ABSTRACT
The failure to live the Muslim dream of Pan-Islamism ultimately led to the civil strife which culminated in the dismemberment of Pakistan and the creation of still another independent state, namely Bangladesh. In major part the Muslim legacy in South Asia was responsible for the East Pakistan tragedy, and it would appear to be similarly responsible for the separatist tendencies in Sind, Baluchistan and the Northwest Frontier Province. Given the nature of Hindu culture and its political expression, the Muslims found a ready-made divide and rule situation prevailing within the subcontinent and they soon learned how to exploit it. But they were also victimized by it. The Hindus, with British encouragement, had given birth to a new form of popular leadership that was not only politically conscious and astute, but determined to give India its political renaissance. Muslim politicians had the field virtually to themselves as they attempted to excite and enlist popular support.
