Delhi Sultanate

Interaction Between Hinduism and Islam

After the Guptas

Four regions “First contact” 711 Umayyad Dynasty 800s and 900s Turks gain control in Iran

Mahmud of Ghazni

Raided Northern India Plunder (constant) Seized northwest India Hindus “Protected people” Local chiefs and rajas left in place

Turks gain more control

Early 1200s Gain control of Northern India Leader assassinated General takes over – Establishes Delhi Sultanate

Delhi Sultanate

Gov’t is moved to Delhi Separate from Turkish government in Iran (Mahmud) Will last three centuries Five dynasties Holds off four Mongol attacks – Turks – Steppe warfare

Interaction between Indians and Muslims

Islam and Buddhism Very hostile Buddhism was seen as competitive – Actively seeking converts Temples and Universities destroyed Buddhists displaced – SE Asia, Nepal

Hinduism and Islam

Hinduism Multiple deities Hierarchical Priestly caste Serves as intermediary Islam Strictly monotheistic Egalitarian No priests No one comes between you and your god Popular level: Sexual Art and Expression Ate beef

Al Biruni of Mahmud’s court, ca. 1030 Wrote this about barriers between Islam and Hinduism “They totally differ from us in religion, as we believe in nothing in which they believe and vice versa. On the whole, there is very little disputing about theological topics among them; at the utmost they fight with words, but they will never stake their soul or body or property on religious controversy….They call foreigners impure and forbid having any connection with them, be it by intermarriage or any kind of relationship, or by sitting, eating, and drinking with them, because thereby, they think, they would be polluted.”

Islam and Hinduism

Initially, extremely hostile Mahmud of Ghazni and raids Eventually Hindus Protected People Muslims inserted in ruling caste Muslims were far from peaceful

Islam and Hinduism

A lot of benefits New rulers wanted manual labor Opportunities Islamic rulers made India much stronger Some blending of culture Veiling of women

Sikhism

Monotheistic God did not distinguish between Muslims and Hindus Reject caste system Still believed in reincarnation Forbade alcohol Men did not cut their hair Reject Idol worship