Islamic Renaissance in South Asia (1707-1867)

This is a study of the evolution of Islamic thought in the Subcontinent in general and Shah Wah Allah’s contribution to it in particular for he represents the zenith of Islamic intellectual contribution and scholarly excellence in South Asia.  The author, with his insight into the dynamics of Indian Muslim History, traces significant moments of the rise and fall in the cultural career of the Indian Muslim community until the crisis-ridden era of Shah Wali Allah. The present work is an effort to make a systematic inquiry into Shah Wali Allah’s contribution to Islamic renaissance in South Asia. In attempting to do so, a brief historical survey of the pre-Wali Allah period, noting specially the different efforts at finding viable solutions to the problems confronting the Muslim community. This is followed by a survey of the life and times of Shah Wali Allah with a view to discussing at some length his political role, with particular emphasis on his role in the third battle of Panipat. Special attention has been paid to an exposition and analysis of the socio-political thought of Shah Wali Allah and his impact on the major religious and political movements that subsequently arose in south Asia. Historical evidence has been adduced to establish that Shah Wali Allah was highly influential in preparing not only the ground for the emergence of these movements but also in providing leadership to them. Finally, the impact of Shah Wali Allah on Islamic thought and education during the last two centuries has been examined in some detail.