Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which Muslim ruler abolished pilgrimage tax?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
Discriminatory taxes on non-Muslim subjects were a standard feature of medieval sultanates. Abolishing them was a radical political act used by Akbar to integrate the majority Hindu population into the state.Explanation
Akbar abolished the pilgrimage tax in 1563. He made this decision while visiting Mathura, after realizing that charging people to visit their holy sites was unjust and morally wrong. This was followed by the abolition of Jizya in 1564.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Akbar believed that the state should not profit from the religious devotion of its subjects.
Logic 2: These early reforms were the foundation of his 'Sulh-i-Kul' (Universal Peace) policy, which transformed the Mughal Empire from a conquering force into a stable Indian state.