1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

9. 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

10. Mughal India: Babur & Akbar
1526
Turkish/Mongol Descent
Defeated Muslims (Delhi Sultanate)
Established Mughal Empire
Mughal = Persian word for Mongol
Ruled from
Akbar:
1. promoted tolerance/religious harmony
2. opened government jobs to Hindus/did not recognize their caste
3. Ended tax on non-Muslims