Religious Policy of Emperor Akbar

Mughal empire was founded by Babur in c. 1526 but it was the policies of Akbar, the Great that heled in the consolidation of the empire. The religious policy of Akbar was the most significant one which helped in him in strengthening his position in India. After ascending the throne in c. 1556, Akbar did some experiments to understand the religious aspects prevailing in India that time. 

Also Read : Religious policy of Mughals (Babur and Humayun)

Rajput Policy of Mughals After Akbar

Indus Valley Civilization – The Origin

Factors Those Helped in Shaping the Religious Policy of Akbar

Akbar send his childhood in the palace of Rajput King Raja Veersal of Bhatti. Akbar’s parents were liberal and progressive in their religious thinking as well. Akbar’s mother Hamida Bano Begum was daughter of a prominent Shia scholar of Persia. Akbar’s teacher Abdul Latif was also a man of liberal religious thinking, he was so liberal that he was considered Shia in India and Sunni in Persia. Bairam Khan, the guardian of Akbar, was also a Shia by his faith.

Akbar was also inspired by the views of brothers Abul Fazal and Faizi, and their father Sheikh Mubarak as well because they always interpretated liberally. The liberal views of Bhakti and Sufi saints also inspired Akbar in developing a liberal religious policy. The relations with Rajputs also helped him as he married number of Rajput princess and allowed them to follow their faith freely. And the presence of Rajputs in the court of Akbar also didn’t allow orthodox elements to prevail in Mughal empire.

Nature and Character of Akbar’s Religious policy

The religious policy of Akbar was liberal in outlook as state didn’t interfere in the personal faiths of the masses. Number of steps initiated by Akbar for reforming religious values and hence, the policy was progressive in nature. It was tolerant and followed the policy of peaceful co-existence. The peoples of different religious background were appointed as state official and hence, the policy of inclusiveness was followed by Akbar. Thus, the religious policy of Akbar was overall a rational and pragmatic policy.

Reforms Undertaken by Akbar

Akbar took number of liberal and progressive steps. He stopped the practice of enslaving prisoners of war in c. 1562. He abolished the pilgrimage tax in c. 1563 and abolished Jaziya in c. 1564. During c. 1575 – c. 1578, the discussions of Ibadat Khana were started to held. Akbar believed that the truth is not limited to any particular religion, as religions are just different paths to reach the ultimate truth and he also realized that Ulemas promoted orthodoxy for personal benefits and hence, he started to boycott Ulemas.

In c. 1579, Akbar promulgated Mahzar (infallibility decree). He adopted the titles of Imam-i-Adil (supreme priest), Mujtahid (final interpreter of Islamic law). He even started to lead the Friday prayers himself. In c. 1581, Din-i-Ilahi or Tauhid-i-Ilahi was promulgated by Akbar which was just a pantheistic sect not a religion. It combines the good elements of different religions because Akbar wanted to bring followers of different religions on a common platform. In c. 1603, he did allow Christian missionaries to convert royal family members.

Impact of Religious Policy of Akbar

This policy of Akbar helped him to won the support of Rajput nobles. It helped in widening the mass base by pursuing liberal policy, that’s why he emerged as a National Monarch. The liberal policy of Akbar helped in promoting paintings, music, and dance and other arts as well. This policy helped in emergence of composite culture by integrating the Rajput culture as well. The best role played by this policy was in consolidation of Mughal empire and maintaining peace and stability.