UPPCS Mains 2003

Akbar's Religious Policy

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Arrange Akbar's regime events chronologically: 1. Abolition of Jizya 2. Construction of Ibadat Khana 3. Signing of Mahzar 4. Foundation of Din-i-Ilahi

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Akbar's religious evolution was a gradual journey from orthodox Islam to a more inclusive, syncretic philosophy. This timeline reflects his attempt to unify a diverse empire through state-sponsored tolerance.

Explanation 1. Abolition of Jizya (1564): An early gesture of goodwill toward his Hindu subjects. 2. Construction of Ibadat Khana (1575): A hall at Fatehpur Sikri for interfaith debates. 3. Signing of Mahzar (1579): The 'Infallibility Decree' that made Akbar the supreme religious arbiter. 4. Foundation of Din-i-Ilahi (1582): His final ethical system synthesizing elements from various faiths.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The reforms moved from specific legal changes (Jizya) to intellectual inquiries (Ibadat Khana), then political consolidation of religious power (Mahzar), and finally a full philosophical system (Din-i-Ilahi).
Logic 2: This progression matches the sequence 1-2-3-4 exactly as they occurred across three decades of his reign.

Active Recall

Question

What was the purpose of the Mahzar decree?

Answer

It empowered Akbar to interpret Islamic law in cases of disagreement among the Ulema, effectively reducing the influence of the orthodox clergy.

Core Insight

Akbar's sequence of reforms illustrates a shift from being a 'Muslim King' to a 'Universal Sovereign' over all Indian subjects.