The West has become obsessed with Muslims, constantly classifying them as either 'moderate' or 'extreme'. Reacting against this dehumanising tendency, Jeremy Seabrook and Imran Ahmed Siddiqui show us the daily life of poor Muslims in India and sheds light on what lies behind India's 'economic miracle'.
The authors examine life in Muslim communities in Kolkata, home to some of the most disadvantaged people in India, giving a voice to their views, values and feelings. We see that Muslims are no different from those of other faiths - work, family and survival are the overwhelming preoccupations of the vast majority. Although most are observant in their religion, there is no trace of the malevolence or poverty-fuelled extremism attributed to them.

This enlightening and elegantly written book will be of great interest to students and practitioners of development and anyone who wants a more realistic picture of Muslim life and modern India.

Introduction

1. Topsia

I. The Landscape

II. Untreated Sickness

III. Poverty - a Constant Companion

VI. Women's Work

2 Injustice

I. The Temptations of Injustice

II. False Cases

III. Aftab Alam Ansari

3. Beniapukur

I. The Police Thana

II. Government Service

III. The Sex Trade

VI. Muslim and Gay

4.Defining Slums

I. The Poor Have No Biography

5. Tiljala Road

I. Legality and Illegality

II. The Reformed Addict

III. The Chorus of Market Women

IV. Modernised Poverty

6. Victimisation

7. Tangra

I. The Tannery

II. The Restaurant

III. India's Gaza

8. Postscript: A Servant's Story

Notes

Index