❖ Intellectual & Industrial Decline of the Muslim World and the Impact of Colonialism ❖
◈ Mongol Invasions and Political Decline
In the 12th century CE, the Mongol invasions pushed the Muslim world into political decline.
This downfall significantly affected every aspect of life, particularly scientific and industrial progress.
Although the establishment of the Ottoman and Mughal Empires helped Muslims regain some of their lost glory, the pace of advancement never returned to its former state.
◈ Colonial Exploitation and Plunder of Intellectual Wealth
Colonial dominance further accelerated the decline of Muslim scientific progress.
Colonial rulers transferred the resources and intellectual wealth of the Muslim world to European nations.
◈ Colonial Impact on India
According to Shashi Tharoor, during British rule, India was among the richest regions of the world, with industries like textile manufacturing, steel production, and shipbuilding operating at global standards.
- In 1700, India held 27% of the world’s GDP, but post-British plunder, it was reduced to one of the poorest nations.
- Textile Industry: Bengal’s muslin and Ahmedabad’s brocade enjoyed global renown.
- Steel Industry: Comparable to modern technology, but destroyed by British restrictions.
- Education & Culture: Cities like Dhaka rivaled London, and Bengal’s publishing industry was globally unique.
◈ Evidence of British Loot
- Adam Smith labeled the East India Company as “the greatest robber corporation in the world.”
- According to Irfan Habib, during the Mughal era, cities like Delhi, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri surpassed London and Paris in size and prosperity.
◈ Scientific & Industrial Advancement in the Mughal Empire
- Astronomy:
- Humayun built an observatory in Delhi and introduced astronomical instruments.
- In the 18th century, Jai Singh II constructed the Yantra Mandir observatory.
- Invention & Research:
- Ali Kashmiri invented a celestial globe in 1589.
- Sheikh Din Muhammad invented shampoo.
- Tipu Sultan developed solid-fuel rockets and modern weaponry.
- Fine Arts & Architecture:
- Under Akbar, Persian, Turkish, and Indian arts fused.
- Shah Jahan constructed architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort.
- The Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Gardens, and Agra Fort exemplify Mughal architecture.
◈ Scientific & Industrial Success in the Ottoman Empire
- Astronomy & Engineering:
- Taqi al-Din established an observatory in Istanbul and invented the first steam-powered engine.
- Ottoman scholars translated scientific works and established new libraries.
- Medical Field:
- Sharaf al-Din Sabuncuoğlu compiled the first atlas of surgery.
- Hulusi Behçet discovered the blood disease known as Behçet’s Syndrome.
- Industrial Development:
- The Hijaz Railway was a marvel of Ottoman engineering.
- The Ottoman Air Force was among the world’s earliest military aviation institutions.
- Legal Reforms:
- Ottoman scholars compiled Majallat al-Aḥkām al-ʿAdliyya, a key collection of Islamic legal rulings.
◈ Colonial Exploitation and the Decline of the Muslim World
- British Plunder:
- British imperialism destroyed industries and looted resources in colonial territories.
- An estimated $2 to $5 billion were looted annually.
- India’s advanced economy was reduced to an agrarian one.
- Effects of the Colonial System:
- The imposed educational and legal structures pushed Muslims toward backwardness.
- Intellectual slavery and colonial remnants still entangle the Muslim world today.
◈ Summary
Both internal and external factors contributed to the decline of the Muslim world.
The downfall that began with the Mongol invasions was deepened by the exploitative colonial system.
Nevertheless, during the Mughal and Ottoman periods, the Muslim world witnessed remarkable advancements in science, industry, and the arts.
