International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Political Development and the Muslim Community in Colonial Bengal (1909-1947): A Study

Political development is one of the important phenomenon in the contexts of political science or political society , where political development of Muslim community in Colonial Bengal is not an exceptions. During the colonial rule in Bengal the colonial masters processed a different developments in that regards. The article explores the political development of the Muslim community in colonial Bengal between 1909-1947, with a particular focus on Muslim political engagement in electoral politics. Electoral politics constitutes a central feature of democracy, functioning as a mechanism for community development and inclusion within the power structure. It ensures the representation of diverse interests, facilitates political participation, and provides a voice to marginalized communities. Electoral politics ensures the representation of diverse community interests in decision-making processes. It encourages active participation in the electoral process by offering voting rights, providing a political voice, and ensuring representation or participation in political affairs. The study assesses the historical foundations of Muslim political engagement in the electoral processes. It also analyses the socio-economic, institutional, and ideological factors that shaped Muslim participation in the evolving electoral framework. By exploring the interaction between British colonial policies and Muslim political aspirations, the study highlights how electoral politics functioned as a space of both inclusion and contestation for Bengal’s Muslim community. Keywords: Electoral politics, colonial Bengal, Muslim political mobilization, separate electorates,