Madrasa is an Arabic word for an educational institutionbr It is widely seen as an institution for Islamic religious teachingbr From providing an easy route to royal employment in Mughal India, to playing a crucial role in the fight against the British during the freedom struggle, it is little known that madrasas have made several significant contributions to Indian history. There are glorious examples like Rajendra Prasad, India's first president, social reformer Raja Ram Mohon Roy, and acclaimed Indian writer Premchand who had studied in madrasas. Though madrasas stress on religious teachings, a sizeable portion of their curriculum consists of secular subjects just like any other school. Madrasas are expanding horizons for young Muslims in India, even as they are building spaces for girls' education.