বাংলার মুসলমানদের আর্থ-সামাজিক অবস্থা ও স্যার আজিজুল হক : একটি ঐতিহাসিক পর্যালোচনা / The socio-economic condition of the Muslims of Bengal and Sir Azizul Haque: A historical review

Abstract

The beginning of British rule in India was mainly in Bengal and inevitably the first influence of western ideas on the society of Bengal and later it spread to other parts of the country. Changes in the socio-economic condition of Bengal began with the expansion of power in Bengal by the East India Company in 1757. After the establishment of British rule, the dominance of Muslims in all areas that existed before the establishment of British rule gradually disappeared. As a result, the condition of the Muslims of Bengal and India began to deteriorate. They are socially, culturally, economically and politically marginalized. On the other hand, the condition of the Hindus improved rapidly. Needless to say, the Muslims of Bengal were the only Muslims who never gave up their livelihood, that is, agriculture, and at the same time they were the only ones who could retain their language. However, Marmiyavad seems to have had a profound influence on this. In the 19th century, the Muslim society of Bengal was mainly divided into two parts. These two classes were known as ‘Ashraf’ (upper caste) and ‘Atraf’ (lower caste). Muslim society is in dire straits due to a number of reasons. However, the Hindu community also suffered financially as a result of the British occupation. But they re-organized themselves in different ways. Muslims don't do that. By the beginning of the eighteenth century, the great mass of Muslims, not only in Bengal but throughout India, comprised peasants, agricultural labourers and artisans. They were part of the Muslim community. The foreign sultans, subedars and nawabs did not give the converted Muslims any additional opportunities for economic or social development. It can be said that the economic base of Muslim society in Bengal has always been weak. However, it is true that in the pre-British period, the middle class of Bengal did not develop vary widely. Even among that small middle class, it was probably the Hindus who predominated. After the Battle of Plassey, the situation changed radically with the establishment of English authority. As a result, both Hindus and Muslims were affected. But Muslims are much more than that. Many people have realized that the non-acceptance of Muslim society towards business, trade, shops, etc. is very harmful for the society. In this context, the main objective of this article will be to analyze the socio-economic condition of the Muslims of Bengal and to implement the thinking and action plan of Sir Azizul Haque in order to improve their condition.