In India, there are two theories on the expansion of Islam. Theory number one: It spread as part of the expansion of empire. This is a sugarcoated argument explaining the hackneyed sword theory on the expansion of the religion. Theory number two: Islam spread through Sufis and merchants who travelled far and wide effusing mercy, kindness and poverty. So it can be very briefly concluded: Islam is embedded in the empire while Islam is simultaneously an efflorescence of pietistic and moral convictions and values. This is true of all religions in the world.

Has there been...