The event at Jamia Hamdard highlights Delhi’s historic role as a beacon of cultural confluence, syncretism, and pluralistic governance during the medieval period
NEW DELHI – In an era where the rich tapestry of India’s medieval past is increasingly subjected to distortion and erasure by dominant Hindutva narratives, the need to reclaim and reassert historical truths has never been more urgent. Amidst growing attempts to vilify and marginalise Islamic contributions in India’s civilisational journey, the one-day national conference titled “Delhi: Crucible of Indo-Islamic Synthesis in Medieval India” emerged as a timely intellectual intervention.
Held at the Hamdard Convention Centre in Jamia Hamdard and organised by the Department of Islamic Studies in collaboration with the Institute of Study and Research Delhi (ISRD) on Sunday, the event highlighted Delhi’s historic role as a beacon of cultural confluence, syncretism, and pluralistic governance during the medieval period.
Research papers presented at the conference spanned a wide array of sub-themes, each shedding light on the depth and diversity of Indo-Islamic contributions to the subcontinent’s historical fabric. Scholars explored topics such as the advent of Islam in North India, the evolution of educational institutions and knowledge production, and the aesthetic grandeur of Indo-Islamic architecture. Rich discussions delved into the spiritual legacy of Sufi traditions and sacred spaces, the dynamic growth of language and literature, and the fusion of music and performing arts.
Other critical areas included Muslim participation in the freedom struggle, the refinement of calligraphy and decorative arts, the culinary heritage and culture of cuisine, women’s contributions, innovations in science and technology, the design philosophy behind Mughal Gardens, and transformative economic and administrative Innovations. Together, these presentations underscored the undeniable role of Indo-Islamic synthesis in shaping a pluralistic and sophisticated Indian civilisation.
The inaugural session was marked by a powerful keynote address from Syed Sadatullah Husaini, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), who invoked the Quranic imperative of reading and reflecting upon history to draw moral and social insights. Framing history as the “collective memory of society,” he firmly challenged the current trend of misrepresenting Muslim contributions to Indian history. “Muslims are not outsiders, invaders, or colonisers—they are developers, builders, and inheritors of this land,” he declared. Husaini underscored how the Delhi Sultanate served as a bridge linking India to the broader Islamic intellectual tradition, recalling how Indian scholars—Sanskritists, pandits, and mathematicians—were revered in the Abbasid Caliphate and credited by Arab scholars for their contributions.
Citing monuments like the Qutub Minar, he praised the architectural genius of the medieval Muslim period and emphasised that this era was marked not only by physical grandeur but also by an ethos of human equality, justice, and interfaith harmony. “The greatest contribution of Muslims,” he asserted, “was fostering unity across caste, religion, and community—an ideal echoed in Allama Iqbal’s concept of Wahdat-e-Khas Quwwat (the power of a special unity of humankind).” Reflecting on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s emotional appeal at the time of Partition, Husaini reminded the audience of the deep civilisational roots Muslims have in India—manifest in timeless icons like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Qutub Minar.
Chairing the session, Dr Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, provided a sweeping historical overview of Islamic rule in India, from the 12th-century advent of Mohammad Ghori to the end of the Mughal era under British colonialism. He traced the evolution of the Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodhi, and Mughal dynasties, emphasising Delhi’s central role as the heart of Indo-Islamic fusion.
Highlighting how Central Asian and Persian architectural aesthetics harmoniously blended with indigenous Indian motifs, he described this synthesis as the birth of a distinct Indo-Islamic style. Beyond architecture, Dr Alam stressed the rich contributions of Islamic civilisation to education, science, music, literature, governance, and social reform, arguing that this synthesis did not merely influence Indian civilisation—it defined South Asian culture as we know it. “This fusion didn’t just shape Indian civilisation,” he concluded, “it gave it depth, diversity, and resilience.”
Dr Hafeezur Rahman, Convenor of the Khusro Foundation and an eminent scholar of Urdu and Persian, brought a critical historiographical perspective to the discourse. He highlighted how historical narratives often oscillate between pro-establishment and anti-establishment lenses, but emphasised that Islamic intellectual tradition introduced a unique method of objective historical inquiry through the science of Asma-e-Rijal—a rigorous system rooted in authenticity and credibility. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Mughal era, he noted that they left behind three unmatched gifts to India: the Taj Mahal, the poetry of Ghalib, and the Urdu language.
