Islamic expansion in South Asia

Islamic expansion in South Asia occurred primarily between the 8th and 16th centuries, driven by trade, conquest, and Sufi missionaries. Traders and explorers from the Middle East and Central Asia introduced Islamic ideas through commerce and cultural exchanges. Later, Muslim rulers, such as the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, established political authority, facilitating the spread of Islam via governance, architecture, and patronage of religious institutions. Sufi saints played a key role by promoting spiritual teachings that resonated with local populations, fostering religious pluralism. This process shaped South Asia’s cultural diversity, influencing its traditions, architecture, and societal structures.