Growth of Muslim Population in Medieval India, A.D. 1000–1800 c17.s1.4

c17.s1.4

Uttar Pradesh formed part of the Sultanate from its very inception. Consequently “its invasion”, which brought converts, was ruled out. But in the fifteenth century, the region to the east and south of Delhi—Katehar, Doab, Bayana and Mewat—had become a problem tract under the Saiyyads, and there they contented themselves "with the ignoble but customary satisfaction of plundering the people,"⁸ and obtaining some converts in the bargain. In eastern U.P. the flourishing Muslim kingdom of Jaunpur again helped in the rise of Muslim numbers. However, the regular warfare between the Lodis and the Sharqis had made both of them compete for the friendship of neighbouring Hindu Rajas and Zamindars. Such a situation ruled out any aggressive proselytizing endeavour on the part of either. But when the Sultanate once again gathered stability, the policy of proselytization was revived. Sikandar Lodi is credited with sustained activity in this regard. His intolerance in Gwalior, Mathura, Banaras and Allahabad,⁹ his various "Islamic" regulations, and the fact that a "contemporary (inscription) declares him a staunch Muslim who made the foundations of Islam strong,"¹⁰ point to large additions to Muslim demography.