New Delhi: One-day national history conference organized by Jamia Hamdard University’s Department of Islamic Studies in collaboration with the Institute of Study and Research Delhi (ISRD) brought together eminent scholars, professors, and experts who reflected on the unparalleled contributions of Muslims to India’s civilizational development, particularly in the context of Delhi as the epicenter of Indo-Islamic cultural synthesis.
The conference titled ‘Delhi: Crucible of Indo-Islamic Synthesis in Medieval India’, aimed to explore the multifaceted impact of Islamic heritage in shaping medieval Indian society, culture, governance, and art. Research papers were presented on a wide range of sub-themes aligned with the central theme, including:
The Advent of Islam in North India, Educational Institutions and Knowledge Productio, Indo-Islamic Architecture, Sufi Traditions and Sacred Spaces, Language and Literature, Music and Performing Arts, Role in the Freedom Struggle, Calligraphy and Decorative Arts, Culinary Heritage and the Culture of Cuisine, Women’s Contributions, Science and Technology, Mughal Gardens, and Economic and Administrative Innovations.
Chief Guest Address by Syed Sadatullah Husaini
In the inaugural session, Syed Sadatullah Husaini, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), delivered the keynote address. Citing the Quran, he emphasized the importance of reading and reflecting on history to derive moral and social lessons. He described history as the collective memory of a society and firmly rebutted contemporary misrepresentations of Muslims, stating, “Muslims are not outsiders, invaders, or colonizers—they are developers, builders, and inheritors of this land.”
He highlighted that during the medieval period, the Delhi Sultanate connected India to the broader Islamic world of knowledge and scholarship. Citing historical examples, he noted that Sanskrit scholars, Pandits and numerical experts from India were celebrated in the Abbasid Caliphate’s court, and their contributions were widely disseminated by Arab scholars, who gave due credit rather than claiming these advancements themselves.
He further praised the architectural brilliance of monuments like the Qutub Minar, which stand as a testament to the Delhi Sultanate’s legacy. Speaking on broader contributions, he noted that the Muslim era promoted human equality, justice, and social harmony. “The most valuable contribution of Muslims,” he said, “was fostering unity across caste, religion, and community lines—creating a sense of shared humanity, as beautifully articulated by Allama Iqbal’s concept of Wahdat-e-Khas quwwat (Power of special unity of humankind).”
He also recalled Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s emotional appeals during the Partition, urging Muslims not to migrate to Pakistan and stressing their deep-rooted heritage in India, exemplified through landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Qutub Minar.
Chairing the session, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard University, Dr. Afshar Alam provided a historical overview of Islamic rule in India, tracing it from Mohammad Ghori’s arrival in the 12th century to the British colonial era, covering the Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodhi, and Mughal dynasties.
He emphasized how Delhi became the nucleus of Indo-Islamic cultural fusion, with Central Asian and Persian architectural styles merging with indigenous Indian designs. This, he said, resulted in a unique Indo-Islamic architectural identity, visible in the city’s rich heritage.
The VC also elaborated on the contributions of the Islamic period in education, science, music, literature, governance, and social reform, asserting that this synthesis laid the foundation of what is now referred to as South Asian culture. “This fusion didn’t just shape Indian civilization—it gave it depth, diversity, and resilience,” he concluded.
Dr. Hafeezur Rahman, Convenor of the Khusro Foundation and a prominent scholar of Urdu and Persian, delivered a special address. He observed that historiography often shifts between pro-establishment and anti-establishment narratives, but Islamic tradition introduced the science of Asma-e-Rijal, which emphasizes objectivity and authenticity in historical documentation.
He remarked that the Mughals left India with three enduring legacies: the Taj Mahal, the poetry of Ghalib, and the Urdu language. He celebrated Sufi contributions, especially those of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and his disciple, the 13th-century poet and mystic Amir Khusrau. Praising Khusrau’s versatility, he described him as a pioneering scholar in astronomy and astrology, a profound poet, and a key figure in the shaping of the Urdu language.
Quoting Khusrau—who often cited Hazrat Nizamuddin’s famous saying, “If the world lays thorns in your path, lay flowers in return”—Dr. Rahman emphasized the peaceful and integrative ethos of Sufi traditions. He also reflected on cultural synthesis visible in examples like the royal attire Sherwani and the popular dish Biryani, both shaped by Indo-Islamic fusion.
Remarks by Organizers and Scholars
Dr. Fazlur Rahman, Assistant Professor in the Department of Islamic Studies at Jamia Hamdard, anchored the event and provided an introductory overview.
ISRD Secretary and Conference Organizer Mohammad Asif Iqbal presented the objectives and sub-themes of the event, emphasizing the mutual cultural enrichment brought by the interaction of civilizations.
Asif Iqbal stated, “History has shown that when civilizations interact, the exchange of ideas and traditions creates fertile ground for societal growth. Muslims in India were part of this process—introducing artistic, cultural, administrative, and spiritual practices that enriched the subcontinent. At the same time, Muslims embraced India’s cultural strengths, resulting in a beautiful synthesis that has shaped Indian civilization.”
ISRD President Saleemullah Khan opened the session by elaborating on the central theme of the conference. He narrated an incident from Prophet Muhammad’s life, highlighting his highest honesty and moral integrity in returning all assets and belongings to even those non believers who plotted against him during the migration from Makkah to Madinah. He also quoted noted Urdu writer Rashidul Khairi to highlight the role of Delhi’s women in that era—describing them as skilled, intelligent, and socially responsible.
Professor Arshad Hussain, Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at Jamia Hamdard, welcomed the dignitaries and attendees.
Academic Sessions and Presentations
The day featured multiple parallel academic sessions, where over 50 research papers were presented by scholars and students from institutions such as Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Delhi University and Jamia Hamdard University.
These sessions were chaired by prominent academics, including: Prof. Obaidullah Fahad, Department of Islamic Studies, AMU, Dr. Faizan Ahmed, Assistant Director, National Archives of India, Dr. Mohiuddin Ghazi, former Dean, Al-Jamia Al-Islamia, Shantapuram, Kerala, Prof. Azizuddin Husain, Prof. Pervez Nazir.
All speakers and guests were honored with mementoes, while participating research scholars received certificates of recognition.
Valedictory Session
The valedictory session was chaired by Prof. Mohammad Salim Engineer, retired professor from MNIT Jaipur. He advised young researchers to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity—principles that align with Islamic teachings. He stressed the importance of objectivity, scholarly rigor, peer evaluation, and critical review. “Do not chase volume—focus on depth. Excellence and hard work have no substitute, and dedication can overcome even natural talent,” he remarked.
He concluded by urging Indian Muslims, especially the youth, to contribute constructively to the nation and play an active role in shaping history with integrity and knowledge.
Dr. Shadab Musa, Assistant Secretary of JIH, also delivered a thoughtful speech on the theme, highlighting the communally charged atmosphere in the country and mentioning the recent malicious reference to Hamdard University’s popular beverage, Rooh Afza, by Baba Ramdev.
Co-convenor Abdul Kalam extended heartfelt thanks to the dignitaries, guests, and speakers.
Asif Iqbal introduced the work of ISRD and committed to organizing more such history conferences and seminars regularly.