How much did Islam influence modern Hinduism?

 There is no discernible influence on religion or philosophy but there are some vestiges of social influence - one such outstanding example is in the matter of purdah (veiling of women).

Covering the head or veiling the face is not a traditional Hindu practice and was unknown in ancient India but became popular in areas with a large Muslim population such as west and north-west provinces.

It seems Hindu society was unique in that men never told women what to wear. There is absolutely no rules or regulations or advice on female fashion in any of the Dharma Shastras written by men. So it was left up to tradition, custom and usage of the families and communities themselves.

Compulsion by men in matters of female clothing came after the colonisation of North India by the adherents of Islam.

The evidence for this comes from the cave paintings of pre-Islamic India - Ajanta — 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE.

10/08 P.S. I am surprised how much animated excitement and debate this simple post has generated it seems to have pressed a HOT button :-)

Here are some more images to reflect upon. These are from Barhut Stupa circa 260 BCE. Definitely before the Islamic invasion.

This is from Barhut

These carvings are from Borobudur Java which are almost identical to the Indian images.

HAS ANYONE NOTICED A VEIL OR A GHOONGAT OR PURDAH?

Some women do have headdresses or turbans on - which is more of a fashion statement than a religious requirement one would assume.

In Hindu Bali women were bare-breasted up until the Dutch conquered the Island in the 1900’s

Some good defenders of modesty have quoted Ramayana and Shiva Purana to support their theory that veiling was common in India. Here is a Chola bronze image of Parvati from South India - and still we find the dress entirely consistent - from Ajanta to Bali. You will never find images like these in post Islamic rule iconography in North India.

(Please note she is also wearing a sacred thread (yajñopavītam)