ABSTRACT
Are they Muslims of Assam, or are they merely in Assam? This entry describes how Muslim insiders – a minority group threatened with the loss of citizenship – became outsiders in Assam. Moving beyond the political rhetoric of the Muslim question, this entry highlights an alternative historical tradition of pluralism in Assam – the xanmiholi, which made Assam an inclusive place and charted the history of blended communities that prioritised positive human relationships. The revival of xanmiholi and undoing the rising tide of communalism is necessary for creating a progressive and peaceful future for the religious minorities of Assam.
