Muslim and electoral politics in India: An appraisal of Muslim women

Abstract

In India the movement for women's suffrage began in the early 1900s in response to a national movement for suffrage.Shortly after Indian independence from Britain, the Indian Constitution in 1950 officially granted women and men suffrage.It is in this context the article analyzes the electoral participation of Indian Muslim Women and their role in Indian politics.The share of Muslims in the Indian Parliament has declined in the past two decades or so and in this backdrop the article examines the factors responsible for the decline of representation of Muslim women in India.The paper also studies the problems and difficulties associated with the poor representation and involvement of Muslim women in Indian politics.In conclusion the paper highlights some important recommendations which can bring the Indian Muslim women in mainstream politics.