Akbar’s search for knowledge and his religious policies (OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project)): Revision Notes
Akbar's search for knowledge and his religious policies
In addition to his military and administrative skills, historians suggest that Akbar was a great reformist. Subjects were treated fairly and officials were awarded by merit. Moreover, both Hindus and Muslims experienced religious tolerance in the Mughal Empire.
Akbar was broadminded, manifested by his curiosity in many religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Jainism and Christianity. His liberal ideas and tolerance of faith gave way to an attempt to find a new religion based on the good points of all religions. Akbar's religious policy was based on four basic foundations: amity, equity, kindness, and tolerance.
Vedas, the Ramayana, the Gita, and the Mahabharata were translated to Persian from Sanskrit.
Jizya is a form of tax on permanent non-Muslim subjects.
Akbar adopted the following measures towards Hindus
He allowed people to freely worship any religion. Moreover, subjects were not forced to convert. Old Hindu temples were renovated and new ones were built.
Jizya, a tax on Hindus, was abolished. In addition, pilgrim taxes was quashed.
By marrying Hindu women, Akbar established matrimonial alliances.
Hindus were given high civil and military positions.
Based on the good points of all religions, Akbar attempted to establish a new one called Din-i-Ilahi.
Land was distributed to Hindu, Persian, and Jain institutions.
Cows were considered a sacred animal for the Hindus, thus, prohibiting their slaughter.
In spite of not acquiring formal knowledge like his father and grandfather, Akbar appreciated arts and culture. He combined the elements of Islamic, Hindu, and Persian styles in architecture. Moreover, he sponsored many artists, philosophers, and engineers, including his nine gems or navaratna.
Navaratna or Akbar's nine gems served as his advisors in many aspects of his administration.
Impact of Akbar's Hindu policies
- On the basis of fair rule, cooperation, and loyalty, Akbar was able to extend and strengthen his empire.
- Hindus and Muslims peacefully coexisted with one another.
- Through the establishment of a Translation Bureau, major scriptures were promoted.
- People felt religious security due to Akbar's tolerance.
- Widow remarriage and intermarriage between Muslims and Hindus were encouraged.
Glossary of Terms
Akbar
Akbar was the third Mughal emperor, son of Humayun, and grandson of Babur, founder of the empire.
Hindu
A follower of Hinduism and the dominant population in northern India during the reign of Akbar.
Jizya
A form of tax on permanent non-Muslim subjects.
Centralised government
A form of administration in which one power or authority rules over smaller units of government.
Muslim
A follower of Islam and a minority group in northern India during the reign of Akbar.
Navaratna
Akbar's nine gems served as his advisors in many aspects of his administration.
Exam Practise
At the time of Akbar's rule as Mughal emperor, northern India was largely populated by Hindus and few Muslims. Write a well-substantiated essay on Akbar's religious tolerance.