The Nehru Report and Muslim Rights — Page 75
[· 75 ] without this aspect. It is needless to investigate the why and wherefore of the existing state of things, but it can hardly be gainsaid that the Muslims do happen to hold a position of real cultural and social superiority in India. There is a total absence of untouchability. A general feeling of social equality does exist among them to an appreciable extent. Also unlike the Hindus, remarriage of widows is more or less still in vogue among them, and they have comparatively few ceremonies to observe on occasions of marriage. In short, the_ cultural and social systems of the Muslims are based on a radically different standard, and the Hindus are fully conscious of the fact that neither can they destroy the l\1uslim culture and social system, nor can themselves go ahead with their ancient traditions in the presence of such factors. This is another reason for our apprehension that the Hindus might stand in the way of our free social and cultural development. (iii) The third reason that serves as an incentive to the majority to oppress a minority is an element of per manancy in the latter, i. e. , the presence in it of some such quality as prevents it from losing its identity. Under such circumstances the majority, finding it impossible to absorb the minority, finally decides to wipe it out. This factor also does exist in the present situation. Islam enjoys a pre-eminence among the religions. inasmuch a. s it has laid down for its followers a special line of conduct relating to politics, society, manners and dealings. The Muslims, therefore, unlike the followers of other religions, cannot make any compromise in these matters and absorb themselves in any other culture. As a general rule, when the majority feels sure that there is nothing in the minority to make for its permanance, it cherishes the hope that in course of time the minority ". vill either merge itself in the majority or otherwise lose its identity, i. e. , will aban-