INDIA AND THE ISLAMIC NATIONS (SET OF 3 VOLS.) by R.C. MEHTA

India’s relationship with the Islamic world is deep-rooted, going back over a millennium. The arrival of Islam in India began with Arab traders on the western coast in the 7th century, followed by Turkic and Afghan dynasties that established the Delhi Sultanate (13th–16th century) and later the Mughal Empire (16th–19th century). These periods left enduring cultural, architectural, and linguistic legacies, blending Persian, Central Asian, and Indian traditions. Iconic monuments like the Qutb Minar, Taj Mahal, and Jama Masjid reflect this synthesis. In modern times, India maintains strong ties with Islamic nations. With the Middle East, relations are shaped by energy needs, trade, and the presence of millions of Indian expatriate workers in Gulf countries. Culturally, shared traditions in food, music, and Sufism strengthen bonds. Politically, India engages with organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), though at times tensions arise due to issues concerning Kashmir. At home, India has one of the world’s largest Muslim populations—over 200 million—making it the third-largest Muslim community after Indonesia and Pakistan. This diverse population contributes richly to India’s literature, art, cinema, music, and cuisine, making Islam an integral part of India’s pluralistic identity. In short: India’s ties with Islamic nations are historical, cultural, and economic, rooted both in shared heritage and modern-day cooperation