FDI in retail will hurt Muslims most

November 21, 2012:

The general belief is that Muslims came into India with their invasion of the sub-continent and the formation of the Mughal Empire from the early 16th century.

However, historical facts show that Arab traders visited the Malabar coast of Kerala as early as the 7th century, brought Islam with them, and engaged the local population in a robust and profitable trade in pepper and other spices. They intermarried with the local people and this resulted in the evolution of the large Muslim Maplah community of Kerala.

The Muslims of India thus have a rich tradition of engaging in trading activities for over 1,300 years. Trading is a major source of sustenance for them all across the country.

Will history repeat itself?

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