“The Census of 1891 shows that in Bengal Mahomedans have increased by 1,953620. In 1881 their number was 21.704,727 and in 1891 was 23,658,347. It is most probable that the proselytizing character of Islam has gained some converts, but the actual conversion from other faiths to that of Islam…..
The increase of Musselman’s is also largely due to polygamy and widow-remarriage, which are specially more common among the people of the eastern districts where the Mohammedan population is predominant. The Musselman’s, with their varied and more nutritious dietary, are of a superior physique, and this increases their growth and fecundity. This one of the striking features which the Census of 1801 presents, is that the Musselman’s of Bengal Proper, within the last nineteen years, have not only overtaken them by a millions-and-a half” (Musselman’s of Bengal, By Fazli Rubee).
