Self and Sovereignty

*Self and Sovereignty: Individual and Community in South Asian Islam since 1850* by Ayesha Jalal is a scholarly exploration of the evolving relationship between individual identity, community, and political sovereignty in the context of South Asian Islam. The book examines how the notion of selfhood and autonomy has been shaped by political, social, and religious forces in South Asia, particularly from the colonial period to the post-colonial era. Jalal focuses on the ways in which Muslim communities in the region navigated the complex terrain of colonialism, nationalism, and religious identity, and how these forces influenced their ideas of personal sovereignty and collective community. Through a historical lens, the book looks at key figures, movements, and events that have shaped the political and religious landscapes of South Asia, with a particular emphasis on the role of Islam in these transformations. *Self and Sovereignty* is an important contribution to South Asian history, Islamic studies, and postcolonial theory, offering insights into the intersection of religion, politics, and identity in a region deeply impacted by colonial rule and the subsequent struggles for self-determination.