Step towards Integration

Akbar took a number of measures to promote greater understanding between the Hindus and the Muslims. Through these measures he created an atmosphere in which liberal views could grow and finally cultural and emotional integration of the people could develop. Some of these measures were the following:

Akbar abolished the poll of tax or Jizyah , which the non-Muslims were required to pay. He also abolished the pilgrim tax on bathing at holy places such as Prayag and Benaras. Further, he abolished the practice of forcibly converting prisoners of war to Islam. All these steps laid the foundation of a society based on equal rights to all citizens ,irrespective of their religious beliefs.

To strengthen the liberal principles Akbar enrolled a number of Hindus into the nobility . While most of these were Rajput Rajas, many of whom entered into a matrimonial alliances with Akbar , mansabs (position or rank) were given to others on the basis of their competence.

In 1575 , Akbar built a hall called Ibadat Khana or Hall of Prayer at Fatehpur Sikhri . At this hall, he used to call selected theologians of all religions , mystics and intellectuals and discuss religious and spirtual matters with them.

In 1579 , Akbar issued a ' Declaration ' or mazhar ,which made Akbar the supreme or final arbiter in religious matters and replaced the power of ulema by the power of Emperor.

In 1580 Akbar promulgated a new religion called Din-i-Ilahi . It was based on the principle of oneness of God.The new religion stressed on virtues like courage , loyalty and justice. It also demanded loyalty to the Emperor. The basic purpose of Forming Din-i-Ilahi was Sul -Kul or universal harmony which governed all public policies of Akbar.

Akbar set up a big translation department for translating works in Sanskrit , Arabic and Greek into Persian. Thus, the Singhasan Battisi, the Attava Veda and the Bible were taken up for translation. These were followed by the Quran , The Mahabaharata , The Gita and the Ramayan.

References- Std 9 ICSE