Explore the intricate formation of Muslim identity in 19th-century North India through this groundbreaking analysis. Drawing heavily on Urdu sources, the book delves into how Muslims self-represented their complex and evolving identities, contrasting sharply with colonial constructions. It challenges prevailing narratives of decline, introducing the concept of *zillat* as a driver for intellectual and expressive action. Essential for scholars, students of Indian history, and anyone interested in colonial South Asia, this work offers a vital reinterpretation of Muslim community emergence and its links to the Partition, highlighting the role of reading publics.