Interactions between
Muslims and
Hindus began in the 7th century, after the advent of
Islam in the
Arabian Peninsula. These interactions were mainly by trade throughout the
Indian Ocean. Historically, these interactions formed contrasting patterns in northern and southern
India. While there is a history of
conquest and domination in the north, Hindu-Muslim relations in
Kerala and
Tamil Nadu have been peaceful. However, historical evidence has shown that violence had existed by the year 1700 AD.
Under the Mughal Empire In the 16th century, the
Mughal Empire was established. Under the Mughals, India experienced a period of relative
stability and prosperity. The
Mughals were known for their religious tolerance, and they actively patronized the arts and literature. During the Mughal era,
Indian art and culture thrived, with the construction of grand monuments such as the
Taj Mahal and the
Red Fort. While the Mughals promoted religious harmony and cultural advancements and nurtured Hindu scholars, poets, and artists, facilitating a dynamic cultural interchange that enriched both
Islamic and
Hindu traditions, there were instances of religious
conflicts between the Mughals and the Rajput over control of territories.
Aurangzeb was criticized for his policies of religious intolerance towards Hindus.
In British India During the 18th to 20th centuries,
India was ruled by the British, who introduced a policy of
divide and rule to maintain their control over the country. The British also introduced a system of separate electorates, which further exacerbated the divide between the Hindu and Muslim communities. The
First Indian War of Independence in 1857, also known as the mutiny of 1857, was a major uprising against British rule in India. The rebellion was fueled by a range of grievances, including
economic exploitation, social and religious discrimination, and political oppression. While the rebellion was not solely based on religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims, these tensions did play a role in fueling the conflict. During the rebellion, there were instances of both
Muslim and Hindu soldiers and civilians fighting together against the British, as well as instances of conflict between the two communities. ==In popular culture==