The Muslims of Indian Origin (During the Delhi Sultanate Emergence, Attitudes and Role 1192-1526)

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About the Book The book illustrates the history of emergence of the Muslims of Indian origin as a social community and the role played by them in contemporary body politic and administration during the Delhi Sultanate. An attempt has also been made to highlight the Islamic foothold in the Indian sub-continent, characteristics of governing elite and social position and attitudes of the Muslims of Indian origin.

The establishment of new regime in the form of Delhi Sultanate witnessed not only the gradual shaping of a state system, but also the beginning of a new socio-cultural relationship. In the changed circumstances a number of Indians began to accept new religion. As a result the natives, who adopted Islamic faith, gradually but surely, introduced a socio-religious culture of their own in the environment of Indian sub-continent, which in many ways was different from that of Muslims of foreign stock and of Hindus their predecessors with whom they continued their relations in all the common affairs of life. The sufi saints and bhakti reformers stood for the socio religious reforms and helped in bringing about a synthesis between the two.

One of the most interesting features of socio- political life of the native Muslims during the Sultanate period is their long struggle to assert themselves. They tried to enter in the power structure of the State in the middle of the 13" century, though Balban and other Turkaish nobles were too powerful for them. However, during the period under Khaljis and Tughluqs their position gradually improved and they found their legitimate place in government. The disintegration of Delhi Sultanate further marked the struggle of native Muslims in regional affairs and foundation of regional dynasties.

The study of the native Muslims becomes significant particularly in view of the fact that as a socio-political group they came to contribute to political as well as socio-cultural development to Indian society. 'The Muslims of Indian Origin During the Delhi Sultanate' is thus a very fascinating subject for historical investigation. Here is an attempt, the first of its kind, to presenta full scale meticulous study, primarily based on a comparative and analytical examination of the contemporary literary, accounts of foreign travellers as well as epigraphical sources. Hope that the book would be of great use for the scholars as well as the general readers of Indian history.

About the Author Dr. Sukhdev Singh Sharma is a Doctorate in history from Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra (India). He has also done M. Phil. (Hist.), P.G. Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication from the same University and a Course of five months duration in 'India: Art & Culture' from National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology, New Delhi. He belongs to an Upadhyay Brahman family. Dr. Sukhdev is a young and enthusiastic scholar having keen interest especially in social and cultural concepts of history. Currently, he is working as a Guest Faculty in the Department of History and National Institute of Law, Kurukshetra University. Earlier he has worked as Research Associate and thereafter Research Officer in Women's Studies Research Centre, Kurukshetra University and actively associated in research work, planning and organizing seminars, workshops on different issues. Dr. Sukhdev has completed a number of independent research projects and articles and participated in various seminars, workshops and training programmes.

Foreword The emergence of Muslims of Indian origin as a socio-political group is a significant event in the history of Medieval India. In fact, no correct comprehension of the political events of the Delhi Sultanate is possible unless a clear distinction is drawn between different groups in the governing class and the native Muslims. Dr. Sukhdev Singh has critically evaluated the historical factors which led to the establishment of Turkish rule, proselytisation and emergence of Muslims of Indian origin as a socio-political community, role played by them in contemporary administration and body politic, and their position vis-à-vis different groups of nobility. The whole work is based on a careful examination of contemporary sources and rigorous research methodology.

Preface The present study deals with the history of the emergence of the Muslims of Indian origin as a social group and the role played by them in contemporary body politic during the Delhi Sultanate. An attempt has been made to highlight the Islamic foothold in the Indian sub-continent, characteristic of governing elite and social position and attitudes of the Muslims of Indian origin. The thrust of the study is obviously on the period between two of the important events of Medieval India i.e. first the 2nd battle of Tara' in fought between Shihabuddin of Ghur and Prithviraj Chauhan (Rai Pithora) of Ajmer in 1192 A.D., and second the first battle of Panipat which was fought between Sultan Ibrahim Lodi and Zahiru'ddin Muhammad Babur in 1526 A.D. However the urge is felt to push the study of the situations prior to A.D. 1192 with a view to having a more comprehensive understanding of the period.

Introduction The sudden rise and the dramatic expansion of Islam constitute one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of mankind. Prophet Muhammad began to preach this new faith in the beginning of the 7th Century in Arabia, a country, which was at that time, sunk in barbarism and superstition. Before his death in Medina in 632 A.D.. the Prophet of Islam had swept away all tribalism and factionalism from among most of the Arabs, united them with the bond of an indestructible religion and established a state, centred at Medina, with its own laws and institutions. Within a century of the Prophet's death the empire of the Khalifas had become a world power and the banner of Islam was floating in Syriya, Palestine, Egypt, North Africa, Persia and also in some European countries such as Spain, Portugal and Southern France.

**Contents and Sample Pages**