Much of this influence can be attributed to close to a millennium of Muslim rule across North India. Unlike in the North, South India had less outside influence until the advent of European imperialists. As such, the original Hindu traditions are relatively better preserved in South India than in North India.
A long history of Muslim rule in North India has significantly impacted its culture and traditions, whereas South India remained relatively untouched by outside influences until the arrival of European powers. Consequently, Hindu practices in South India have been preserved better than those in North India.