ISLAM AND INDIA
1. Context
Islam originated in Arabia in the 7th century and spread westwards towards the Mediterranean and eastwards into Persia. By the 8th century, it had expanded its reach from Spain to Sindh. But how did it reach India?
2. Early Signs of Islam in India
- The presence of Islam in India dates back to the 7th century, with the establishment of significant mosques such as the Cheraman Juma Mosque in Kerala, the Palaiya Jumma Palli in Tamil Nadu, and the Barwada Mosque in Gujarat— the latter uniquely oriented towards Jerusalem.
- These places of worship were constructed by Arab sailors and merchants, often with the patronage of local Hindu rulers, marking the initial introduction of Islamic teachings to Indian shores.
- A Persian text from the 13th century recounts the Arab expeditions in the 7th and 8th centuries, attempting to capture regions such as Thana near present-day Mumbai.
- However, these incursions were successfully resisted by ruling dynasties like the Pratiharas.
- While Islam primarily expanded in India through trade networks, it also entered the subcontinent via military campaigns, particularly in the Sindh region during the 7th century.
- By the 10th century, Central Asian raiders, notably Mahmud of Ghazni, began crossing the Hindu Kush mountains, launching raids on North Indian temples in search of wealth.
- Unlike the earlier Arab traders, these invaders were predominantly Turkic groups from Central Asia.
- From the 12th century onward, they established settlements and began exploiting India’s agricultural resources. By the 15th century, the dominance of the Turks and Afghans had waned, giving way to the emergence of the Mughal Empire
3. Sultans and Sufis
- The arrival of the Sultans in India brought with it a new Persian-influenced court culture, which gradually replaced the earlier Sanskritic traditions. Their mastery of cavalry warfare made them a dominant military force, which is why Rajasthan has many folk deities associated with horse-riding, known as ‘pirs’ and ‘virs,’ revered by both Hindus and Muslims.
- In South India, this cultural synthesis is reflected in temple traditions where Muslim warriors, such as Vavar and Ravuttan, are depicted as protectors of Hindu gods and goddesses.
- Similarly, in Vishnu temples like Srirangam, the presence of Bibi-Nachiyar—a Muslim princess believed to be a consort of the deity—highlights the deep cultural interconnections of the time.
- From the 12th century onward, Sufi mystics from Central Asia began arriving in India, gaining widespread popularity, especially after the Mongol invasions disrupted the old Arabic empire.
- These Sufis traveled extensively along trade routes, bringing with them not only spiritual teachings but also practical knowledge in law, medicine, and agriculture. While some were warriors or ghazis, others were preachers who provided solace and guidance to local communities, making them highly respected figures.
- Upon their passing, their tombs, known as dargahs, became centers of spiritual devotion, attracting people from diverse backgrounds seeking divine blessings. Over time, these Muslim pirs integrated with Hindu virs, becoming an integral part of India's rich folk traditions and religious landscape
4. Islam through agriculture
- Beyond trade and conquests, Islam also expanded in India through agricultural innovations. From the 10th century onward, Sufi settlers introduced advanced farming techniques, such as underground water canals and water wheels, which had been developed in regions like Persia and Spain.
- These innovations enabled cultivation in arid areas, particularly in Sindh and Punjab, transforming previously barren lands into fertile fields. As a result, landless peasant communities, such as the Jats, gained access to land and experienced economic upliftment. Over time, these regions developed significant Muslim populations, eventually forming the foundation of what later became Pakistan.
- During the Mughal era in eastern India, a shift in the Ganga River’s course exposed new tracts of land suitable for cultivation. The Mughal administration encouraged farming in these areas to boost revenue, drawing in frontier communities that had previously remained on the periphery of mainstream society.
- Many Sufi scholars, who had been marginalized in Delhi, supported these settlers in building new agricultural settlements, which later contributed to the formation of Bangladesh.
- This period also saw the emergence of unique cultural and religious traditions, such as the veneration of Panch Pir—five revered Muslim saints who were often identified with the Five Pandavas of Hindu mythology.
- Additionally, figures like Bon Bibi, a guardian spirit of the Sunderbans, became central to local belief systems.
- Architecturally, the mosques built in Bengal during this time featured terracotta designs resembling traditional Bengali huts, reflecting a distinct departure from the Arabic-Persian styles seen elsewhere
5. Immigrant Way
- The influx of Muslim migrants from Central Asia and Persia increased significantly after the Mongol invasions of the 13th century. Many were drawn to India due to the vast job opportunities offered by the Delhi and Bahmani sultanates.
- Some arrived with their families, while others married local women. These immigrants took on various roles, serving as naukars (paid soldiers) and chakars (accountants), bringing Islam along with them.
- As members of the elite, they predominantly spoke Persian and constructed Persian-style mosques in the Deccan, such as the renowned Gawan Madarsa in Bidar.
- However, tensions arose between local Indian Muslim elites and the newly arrived immigrant Muslims. The latter often viewed Indian Muslim converts, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, with disdain.
- Over time, Islam in India began to reflect the existing caste hierarchy, with Sayyids—those claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad—occupying a superior status, while Pasmandas (a Persian term for marginalized Muslim communities) were regarded as lower caste. In between were groups who traced their lineage to Arab merchants and Persian nobility.
- The introduction and expansion of Islam in India was not a singular event but rather a complex, multi-layered process spanning over seven centuries. It involved a combination of trade, warfare, missionary efforts, agricultural advancements, and migration, each contributing to the diverse and evolving landscape of Islam in the Indian subcontinent
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For Prelims: Religion, Art , Culture
For Mains: GS I - Art & Culture
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Source: Indianexpress
