India’s Muslim Empire The Delhi Sultanate: Established in late 1100s Sultan = Muslim ruler Defeated Hindu armies in India Made Delhi his capital Marked beginning of Muslim rule in India
Reasons Muslim Invaders Triumphed 1. Mounted Archers More mobility 2. Hindus fought one another Wasted resources 3. Caste System Many lower caste Hindus converted to Islam
Impact of Muslim Government in India Immigration of Turks, Persians and Arabs into India Served as soldiers & officials Trade between Indian lands and Muslim lands increased Learning: Persians and Greeks bring ideas Persian Architecture Taj Mahal Virtual Tour
Tamerlane Invaded India in 1398 Destroyed the Muslim capital at Delhi Enslaved artisans Relocated capital to Samarkand Northern Plain of India is fragmented Rival Muslim & Hindu states (Timur the lame)
Hindus & Muslims Clash: Fundamental Differences Ancient-evolved over 1000s of years Multiple sacred texts Worship of many gods and goddesses Accepted differences in class (caste system) Presence of dance and music at religious celebrations Newer religion Single sacred text Monotheistic No religious hierarchy/equality of all believers
Sikhism Sikhism = Originated from the teachings of Nanak Sought to blend Hindu and Islamic beliefs 1. unity of God 2. brotherhood of man 3. rejection of the caste 4. futility of idol worship *be able to identify the commonality between Sikhism and Islam
Blending of Cultures Sultans grew more tolerant: some Muslim scholars argued that Hindus worshipped one god behind many idols Hindus were allowed to practice their religion: Had to pay an additional poll tax Rajahs: locally appointed Hindu rulers in were eventually installed by Muslim sultans
Some Hindus Convert to Islam: Reasons: Lower Caste Hindus liked that Islam rejected the caste system Higher caste Hindus either accepted Islamic beliefs or served in Muslim government Merchants were attracted to the strong trade network across Muslim lands
Mughal India: Babur & Akbar 1526 Turkish/Mongol Descent Defeated Muslims (Delhi Sultanate) Established Mughal Empire Mughal = Persian word for Mongol Ruled from 1526-1857 Akbar: 1. promoted tolerance/religious harmony 2. opened government jobs to Hindus/did not recognize their caste 3. Ended tax on non-Muslims