Insights into Cultural-Religious Characteristics of India During the Middle Ages

　　ABSTRACT: During medieval times (the 8th – 18th century), Islam entered India and gradually became the dominant religion of the ruling class, changing the religious status quo of the country. Under strong pressure, Hinduism responded with both opposition and tolerance. The development of Hinduism during this time followed closely with the evolving Bhakti movement. Under the joint influence of the Bhakti movement and Sufi activists, following a long period of conflict and adversary, Hinduism and Islam finally entered a period of mutual development and integration. During medieval times, Hindu culture had three main characteristics: (1) the prevalence of religious conflict; (2) the presence of tolerance within conflict; and (3) the eventual emergence of an Islamic polity with Hindi characteristics.