Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which statement about the Mughal religious policy is NOT correct?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
Contrary to popular belief, the Mughal relationship with non-Islamic religious sites was often pragmatic. Grants and restorations were used as tools of patronage to secure the loyalty of local religious leaders.Explanation
While Akbar set the precedent by abolishing Jizya and Pilgrimage taxes, later emperors continued the practice of religious patronage. Records show that even Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan issued land grants and funds for the repair of temples that were damaged during military campaigns, as it was viewed as the duty of a 'just king' to protect established religious centers.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is incorrect because every major Mughal emperor provided some form of grants for religious maintenance, regardless of their personal orthodoxies.
Logic 2: Even Aurangzeb’s firmans exist that grant protection and land to Hindu temples in Banaras and the Deccan.