U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 1998

Mughal Administrative Policies

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The concept of 'Sulh-i-Kul' (universal peace and fraternity) adopted by Akbar was the result of:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Sulh-i-Kul (Peace with all) was the state ideology of the Mughal Empire under Akbar, aimed at creating a harmonious, multi-religious society.

Explanation As documented by Abu'l-Fazl, Sulh-i-Kul required the Emperor to maintain balance between all religious and social groups. This was manifested through the abolition of Jizya, patronage of all arts, and the establishment of the Ibadat Khana.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option D is correct. The policy was driven by political pragmatism (A) to unite a diverse empire, genuine personal spirituality (B), and a broad, intellectual interest in various cultures (C).
Logic 2: It shifted the Mughal state from a narrow religious identity to a more inclusive 'Indian' imperial identity.

Active Recall

Question

What was the practical impact of Sulh-i-Kul on Mughal administration?

Answer

It allowed non-Muslims, particularly Rajputs, to join the highest levels of the Mansabdari system, strengthening the empire's foundation.

Core Insight

Sulh-i-Kul represented a visionary attempt to establish secular governance in a deeply religious medieval world.