Part 2/8:
The deep-rooted religious and cultural discord in India can be traced back to the early Muslim invasions starting in the 13th century. The establishment of Islamic states, which ruled various parts of India, marked the beginning of a long history of sectarian strife. While many Islamic rulers adopted a relatively pluralistic approach, the eventual conquest of the Hindu south ushered in severe religious violence. During the British presence in India, particularly under the British East India Company, these divisions were manipulated through policies designed to "divide and conquer" the populace.