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I have wondered quite often that when it comes to art, music etc, are muslims more talented than hindus? Does religion play any role in nurturing talents of individuals? Bollywood specifically and India in general is dominated by muslims giving us different forms of amazing art over the period of time? In a country with 15% population they sure have more contribution than 80% hindus. Is it because in last few centuries they been rulers and have been better off than hindus?

returning_indian;337467I have wondered quite often that when it comes to art, music etc, are muslims more talented than hindus? Does religion play any role in nurturing talents of individuals? Bollywood specifically and India in general is dominated by muslims giving us different forms of amazing art over the period of time? In a country with 15% population they sure have more contribution than 80% hindus. Is it because in last few centuries they been rulers and have been better off than hindus?

Is this topic created just to create controversy? Is it necessary for a person who has received 600+ thanks?

OP read Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation by R. Keith Sawyer

PS - Unfortunately will not help you with Hindu Muslim stuff, if thats what you are looking out for ...

Are the Jews more intelligent than others?
Are the Andhraites better at software than others?
Are the Tamilians & Bengalis more intelligent than others?
Are the Punjabis braver than others?
Are the Gujaratis better at business than others?
Are the NIs, ahem, better at milking cows than others? :p (j/k)

The answers to above questions and your question, imo, is NO.When I say no, I mean that I do not think that their genetic make-up is better or different that makes them better than others. Religion does not dictate genetic make-up - it is an artificial division created by humans. The preponderance of certain sections in certain professions may be explained by factors such as social conditioning where certain communities have the social capital in an area and hence can capitalize on it. Example: It is not that a gujarati boy cannot become a good actor, it is just that probably the atmosphere in his house and the family friends while growing up is such that he is automatically attracted to going into business. Role models many a times dictate professional choices.

While we know that certain sections of the population are pre-disposed to have different physical traits depending upon their geographical habitat or race (Sherpas are better equipped to handle the low-oxygen environment, Kenyas seem to have more endurance than others, etc.), I do not know of any evidence where "softer" traits or traits related to functioning of the brain are better or different based on race. I do not know if certain sections/functions of the brain can be different (more or less functional) based upon say, generations of the particular race staying in a particular habitat. If anyone is aware I will be interested in seeing those studies.

foxbatneo;337501Is this topic created just to create controversy? Is it necessary for a person who has received 600+ thanks?

Are people who have received 600+ thanks (expected to be) more talented at opening threads?

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Life throws curve balls to test every kind of hubris one harbors. ~ Rabtag

foxbatneo;337501Is this topic created just to create controversy? Is it necessary for a person who has received 600+ thanks?

Focus on post, not poster.

Sarkar07;337565While we know that certain sections of the population are pre-disposed to have different physical traits depending upon their geographical habitat or race (Sherpas are better equipped to handle the low-oxygen environment, Kenyas seem to have more endurance than others, etc.), I do not know of any evidence where "softer" traits or traits related to functioning of the brain are better or different based on race. I do not know if certain sections/functions of the brain can be different (more or less functional) based upon say, generations of the particular race staying in a particular habitat. If anyone is aware I will be interested in seeing those studies.

Just the fact that our biggest export of tourism (Taj Mahal) is built by muslims, Bollywood is dominated by muslims, best painter, best musician etc etc are just dominated by muslims.

If you would notice, these periods of "talent" also coincided with the Muslim occupation and rule of a very wealthy nation. When you have long periods of economic stability and wealth coming in by suppressing locals (like the days of Mugals: Akbar to Aurangzeb), it is not a surprise that the community/religion that is in power, spends more money towards artists and artisans of their own community, while other community folks are forced to pay Jazia to provide luxuries to those in power.

So NO. Muslims are no more talented than Hindus.

returning_indian;337572Just the fact that our biggest export of tourism (Taj Mahal) is built by muslims, Bollywood is dominated by muslims, best painter, best musician etc etc are just dominated by muslims.

You remember these Muslim names because they are so few. They are outnumbered 200:1 by equally or more talented people of other religions (primarily Hindus). You don't remember their names because they are so many.

returning_indian;337572Just the fact that our biggest export of tourism (Taj Mahal) is built by muslims, Bollywood is dominated by muslims, best painter, best musician etc etc are just dominated by muslims.

If you mean, A R Rehman, he was born a Hindu and converted to Islam. :)

While it seems true that the representation of Muslims is pretty high (as compared to their % in population) in Bollywood, a lot of it is also because of sons following in the foot steps of fathers/uncles/mothers etc. Think Salman - Salim Khan, Aamir Khan- Tahir Hussain, Saif- Sharmila, etc. For every self-made Shahrukh there are also Amitabhs, Akhay Kumars who were able to rise up the chain. For Bollywood, I do feel it is a clear case of use of social capital by muslims - much like how Brahmins dominate/dominated many sectors despite their small % in population.