Islam in India
Expansion via Trade
Arab Muslim traders arrived on the Malabar coast during the 7th and 8th centuries
Expansion via Conquest
Umayyad Caliphate pushed into Sindh and Punjab by early 8th c.
Early Conquests Disunity of India made it vulnerable to invasion Raids by Muslim Afghan warlords began in 11th c. Motivations: -Spread Islam -Acquire plunder
Somnath Temple
2nd assault mounted in 1100’s -raided deeper into India -captured Delhi -established a permanent presence Delhi Sultanate recognized as a separate Muslim state by Abbasid caliph in 1200’s
“The city and its vicinity was freed from idols and idol-worship, and in the sanctuaries of the images of the gods, mosques were raised by the worshippers of one god.” Turkish Source
The Delhi Sultanate In a state of constant flux throughout its history Qutab Minar, Delhi In a state of constant flux throughout its history Invaders imposed a culture more than they absorbed one Played an important role in preventing a Mongol invasion Urdu language developed
Fractured political leadership and internal revolts caused decline Timur attacked and destroyed Delhi in 1398 India fragmented until rise of Mughals (1500’s) Islam remained a feature of Indian life