1.3 Economic disparities

• From the mid-18th century until 1947, the Indian subcontinent was subject to British colonial control, and Muslims experienced numerous hurdles and disadvantages as a religious minority during British rule
• After the War of Independence in 1857, the British were convinced that the Muslims were the main reason for the War and that they might try it again in the future, so they were hostile towards Muslims
• Land ownership: a critical economic resource, was transferred into the hands of the British and Hindu elites, leaving many Muslims landless and economically deprived
• Muslims' commercial and trade opportunities shrank, yet they did not renounce their ideology
• Muslims experienced considerable discrepancies in land ownership, particularly in places with a predominantly agricultural economy, with many Muslims being landless laborers
• During the colonial period, Muslims, particularly those in rural areas, had restricted access to contemporary education, hampering their ability to compete for skilled occupations and access economic prospects
• Discrimination in the workplace was pervasive in British India, with many Muslims encountering discrimination