THE PEN AND THE PAST: MUSLIM HISTORIANS AND HISTORICAL WRITING IN 18TH–19TH CENTURY INDIA

Abstract

The development of Muslim historiography in South Asia throughout the 19th century a time of colonial dominance, cultural change, and intellectual awakening is examined in this book. Muslim scholars and intellectuals used history as a tool for critique, identity creation, and reform in response to political decline and the breakdown of conventional authority. They used a variety of approaches, including as literary analysis, historical critique, theological contemplation, and rational inquiry, to interpret the past and deal with current issues rather than depending on myth or passive record-keeping. Their publications show a deliberate attempt to reevaluate the reasons for civilizational decline, reestablish a connection with early Islamic beliefs, and provide avenues for social and spiritual rejuvenation. This literature-based review highlights the complexity and originality of these approaches, illustrating how history was transformed into a strategic tool for communal introspection and resilience. The findings reveal a rich intellectual tradition that responded creatively to modern challenges while remaining rooted in Islamic epistemology.