Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons.

(i) Sharp contrast in Ideas:

→ Multiple gods v/s single god (Prophet, Allah).

of worship

(ii) Clash of war - in religious terms:

→ Crusaders from Persia like Ghazni attacked temples (Somnath Temple).

(iii) Religious polarisation of the society

(iv) Divide & Rule policy of the British Rulers. alienated both sides. (eg): Communal electorates by Lord Minto.

(v) Internal divides within Hindus - issues of caste & gender inequality led to poor external assimilation.

However, not complete failure: → Ganga Jamuna Tehzeeb of syncretic culture → Influence of Islam on dance (Kathak), Architecture