Mainstream Understandings of Near Modern Islam in South Asia

　　ABSTRACT: The process of modernization of Islam in India began within the context of the country’s struggle against imperialism and colonialism. Internal reforms towards a modern Islam were blocked by colonial rule, while further barriers came from Hindi groups. A bleak existence and strong awareness of crisis compelled Indian Islamic intellectuals to propose new theories targeted at resolving contradictions and escaping disaster. Islamic modernism and Modern Islamism are two near modern schools of Islamic thought in India that have been mainstreamed in South Asia.