Islam in South Asia: the cards as text
History. Draft written with AI help: awaiting scholar review.
- Card 1
A tomb built for love, and the empire that built it.
- Card 2
Traders, Sufis and sultans
Arab merchants brought Islam to India's coasts early. An Arab army took Sindh in 711 to 712. From 1206 the Delhi Sultanate ruled much of the north. Yet many historians credit Sufi teachers, more than sultans, with spreading the faith.
- Card 3
Lesson: Many historians credit teachers and settlers, more than armies, with spreading Islam in South Asia.
- Card 4
The Mughals
In 1526 Babur founded the Mughal Empire. His grandson Akbar ruled with notable tolerance. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a tomb for his wife. Aurangzeb expanded the empire and ruled more strictly. Historians still argue over his legacy.
- Card 5
Lesson: Akbar's tolerance and Aurangzeb's strictness both shaped the Mughal Empire.
- Card 6
Partition and today
Under the British, Mughal power faded. In 1947 British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan amid mass violence. In 1971 East Pakistan became Bangladesh. India's roughly 200 million Muslims are one of the world's largest Muslim populations.
- Card 7
Lesson: Many South African Muslims trace their families to Gujarat and other parts of India.
- Card 8
Reflect: Who built the Taj Mahal?
Answer: Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan, as a tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
- Card 9
The end of Islam in South Asia.