Socio-Cultural Impact of Islam in Medieval Odisha

Islam was entrenched in Odisha after the Afghan ruler of Bengal, Sulaiman Karani defeated Mukunda Deva in 1568. The Eastern portion of Odisha, the so-called Mughal Bandhi, came under Muslim rule. But the Western and Southern areas of Odisha were free from the rule of Bengal. With the advent of Islam, there emerged remarkable dramatic changes in Odishan society, economy and culture. The Muslim population continued to grow in Odisha during the Mughal rule. In successive periods, whether under colonial rule or post-independence times, the growth was slow as there was no forcible conversion in Odisha. Roughly forming about three percent of the population, the Sunnis are in majority in Odisha and the Shias as well as the Ahmadiyas are in minority among the Muslims. However, the general picture that emerges is of peaceful coexistence between the Hindus and Muslims in Odisha.