Accumulation by Segregation

This work explores the processes of creation, expression and articulation of social identities of Muslims in Delhi, their spatial components of identification like residential segregation and 'community cohesion', the interaction of urban Muslims with urban public spaces and institutions; and the socio-political positionality of Muslims in the urban social fabric. It, presents an account of a marginalised people whose sense of belonging with each other is a complex feeling that is subject to the forces of regional, linguistic and class identities and not subject to their ubiquitous 'Muslimness'. For them, being on the margins of the city is less about one's undeviating and subservient status in the city and more a process of experiencing continuous progression of events and processes such as globalisation, liberalisation, communal violence, and stereotyping of the Muslim identity. These experiences, the author argues need to be continually reviewed and evaluated afresh to expand the opportunities and choices available to a marginalized population.