Chapter 8.3 ? The Coming of Islam to South Asia Introduction: Foreigners entered India in waves of nomadic invaders seeking refuge; these people converted to Hinduism/Buddhism and found their place in Indian society and culture Indians usually enjoyed higher level of material culture than migrant groups; led to persistent failure of rulers to unite against aggressors (periodic disruptions/ localized destruction) Due to Muslim invasions, for the first time India encountered outside civilization as sophisticated as theirs; Muslim and Hinduism were complete opposites: Muslims- one god; all people were equal Hindus- many gods/idols; strict cast system Political Divisions and the First Muslim Invasions: