Question

how did political disunity in india during the eighth century onward contribute to the spread of islam?
a) infighting among rival states made it difficult to mount united opposition to muslim invaders.
b) disruptions in internal trade made it hard to acquire infantry supported by elephants to repel the invaders.
c) foreign trade encouraged arab settlements to establish themselves across the subcontinent.
d) lack of a centralized authority to enforce uniform laws created an environment that tolerated religious differences.

Explanation:

Political disunity means rival states were fighting among themselves. When there is no united front, it's hard to oppose external threats like Muslim invaders. Option B focuses on trade and elephants (not directly related to political disunity's main impact on opposing invaders). Option C is about foreign trade - Arab settlements (not about political disunity's role in opposing invaders). Option D is about law enforcement and religious tolerance (not the core way political disunity affected opposing invaders).

Answer:

A. Infighting among rival states made it difficult to mount united opposition to Muslim invaders.