Religious policy of Mughals (Babur and Humayun)

Religious policy of Mughals by Harsh

Babur established Mughal empire in c. 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodhi at the Battle of Panipat. After that number of changes were brought by Mughals in state system in India. Babur lived for short-period of time after establishing empire and Humayun was struggled for empire for so many years and finally conquered Sur empire in c. 1555 but he died very next year and hence, both Babur and Humayun got little time for brought changes in state system.

It was Akbar who consolidated the empire and brought number of changes in state system. The religious policy of emperors played significant role in the consolidation of the Mughal empire. Although Babur and Humayun didn’t get enough time for the consolidation of the empire, hence they didn’t try to interfere in the religious matter of the masses.

Also Read : Akbar – Theory of Kingship

Rajput Policy of Mughals

Rajput Policy of Mughals After Akbar

Babur’s Religious Outlook

Babur was a Sunni Muslim and was the founder of Mughal empire. Although he was a dedicated Sunni Muslim, he was liberal in his religious outlook. Babur struggled hard throughout his life. He won and lost principalities many times. He always desired to be the ruler of Samarkand, but he always considered India his home. Thus, during this whole struggle it was not possible for Babur to follow the orthodox interpretation of the Islam. Hence, he was liberal in his religious outlook.

Babur fought the Battle of Khanwa against Rana Sanga, this battle was declared as Jihad (religious war). But he declared this was as Jihad because of political reasons. Rana Sanga was a strong opponent and hence, Mughal soldiers were frightening to fought against him. Thus, to motivate his soldiers Babur declared the Battle of Khanwa as Jihad in which he eventually got success. Thus, there was nothing anti-religious in the approach of the Babur.

Humayun’s Religious Outlook

Humayun also struggled for empire for his whole. He also didn’t get enough time for the consolidation of the empire. But Humayun was liberal in religious outlook. He was involved in some practices which were prohibited by Islam. For example, he was addicted to gambling, drinking etc. When the ruler of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah attacked Mewar, the Rana Karnavati of Mewar asked for the help of Humayun by sending Rakhi.

Humayun accepted the Rakhi and eventually went to conquer Gujarat and Rajasthan which he did by expelling Bahadur Shah out of Gujarat. Thus, this approach indicated that he was not an orthodox ruler in his religious outlook. When Humayun lost his empire and moved to Persia, he adopted Shia faith to get the help of Persian ruler, Shah Tamashp.

Humayun’s family lived in the palace of Bhatti Rajput King Rana Veersal during the day of exiles of Humayun. Akbar also got born in the palace of Rana Veersal and spend his childhood day their as well.

Thus, the religious outlook of both Babur and Humayun was liberal in outlook. They were aware of the importance of the religious values and hence, didn’t try to interfere in the personal beliefs of masses.