Final answer:
The Muslim state created in Northern India around 1200 was the Delhi Sultanate, noted for defending against the Mongols and fostering Islamic practices without fully imposing Sharia law. The Mughal Empire, founded by Babur, succeeded the Sultanate and further shaped India's history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Muslim state created around 1200 when Muslim power extended over the entire plain of Northern India was the Delhi Sultanate. This state was established by Muhammad of Ghur, who conquered the region and laid the foundations for what would become one of the most significant Islamic empires in the Indian subcontinent. The Delhi Sultanate defended its territories effectively, including against the Mongols, marking a period of flourishing trade and cultural exchanges between India and the Islamic world, although it never fully imposed Sharia law. The Sultanate facilitated the spread of Islam in India through policies like the per-person tax on Hindus, which varied with income and exempted some on the ends of the social spectrum.
It is worth noting that the Mughal Empire came into prominence after the fall of the Delhi Sultanate. In 1526, Babur, a descendant of Genghis Khan, established the Mughal Empire which marked a new era in Indian history with monumental architectural achievements such as the construction of the Taj Mahal. The Mughals were renowned for their use of gunpowder in warfare and expanded their empire significantly, influencing India's culture, religion, and arts until their decline in the 19th century.