The Hindu-Muslim Conflict has Deep Roots
In the year 600 CE, Muslims invaded India under the leadership of Mohammad Min Qasim, causing violence and hate between the two groups. Previously, India was almost entirely Hindu with a Buddhist minority, both polytheistic religions. Will Durant, author of The Story of History, wrote, "The Islamic conquest of India is probably the bloodiest story in history." Muslims surged into India again beginning in 980 CE and lasting until 1020. The same sentiment that existed during these early years of civilization was also present later in India's history during the partition.
Another factor causing friction later in history was the great divide between Muslim and Hindu culture. The inability for Muslims and Hindus to be peaceful was caused by their difference in culture. Islam is a monotheistic religion while Hindus observe a much older, polytheistic religion.
The Conflict is Suppressed by the British
British imperialism in India originated in the 1600s when the East India Company traded with the Indians and created factories there. After the East India Company began to pass unfair regulation on the people, Indians revolted, and, as a result, the British government took control of the subcontinent in 1858. The Indian people were forced to obey laws due to the fact that they are not white. They were also forced to buy all of their imports from Britain and grow cash crops rather than food. One benefit of having a British presence in India was that much of the fighting between Hindus and Muslims disappeared because of the new strict laws and law enforcement. In many ways, a British occupation of India caused the Hindus and the Muslims to unite against their common enemy. The Indian National Congress, a group advocating Indian independence, was founded by Hindus in 1885, but many Muslims even joined the organization. The organization's second president was a Muslim named Badruddin Tyabji. In the 1940s, the movement was led by Mohandas Gandhi who fought for independence non-violently using civil disobedience and non-cooperation toward British rule. Gandhi was able to unite both Hindus and Muslims under his cause. In 1947, the British left India because of Gandhi's campaign for independence. Unfortunately, violence erupted soon after the British were no longer there to suppress it.
