270. identity
of the relationship between Hinduism and Islam must take into account the politi-
cal, social, and intellectual contexts of the two traditions. There are, of course, some
strict caste and community boundaries within the many Hindu traditions (marking,
in particular, issues of diet and marriage), but there are also many permeable
boundaries between the Hindu communities and Islam. A visit to the dargah of
Shahul Hamid in Nagore reminds us of this permeability and helps us to understand
just how frequently religious “boundary crossings” can and do happen in India.