Dr Rahman also underscored the spiritual and cultural vibrancy nurtured by Sufi saints, particularly Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and his iconic disciple, Amir Khusro. He praised Khusro’s extraordinary polymathy, calling him not only a lyrical genius but also a pioneering scholar in astronomy and astrology, a visionary mystic, and a formative figure in the emergence of Urdu as a language of both the court and the common people. Through such contributions, Dr Rahman illustrated the profound and lasting imprint of Indo-Islamic culture on the subcontinent’s intellectual and spiritual heritage.
Quoting Khusro, who often cited Hazrat Nizamuddin’s famous saying, “If the world lays thorns in your path, lay flowers in return”, Dr Rahman emphasised the peaceful and integrative ethos of Sufi traditions. He also reflected on cultural synthesis visible in examples like the royal attire sherwani and the popular dish biryani, both shaped by Indo-Islamic fusion.
Mohammad Asif Iqbal, Secretary of ISRD and the conference Organiser, articulated the vision behind the event by presenting its objectives and diverse sub-themes. He underscored the civilisational dialogue between Islamic and Indian traditions as a source of mutual enrichment, remarking, “History has shown that when civilisations interact, the exchange of ideas and traditions creates fertile ground for societal growth. Muslims in India were part of this process, introducing artistic, cultural, administrative, and spiritual practices that enriched the subcontinent. At the same time, Muslims embraced India’s cultural strengths, resulting in a beautiful synthesis that has shaped Indian civilisation.” His address set the tone for a conference rooted in the celebration of this synthesis, rather than division.
Opening the session, ISRD President Saleemullah Khan further deepened the thematic framework by drawing from the ethical legacy of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Narrating the Prophet’s moral fortitude during the migration from Makkah to Madinah, when he returned possessions to even those who had conspired against him, he emphasised Islam’s foundational values of justice and integrity. Khan also highlighted the overlooked contributions of women in medieval Delhi, quoting noted Urdu writer Rashidul Khairi to praise their intelligence, social responsibility, and skilled involvement in public life, thereby reclaiming a critical part of Indo-Islamic history that is often marginalised in mainstream narratives.
The valedictory session was presided over by Prof Mohammad Salim Engineer, a retired professor from MNIT Jaipur, who offered words of guidance and inspiration to emerging scholars. Emphasising that the pursuit of knowledge must be anchored in truth, he urged young researchers to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, echoing values deeply rooted in Islamic tradition. “Do not chase volume — focus on depth,” he advised. “Excellence and hard work have no substitute, and dedication can overcome even natural talent.” Prof Engineer stressed the critical importance of objectivity, peer review, and scholarly rigour, calling these the bedrock of meaningful academic contribution. He concluded by encouraging Indian Muslims, particularly the youth, to play a constructive and enlightened role in the nation’s future, shaping history not through reaction but through integrity, knowledge, and proactive engagement.
Adding to the reflective tone, Dr Shadab Musa, Assistant Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, addressed the growing communal polarisation in the country. He pointed to recent incidents, including the malicious targeting of Hamdard’s iconic beverage, Rooh Afza, by yoga guru-turned-entrepreneur, Baba Ramdev, as examples of how cultural symbols are increasingly weaponised to fuel division. His remarks served as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to preserve India’s pluralistic heritage against the tide of misinformation and cultural demonization.
The day featured multiple parallel academic sessions, where over 50 research papers were presented by scholars and students from institutions such as Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Delhi University and Jamia Hamdard University.
These sessions were chaired by prominent academics, including Prof Obaidullah Fahad, AMU’s Department of Islamic Studies; Dr Faizan Ahmed, Assistant Director, National Archives of India; Dr Mohiuddin Ghazi, former Dean, Al-Jamia Al-Islamia, Shantapuram, Kerala; Prof Azizuddin Husain and Prof Pervez Nazir.
Dr Fazlur Rahman, Assistant Professor in the Department of Islamic Studies at Jamia Hamdard, anchored the event and provided an introductory overview.
