Historically, what has been the relationship between Hindus and Muslims in India? How did the British use this to gain, consolidate, and maintain their power?

Historically the relationship between Hindus and Muslims and India has been full of conflict. Thus, the British used this relation of historic conflict to convince them their intention was to balance power between both sides and established military powerful means to be the most powerful party.

Explanation:

The reason behind this answer is that the Muslim and Hindu communities in India have fought over power since the beginning of their establishment. They have also encouraged an infinite fight in economical, social, influential, and almost all type of way they can. Therefore, the British used this history of scalations, tensions, and fight to convince them they were a necessary authority to balance the nation.