The book illustrates the history of emergence of the Muslims of Indian origin as a social community and the role played by them in contemporary body politic and administration during the Delhi Sultanate. An attempt has also been made to highlight the Islamic foothold in the Indian sub-continent, characteristics of governing elite and social position and attitudes of the Muslims of Indian origin.

The establishment of new regime in the form of Delhi Sultanate witnessed not only the gradual shaping of a state system, but also the beginning of a new socio-cultural relationship. In the changed circumstances a number of Indians began to accept new religion. As a result the natives, who adopted Islamic faith, gradually but surely, introduced a socio-religious culture of their own in the environment of Indian sub-continent, which in many ways was different from that of Muslims of foreign stock and of Hindus their predecessors with whom they continued their relations in all the common affairs of life. The sufi saints and bhakti reformers stood for the socio religious reforms and helped in bringing about a synthesis between the two.

One of the most interesting features of socio- political life of the native Muslims during the Sultanate period is their long struggle to assert themselves. They tried to enter in the power structure of the State in the middle of the 13" century, though Balban and other Turkaish nobles were too powerful for them. However, during the period under Khaljis and Tughluqs their position gradually improved and they found their legitimate place in government. The disintegration of Delhi Sultanate further marked the struggle of native Muslims in regional affairs and foundation of regional dynasties.

The study of the native Muslims becomes significant particularly in view of the fact that as a socio-political group they came to contribute to political as well as socio-cultural development to Indian society. 'The Muslims of Indian Origin During the Delhi Sultanate' is thus a very fascinating subject for historical investigation. Here is an attempt, the first of its kind, to presenta full scale meticulous study, primarily based on a comparative and analytical examination of the contemporary literary, accounts of foreign travellers as well as epigraphical sources. Hope that the book would be of great use for the scholars as well as the general readers of Indian history.