The Coming of Islam to South Asia

1. The Coming of Islam to South Asia Chapter 7 (part 3 of 4)

2. India had long history of being invaded Most invaders converted to one of the 2 major religions at the time in India: Hinduism or Buddhism India had more material culture than invaders, so most invaders wanted to assimilate

3. Muslims Arrive In India (600s) First time Indians invaded by civilization as advanced, or more advanced, than the Indians

4. Islam v. Hindu Islam Belief in one God (Allah) Socially egalitarian – everyone considered equals More rigid than Hinduism Hinduism Idol worship Socially hierarchy through Caste system More tolerant than Islam, able to adapt

5. But quickly became peaceful, and most interaction was peaceful At 1st, interactions b/t Hindus and Muslims was violent Muslims actually used Hindus (locals) to rule areas for them

6. India Before Muslim Invasion Guptas fell in the 400s Regional dynasties fought for control next 200 years

7. Harsha Builds an Empire Leader of local dynasty, expanded it and built largest empire in India since the Gupta Harsha’s empire had long period of peace and prosperity –built roads and hospitals Kannauj – capital of empire, had big walls, huge homes, and garden with pools

8. Harsha’s Death

9. Arab trading ship was attacked near India (attackers from Indian state of Sind) The Spark Muslims respond and attack and conquer Sind, led by Muhammad ibnQasim Muhammad ibnQasim

10. Islam Brings Little Change to India – At First

11. Indian Culture Reaches the Middle East

12. Arabs (Muslims) Move to India and Assimilate to Indian Culture They ate Indian foods Leaders rode elephants like Hindu leaders They wore Indian clothing

13. 2nd Wave of Muslim Invasions Other than Sindh, Muslims took very little land in India 962 – A 2nd wave of invasions by Muslims into India occurs, and Muslim rule gets stronger

14. Turkish slave and leader of Afghanistan Mahmud of Ghazni Conquered much of Indiato spread Islam and gain wealth Began 200 year Muslim rule in north India

15. Muslim ruler who took over after Mahmud of Ghazni assassinated in 1206 Able to conquer almost all of north India Muhammad of Ghur Next 300 years, Muslims ruled north and central India Made Delhi the capital, show Muslims wanted central India too

16. Muslim Control of India under Muhammad of Ghur

18. Islam Had Little Impact on Hinduism

19. Muslims In India Adopt Hierarchy System Example of why Indians thought Muslims would absorb into the culture and not be threat Muslims become divided along caste lines

20. Women’s Status Decline as Muslims Come to India

21. Muslims Adopt Some Hindu Practices That Are Bad for Women Marrying at young age Forbid widows from remarrying Sati – widows jump into fire of cremated husband

22. Hindus Realize Muslims A Threat Despite this, Hindus saw Muslims were not going to adopt Hinduism, Muslims in India adopted much of the culture Hindus realize that Muslims pose a threat, unlike past invaders who were assimilated into Indian culture

23. Kabir Muslim mystic who downplayed the difference b/t Islam and Hinduism, but efforts like his usually unsuccessful in uniting the 2 religions

24. Bhakti Bhakti = Hindu cults, membership open to all (including women and untouchables) that were very popular Used dances and even drugs to reach intoxification needed for salvation Bhakti cults so popular that many didn’t convert to Islam

25. Mira Bai Famous Hindu poet Showed openness of Bhakti cults to women

26. Hindus and Muslims Remain Apart