Muslim conquest permanently influenced the development of language, dress, cuisine, art & culture, architecture, customs and value in India.

Muslim invasions began from 12^th century onwards and permanently impacted the Indian sub-continent. During the Muslim reign, every aspect of Indian society flourished, from legal and administration to agriculture and trade to cuisine and social norms. Urbanization of India occurred as many cities and their urban cultures evolved. Trade extended from Morocco to Indonesia. Welcome on a voyage to India.

Overview

The history of the Indian subcontinent has been frequented by invasions, from the North-West by Central Asian nomadic tribes and the Persian Empire. The descend of the Sassanids and the influx of the Caliphates, the Indian subcontinent integrated into Muslim dynasties of Central Asian heritage - originally by Turks and later by Mongol and Turco-Mongolians. Unlike earlier conquerors who merged into prevalent social systems, Muslim conquerors retained their Islamic identity and created legal and administrative systems that challenged and destroyed existing systems of social conduct, culture, religious practices, lifestyle and ethics.

Cultural Influence

Muslim rule offered superior urbanization of India with the rise of many cities and their urban cultures. On the other hand, the social evils of jauhar and sati practiced in the Hindu communities gained momentum. These cultural practises began as a response to prevent jihad, Hindu women kidnapped or captured for marriage to Muslim rulers or high officials.

Language

Persian was the language of the Muslim invaders, and it was modified into Urdu upon contact with the local languages. Urdu also known as Hindustani used the Arabic script. Modern India speaks an amalgation of words borrowed from Urdu in addition to Hindi and other vernacular languages.

Architecture

Remarkable Mughal architecture can be witnessed across India; especially the northern part. The magnificent Taj Mahal, the glorious Red Fort and the splendid Jama Masjid are fine examples of the Islamic architecture.  

On the other side, it is argued Muslim rulers desecrated the Hindu temples and raised mosques instead to promote Islam.

Science & Technology

Several scientific and mathematical advances including the Hindu numerals were spread globally. The famous seamless celestial globe and the Volley gun were invented during the Mughal reign.

Trade

Major impact was upon trade because of a common commercial and legal system expanding from Morocco to Indonesia. The focus shifted from agricultural based traditional economy to mercantilism and centralized governance systems, consequently regular clashes between the business communities occurred that sparked the social and political tensions.

With the shifting economic conditions small factories (Karkhanas) were established that catered to the import and dissemination of technology from India to the globe. Khurja and Siwan became renowned for pottery, Moradabad for brass ware, Mirzapur for carpets, Firozabad for glass wares, Farrukhabad for printing, Sahranpur and Nagina for wood-carving, Bidar and Lucknow for bidriware, Srinagar for papier-mache, Benaras for jewellery and textile. The downside, the new trade imposed higher taxes on the peasantry.

Not every Muslim invader was a raider. Later monarchs fought on to win kingdoms and stayed to establish new ruling dynasties.