Religious Coexistence and Communal Integration during the Faruqi Rule in Medieval Khandesh

Abstract

The Faruqi dynasty (c. 1382–1601 CE), which ruled the Khandesh region in medieval India, represents a significant yet understudied example of religious coexistence and communal integration. Situated strategically along major trade routes connecting Gujarat, Malwa, and the Deccan, Khandesh became a melting pot of diverse cultures, religions, and communities under Faruqi governance. This paper examines the mechanisms through which the Faruqi rulers fostered religious harmony, focusing on administrative inclusivity, Sufi influences, socio-economic interactions, and architectural syncretism. While Sunni Islam was the official religion of the state, the Faruqi rulers maintained pragmatic and accommodative policies toward the predominantly Hindu population. Local Hindu elites were integrated into governance, and religious pluralism was sustained through patronage of Sufi institutions, which served as bridges between communities. The flourishing of Burhanpur as a commercial and cultural center further encouraged inter-community exchanges and mutual dependence. The study also highlights the role of shared spaces such as markets, shrines, and public works in nurturing communal cohesion. Faruqi architecture, characterized by the coexistence of mosques, temples, and tombs, reflects a broader ethos of cultural synthesis. By analyzing historical records, regional gazetteers, and secondary scholarship, this paper argues that the Faruqi period exemplifies a model of functional pluralism rooted in political pragmatism and socio-cultural interaction. This case contributes to broader discussions on medieval Indian secular traditions and challenges monolithic interpretations of religious conflict in pre-modern South Asia.