Mughal Religious Policy

Sulh-i-Kul Policy: Akbar's Vision of Absolute Peace

Sulh-i Kul means 'absolute peace' and was a Mughal policy of religious tolerance. It allowed freedom for all faiths and was implemented through official state laws.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part II

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Consider the following statements about sulh-i kul :
1. It means 'absolute peace'.
2. It provided for freedom of expression to all religions and schools of thought.
3. The ideal of sulh-i kul was implemented through state policies. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

[CAPF 2020]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Sulh-i Kul was the cornerstone of Akbar's administrative and religious philosophy, aimed at managing a diverse empire through inclusion and tolerance.

Authentic Source Evidence


Developed with Abul Fazl, the policy allowed all religions to coexist under the umbrella of the state, provided they did not undermine the Emperor's authority or engage in sectarian strife.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct. It literally translates to 'Universal Peace' or 'Absolute Peace'.

  • Logic 2: Statement 2 is correct. It allowed diverse religious groups (Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Zoroastrians) to express their views, notably in the Ibadat Khana.

  • Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct. It was reflected in policies like the abolition of Jizya (religious tax) and the appointment of officers based on merit rather than faith.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Was Sulh-i Kul a new religion?"

    No, it was a state ideology of tolerance and co-existence rather than a theological creed.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Sulh-i Kul transformed the Mughal Emperor into a 'shadow of God' (Zill-i Ilahi) who stood above all religious disputes, ensuring the stability of the empire."

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