In the wake of terrorist attacks in Pakistan and other parts of the world, especially the Deoband Madrassas have come under deep criticism andscrutiny and they are quite often criticizedas sanctuaries of terrorism. The authors hold that this notion is somewhat misleading. This research paper critically examines the educative role of madrassas in the Sub-Continent. Tracing the evolution of madrassa education system in India, an effort has been made to build the thesis that these educational institutions have made a pivotal role in the social and political up-lift ofthe Muslims and even in the today Pakistan, they are the source of education for thousands of children, who are otherwise denied of public sector schooling, especially in the remote areas.