Hinduism and Islam in India

This book is more from the perspective of Hinduism and how it reacted to the infiltration of Islam in India.

Chapter 1: The Hindu Religion and the System of Caste

“The problems arising out of the Hindu religion and the system of caste, either as contemporary issues or of historical significance, cannot be understood unless there is a clear appreciation of the seminal factors which conditioned their origin and development through the ages” (p.11).

“Before the Muslim Invasion from the north-west, Hindu society was sufficiently homogeneous, despite the heterogeneity arising out of its social setup and the continental character of the country” (p.76)

There were other earlier invaders. But Hindu culture was maintained. The others were absorbed. The ones that weren’t fit neatly into society.

Beginning of invasion of Muslims:

·      Many converts.

·      However, many kept the idea of the caste system. In terms of the untouchables, “The doors of mosques were barred to them; when permitted to attend prayers, they were expected not to proceed beyond the entrance steps. When they were allowed to learn the Quran, they were required not to teach it” (p.83).

·      Muslim rulers held government tightly (p.90).

·      “Muslim political power and Hindu land and money power were more or less evenly matched” (p.91).

There are tables comparing the high ranking Muslims vs. Hindus on p. 160