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Taqiyya and Identity in a South Asian Community

The Guptı¯s of Bhavnagar, India, represent an unexplored case of taqiyya, or precautionary dissimulation, and challenge traditional categories of religious identity in South Asia. Taqiyya is normally practiced by minority or otherwise
disadvantaged groups of Muslims who fear negative repercussions should their real faith become known. Historically, the Shı¯‘a, whether Ithna¯ -‘asharı¯ or Ismaili, have commonly dissimulated as Sunnı¯s, who form the dominant community.
However, the Guptı¯s, who are followers of the Ismaili imam, and whose name means “secret” or “hidden ones,” dissimulate not as Sunnı¯ Muslims, but as Hindus. The Guptı¯ practice of taqiyya is exceptional for another reason: Hinduism
is not simply a veil used to avoid harmful consequences, but forms an integral part of the Guptı¯s’ belief system and identity, and the basis of their conviction in the Aga Khan, not only as the imam, but as the avata¯ra of the current age.


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