The stories featured in Caste in Its Own Shadow are translated from the original Urdu. They serve as compelling literary and sociological documents on caste-based discrimination among Indian Muslims. While caste hierarchy in India is typically associated with Hindu society, these narratives subtly demonstrate that caste consciousness is deeply woven into the lived experience of Indian Islam, transcending religious boundaries.
Rather than merely documenting prejudice, the collection exposes the normalization and everyday acceptance of caste among Muslims. It lays bare the enduring divide between the Ashraf (privileged) and Ajlaf (disadvantaged) communities, challenging egalitarian Islamic ideals and testing the celebrated poetic vision of absolute equality against harsh social realities.
The volume acts as a bold intellectual intervention by subjecting prominent Muslim writers to unflinching scrutiny, questioning the subtle, often unacknowledged caste privilege reflected within the community. Written with remarkable clarity and candour, these stories strip away the veneer of religious legitimacy that has historically concealed caste discrimination-a task requiring immense intellectual honesty and moral courage. Ultimately, by situating this discourse within the historical evolution of Islam in South Asia, the anthology invites readers to rethink long-held assumptions about religion, equality, and social hierarchy.
