A heritage guide at Fatehpur Sikri shows visitors the Ibadat Khana, where Akbar invited Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jains and others to discuss religious i...
Question 1 Report
A heritage guide at Fatehpur Sikri shows visitors the Ibadat Khana, where Akbar invited Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jains and others to discuss religious ideas. A guidebook also mentions the ending of the jizya tax and Akbar's policy of sulh-i-kul. Visitors are asked to assess whether these measures were practical policies for ruling India or simply evidence of the emperor's personal interest in religion.
(a) Identify the meaning of sulh-i-kul. [1]
(b) Explain why ending jizya could improve relations with non-Muslims. [2]
(c) Analyse why Akbar's religious policy was important to the Mughal state. [3]
Answer Details
(a) Universal peace / peace with all [1] (b) Non-Muslims no longer paid a separate tax [1]; this could reduce resentment and encourage loyalty to Akbar [1]. (c) Any three from: most subjects in India were non-Muslim [1]; tolerance helped secure cooperation from Hindu rulers and officials [1]; it reduced the risk of religious opposition or rebellion [1]; it strengthened Akbar's image as ruler of all subjects [1].
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