The correct answer is: d) All of the above
Hinduism and Islam are two of the major religions in the world, and they have both had a significant impact on the culture and history of Meghalaya. The first recorded contact between Meghalaya and the outside world was in the 7th century, when the Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited the region. He noted that the people of Meghalaya were “very simple and honest” and that they “worshipped the sun and the moon.”
In the 13th century, the Muslim sultanate of Bengal conquered parts of Meghalaya. This led to the introduction of Islam to the region, and many people converted to the new religion. However, Hinduism remained the dominant religion in Meghalaya, and Islam never became as widespread as it did in other parts of India.
In the 18th century, the British East India Company began to establish trading posts in Meghalaya. This led to an increase in contact between the people of Meghalaya and the outside world, and it also led to the introduction of Christianity to the region. Many people converted to Christianity, and it is now the third largest religion in Meghalaya.
Today, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are all practiced in Meghalaya. The people of Meghalaya are known for their tolerance and respect for other religions, and they have a long history of peaceful coexistence.
- Trade and limited migration: Trade between Meghalaya and other parts of India has been taking place for centuries. This trade has led to the introduction of new ideas and religions to Meghalaya. For example, Hinduism and Islam were both introduced to Meghalaya through trade.
- Conquest by neighboring empires: In the 13th century, the Muslim sultanate of Bengal conquered parts of Meghalaya. This led to the introduction of Islam to the region, and many people converted to the new religion.
- Early missionary activities: In the 18th century, the British East India Company began to establish trading posts in Meghalaya. This led to an increase in contact between the people of Meghalaya and the outside world, and it also led to the introduction of Christianity to the region. Many people converted to Christianity, and it is now the third largest religion in Meghalaya.