CDS 2018 (I)

Mughal Political Theology

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The idea of 'Farr-i-Izadi', on which the Mughal kingship was based, was first developed by which one of the following Sufi saints?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept 'Farr-i-Izadi' (Divine Effulgence or Light) was the philosophical justification for the Mughal Emperor's absolute and sacred authority.

Explanation The concept was first formulated by the famous Iranian Sufi philosopher Shihabuddin Suhrawardi (the master of Illuminationism). Abul Fazl later adapted this idea for Akbar, suggesting that the Emperor receives light directly from God.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is correct. Suhrawardi's 'Ishraqi' (Illuminationist) philosophy was the source of this 'light-based' theory of sovereignty.
Logic 2: This theory elevated the King above all others, as he was seen as a vessel of divine light, making his rule part of a cosmic order.

Active Recall

Question

How did the Mughals use the idea of Farr-i-Izadi?

Answer

They used it to claim that the Emperor was the 'Shadow of God' (Zill-i Ilahi), possessing a divine radiance that placed him beyond ordinary religious hierarchies.

Core Insight

Farr-i-Izadi allowed the Mughals to justify an inclusive, absolute monarchy by suggesting the King's authority was granted by God, not by any specific religious community.