no they were well aware of all the nations living there.Its our textbooks that make us think that they were not aware and stuff.They were trading long before they took over and trade mainly happened with muslims because muslims were controlling the government at that time.They were very well aware of the demographics of this region.For British or any colonial power,the ethnic population dint matter at all.They were just concerned about their own economic progress for which they had to find ways.The most important one:temper with the culture...so they gained what they wanted by infiltrating our cultures(both hindus and muslims).

they look at india as a hindu state because it is basically dominated by hindus.That is the religion of the majority.How do you look at Iran or Saudi Arabia?

But in many european publications of today India is declared as a secular state.They do not talk about its religion.

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“Never oppress the one who has no-one but Allah to listen to his/her cries.”Imam syed ZainulAbideen(A.S)