UPPCS Pre 1998

Akbar's Ideology of Kingship

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' was the cornerstone of the Mughal state’s identity under Akbar. It was a multifaceted philosophy that combined ethics, pragmatism, and mysticism into a single governing principle.

Explanation Sulh-i-Kul (Peace with all) was formulated by Akbar and his advisor Abu'l Fazl. It was driven by political generosity (to integrate non-Muslim elites), religious tolerance (influenced by Sufi and Bhakti movements), and a liberal cultural attitude that valued Indian traditions alongside Persian ones.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: It was not just 'religious'; it was a 'political' necessity to rule a diverse population without constant rebellion.
Logic 2: All factors—generosity, tolerance, and liberalism—were essential pillars that made the concept successful and allowed the empire to flourish for a century after Akbar.

Active Recall

Question

How did Sulh-i-Kul manifest in administration?

Answer

It meant that the state was neutral in religious matters and that all subjects had equal rights to state patronage regardless of their faith.

Core Insight

Sulh-i-Kul transformed the Mughal Emperor from a 'Champion of a Faith' into a 'Father of all Subjects'.