The cultural development in India from 1300 to 1500 was marked by the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, significant architectural advancements, and social and religious changes resulting from the interaction between the Turks and Indians. This period saw the emergence of new artistic and architectural styles, enriched by the fusion of Arabo-Persian and Indian traditions. Despite challenges, this era laid the groundwork for a diverse and vibrant cultural heritage in India.

The tenth century marked significant changes in Islamic history:

• It saw the rise of the Turks in North India, replacing the Abbasid Caliphate.


• It marked the decline of the Mutazila rationalist philosophy and the ascendancy of orthodox schools based on the Quran and Hadith.


• The Sufi mystic orders emerged as a reaction to materialism and moral decline in the Islamic empire.


• Sufis emphasized deep devotion and sought spiritual purity outside the influence of the state.


• Early Sufis like Rabia and Mansur bin Hallaj emphasized love as the connection between God and the soul, often facing conflict with orthodox elements.


• Al-Ghazzali reconciled mysticism with Islamic orthodoxy, asserting that knowledge of God comes through revelation, not reason.

The Chishti and Suharwardi orders had significant influence in medieval India:

• The Chishti order, introduced by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti around 1192, centered in Ajmer.


• Key figures included Nizamuddin Auliya and Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi, known for their simplicity and acceptance among Hindus.


• Nizamuddin Auliya adopted yogic practices and integrated Hindi verses into his teachings.


• The Suharwardi order, active in Punjab and Multan, accepted state service unlike the Chishtis.


• Both orders contributed to social harmony and mutual understanding among different religious communities in India.