This report locates the political, socio-economic and legal position of Muslim women within a historical framework, beginning with the evolution of Islam in India and its subsequent interaction with Indian society. It emphasizes the diversity of women in Muslim communities and the range of factors influencing their status. Kazi traces the developments in discourses of gender vis-à-vis Muslim women from the late nineteenth century to the present day, and describes Muslim women’s transition from being British subjects to Indian citizens. Muslim women’s contributions within the women’s movement are outlined, as well as the challenges they face as members of India’s largest religious minority community.