Why isn't India a Muslim country? It was ruled by the Mughals for years.

India is not a Muslim country primarily due to the complex historical, cultural, and social dynamics that have shaped the region over centuries. While the Mughal Empire, an Islamic dynasty, ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent for several centuries, the majority of the population remained Hindu. Several factors contribute to India not being a predominantly Muslim country:

Diverse Population: India has been home to a diverse array of cultures, religions, and languages for thousands of years. Even during the Mughal period, the Indian subcontinent was inhabited by a significant Hindu population alongside Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and others.

Legacy of Hindu Kingdoms: Prior to the Mughal Empire, various Hindu kingdoms and empires, such as the Maurya, Gupta, and Vijayanagara, had ruled different parts of India. These kingdoms played a crucial role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of the region.

Syncretism and Cultural Exchange: Throughout history, India has been a melting pot of different cultures and religions. There have been periods of syncretism and cultural exchange between Hindus and Muslims, leading to the development of shared traditions, art forms, and practices.

Resistance to Conversion: Despite Muslim rule, many Hindus continued to practice their faith. While there were instances of conversion to Islam, especially among lower-caste Hindus, large-scale conversions did not fundamentally alter the religious demographics of the region.

British Colonialism: The arrival of the British East India Company in the 17th century marked a significant shift in Indian history. British colonialism, which eventually led to the establishment of British rule over India, had a profound impact on the social, political, and economic fabric of the subcontinent.

Partition of India: The partition of British India in 1947 resulted in the creation of two separate nations: India and Pakistan. While Pakistan was established as a homeland for Muslims, India remained a secular democracy with a predominantly Hindu population, although it is also home to significant Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and other religious communities.

Overall, the historical, cultural, and social complexities of India have prevented it from becoming a Muslim-majority country despite the centuries-long rule of the Mughals. India's identity as a pluralistic and diverse nation is rooted in its rich history of coexistence and tolerance among various religious and cultural communities.