[Solved] Abolition of Pilgrimage Tax by Emperor Akbar

Which Muslim ruler abolished pilgrimage tax?

[53rd-55th BPSC (Pre) 2011]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Discriminatory taxes on non-Muslim subjects were a standard feature of medieval sultanates. Abolishing them was a radical political act used by Akbar to integrate the majority Hindu population into the state.

Authentic Source Evidence

Akbar abolished the pilgrimage tax in 1563. He made this decision while visiting Mathura, after realizing that charging people to visit their holy sites was unjust and morally wrong. This was followed by the abolition of Jizya in 1564.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Akbar believed that the state should not profit from the religious devotion of its subjects.

Logic 2: These early reforms were the foundation of his 'Sulh-i-Kul' (Universal Peace) policy, which transformed the Mughal Empire from a conquering force into a stable Indian state.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the pilgrimage tax?"

It was a fee imposed on non-Muslims for traveling to religious festivals or sacred pilgrimage sites like Banaras or Mathura.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The abolition of the pilgrimage tax was Akbar's first major step toward 'Indianizing' the Mughal throne by removing the legal inferiority of non-Muslims."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Jizya Abolition 2 Sulh-i-Kul 10

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