope this study will be a benefit for researchers, policy planners, minority-related department of Government of Uttarakhand, social activist and libraries etc.