Islam came to India through peaceful trade, not by the force of the sword, Shashi Tharoor started a new debate, cited history

News India Live, Digital Desk: Senior Congress leader and MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor is known for his outspoken statements and historical references. Recently, during a program, Tharoor has given a big statement regarding the arrival and spread of Islam in India, which has sparked discussion from social media to political circles. Tharoor says that Islam entered India not through any military conquest or by force of the sword, but through maritime trade and peaceful exchange. Referring to the Kerala coast and Arab traders, Tharoor gave the example of the history of South India, especially Kerala, to buttress his argument. He said that Islam had reached the Malabar coast of India in the 7th century itself. This was the time when Arab traders used to come to Kerala for spice trade. With these traders also came their ideas, culture and religion. According to Tharoor, the local kings and people welcomed these traders, which provided a cordial environment for Islam to flourish. ‘Sword of Victory’ versus ‘Path of Peace’ It is often argued in history books and discussions that invaders forcibly spread Islam in India during the medieval period. However, Shashi Tharoor challenged this notion, saying that there may be a history of military operations in some parts of North India, but it would be wrong to say this in the context of India as a whole. He stressed that there is a large part of India where Islam spread because of mutual understanding, trade relations and loving messages of Sufi saints, and not because of any war. Historical importance of Cheraman Juma Masjid. In his address, Tharoor also mentioned the famous Cheraman Juma Masjid of Kerala, which is considered to be the first mosque of India. He told that this mosque was not built after any invasion, but with the help of a local Hindu king. This is living proof that religions have always co-existed and been respected in India. Tharoor said that it is wrong to look at history only from the perspective of wars, we also have to understand the aspects of cultural exchange. Tharoor’s statement on the politics of polarization has come at a time when the debate on rewriting history and religious identity is intense in the country. Political analysts believe that through such statements, Tharoor wants to remind of the ‘common culture’ (Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb), which has been the real identity of India. While one side is praising his historical understanding on this statement, the other side is giving sharp reaction on social media calling it a one-sided view.