Final answer:
The Delhi Sultanate was ruled by Islamic leaders who integrated Islamic traditions with Indian culture, while allowing religious diversity and protecting the rights of Hindu subjects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rulers of the Delhi Sultanate in India were adherents of the Islamic religious tradition. In the early 13th century, this Muslim state emerged as a dominant force in northern India, marking a period where Indian cultural traditions intertwined with Islamic influences. The sultanate was established by Muhammad of Ghur and saw significant expansions under successive rulers, like Iltutmish and Muhammad bin Tughlaq, which facilitated a wider spread of Islam and conversion among the Indian population.
As a minority governing a largely non-Muslim population, the Delhi Sultanate rulers did not enforce cultural homogeneity but instead granted certain protections to Hindu subjects, such as the status of dhimmis. Although a special tax, the jizya, was imposed on non-Muslims, the sultans often employed Hindus and allowed the practice of their religion to continue. This evident during Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq's rule, who expanded Hindu religious freedoms and even participated in Hindu festivals.