Islamic Revival in British India

Islamic Revival in British India: Deoband, 1860-1900 is a book authored by Barbara D. Metcalf, a professor at the University of California. Originally, this book emerged as a revised edition of her doctoral dissertation and was published in 1982 by Princeton University Press. At its core, the book focused on the Deobandi movement's formative phase, representing the first major monograph dedicated to the institutional and intellectual history of this movement. It seeks to clarify the transformative journey undertaken by Islamic scholars, commencing in the 18th century. This journey was catalyzed by the challenges faced by Indian Islam in the aftermath of the 1857 Mutiny, prompting a diverse array of approaches for resolution. Throughout her research, the author gathered pertinent materials in Urdu to present a precise depiction of Deoband's organizational structure.

The book opens with a detailed examination of the landscape of 18th-century Islamic reform movements. Subsequently, it reserves four detailed chapters to present an account of the establishment, administration, financial intricacies, and the education and training of young scholars at the Deoband seminary. The work engages in a critical examination of various styles of religious leadership, delving into the multifaceted roles of muftis, shaikhs, writers, and debaters, often with an unwavering focus on details. A chapter is set aside for an analysis of the social milieu within which the Deobandi ulama operated. Furthermore, the book examines through alternative trends within Sunni Islam, including the Ahl-i Hadith, the Barelwis, the Nadwatul Ulama, and Deoband's rival, Aligarh. It seeks to position Deoband within a historical context and accentuate its unique attributes when compared to other institutions of Indian Muslim erudition and the tapestry of various religious movements.