ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the various factors which serve as indicators of the socio-economic status of Muslim women in Palitpur, a village in Meerut district, north India. It addresses the dual aspirations of Muslim women to achieve status within both the Muslim community and the wider social system. The chapter outlines the economic, historical and political situation in the village since it contributes in fair measure to the present position of Muslims, especially Muslim women. The village of Palitpur is agriculturally well-developed largely as a result of the Green Revolution in the early 1970s. The Sheikh Rehmanis have also never participated out of the village in agricultural labour in Palitpur. The Muslims' analysis of their socio-political condition was shaped by their perception not only of Indian history but also of the history of Palitpur. A Muslim woman in Palitpur faces the dual burden of being a woman and belonging to a minority community.