Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which one of the following factors is not conducive in establishing Akbar as a nationalist-
Solution & Analysis
Answer: A
Concept
Historians often call Akbar a 'Nationalist' because he sought to unify India through secular law and shared culture. However, this nationalist image is sometimes clouded by incorrect assumptions about his personal faith.Explanation
The claim that Akbar had forsaken Islam is historically incorrect and therefore not a valid factor. Akbar remained a Muslim until his death, though he practiced a very liberal and inclusive form of faith. He used administrative unity, common laws, and a tolerant religious policy to build a 'nation' out of diverse territories.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: 'Sulh-i-Kul' (Universal Peace) was a policy of the state, not an abandonment of his personal religion.
Logic 2: His efforts at cultural unity (patronizing local arts/languages) and centralizing the legal system (Ain-i-Akbari) were the real engines of his 'nationalist' reputation.