A lesser known fact is that conversions in India into Islam began while Prophet Mohammed was alive. Arab traders came by ship to the southern coast of India and spread the religion. Many centuries later it came overland through the north west.

The result has been that Muslims in India are not a homogenous lot. There are Bohras, Ahmediyas, Ismailis and many other communities. Further they are often still divided along what were originally casteist line and many maintain some Hindu traits.