Synopsis This book is concerned with the role that the Ulema played in the politics of the Indian subcontinent. It covers a period of a little less than four centuries from 1556 to 1947. It has been the endeavour to portray their activities faithfully and sympathetically, because otherwise it would have been impossible to understand them properly. Similarly wherever praise is justified, it has not been with held, because history must pay its tribute to the greatness of human spirit the endeavour that it has inspired. The author has no sectarian affiliations that could have clouded his vision. He has not made statements that have not been substantiated by the evidence of facts or the processes of objective logic.