Contesting Colonialism and Separatism: Muslims of Muzaffarpur Since 1857 is an account of the Muslim communities of Muzaffarpur in north Bihar, and explores the history of the area, the socio-political behaviour of the Muslim communities, their economic conditions and negotiations for a share in the power-structure. This study is presented in three segments: (a) the political evolution of the area during the colonial era through an exploration of the sub-regional socio-political setting; (b) the participation of the Muslims of this area in the Congress-led movements till the 1930s, narrating the largely untold story of Muslim resistance to the Muslim League's politics of territorial separatism, despite their grievances against and alienation from the Congress during 1937-47; and (c) their post-independence experiences and political anxieties, problems and prospects. This book attempts to look at history from both a national as well as local perspectives, describing the broader events of Indian politics in the context of the local political system as it evolved, and the participation as well as location of the Muslim communities in those events and processes. Inter-community cooperation and harmony prevailed over divisive politics even during the most vitiated atmosphere of 1946-7. Tracing the trajectory of Contesting Colonialism and Separatism: Muslims of Muzaffarpur Since 1857 is an account of the Muslim communities of Muzaffarpur in north Bihar, and explores the history of the area, the socio-political behaviour of the Muslim communities, their economic conditions and negotiations for a share in the power-structure.