Introduction

Abu-I-Fatah Jaluldin Muhammad Akbar is also known as Akbar the great. He was born
in 1542 Oct 15 at Umarkot. He became third Mughal Empire of Mughal dynasty. He was
successor of Zahir-U-Deen Muhammad Humayuh. Akbar ruled India for 49 years from 1556 to
1605. When Akbar was born his father was in exile so he could not keep his child with him.
Akbar was brought up by his uncle’s family named Askari. They were quite moderate and open
minded. They could not give proper attention Akbar’s religious education and faith. Mughal
family was basically Hanafi Sunni, but Akbar religious inclination was towards Shiaism.1

In 1556 at the age of 13 Jalal-U-Deen Muhammad Akbar became a king of kings, He

faced some difficulty in the beginning but very soon it was managed to be overcome within all
internal and external factors which were creating problems for him. So, in this way he became a
good emperor of his region. He also faced many internal revolt by his own sons during his ruling
period named Khusroo Mirza and Saleem in different time periods. In the early years of his rule,
he started to maintain law and order accountability in all institute of his empire. He also started
work on internal peace of state and gave a lot of freedom to non-Muslims. He gave freedom to
all religious prospective because he had no much knowledge about his religious Islam other
religious, but he had great interest and he loved to get knowledge about all matter of all
religions2.

He spends his most of time in hunting, horse riding, play sword and running which made
him a trained and skillful warrior. He was not confirming in his religious, but he had knowledge
and love to learn science, philosophy and history of his forefather.

No doubt he was good emperor and he was ruling on India with full confidence and
power but in early years of his rule in Delhi and Agra Mughal empire collapse. So, in this way
Sur’s emperor kept these areas but very soon in the end of 1556 he started army regress against
Sikander Shah Suri and recaptured the main areas Delhi and Agra. He was also known as “2 nd
battle of pani pat” after that he conquered Ajmer and Gwalior fort in north India when Akbar
wanted to assert to power and position he dismissed Bairam Khan and later assassinated him. He

1
Makhanlal Roychoudhury, Sastri. The Din I Ilahi Or the Religion of Akbar - Primary Source Edition (Charleston:
BiBlio Life, 2014), 98.
2
Ibid.

1
had success at Malwa under foster brother name Adam Khan, who was also a Mughal
commander. Afterwards, he got over come on northern rajputana to capture chittor gar and
Ranthan fort he has a lot support of non-Muslim because he always gets opinion on religious and
political matters from Hindus Jainsther Budist and Christian scholars. He has a lot of respect for
non-Muslim scholars and their religious practices, even he created and establish ibadat kahana
for them and introduced many religious policies in favour of non-Muslims. He earned a lot of
respect from Hindus and other non-Muslims. In 1581 he captured Kabul from his brother named
Mirza Muhammad hakim thereafter, he captured Kashmi, Baluchistan, Qandahar after-ward he
started to explore his empire he assigned many non-Muslims commandeering his army and gave
good ranks in army he done all this because to maintain peace in state many he took the vast
empire of the special service. There were 9 intelligent people in his court on behalf of their
capabilities not in their religion3.

Religious Orientation of Akbar: The Promulgation of Din_I_Ilaahi

The religious policies of Akbar were quite tolerant towards Hindus. The reason behind
his modern and tolerant policies was that because he was bold and brought up in an environment
of comparatively socially conductive as he was grown up in uncle house so in his personality we
can easily judge their impact. The childhood teacher named Bairan khan was a Shia and also
mentor guardian and protector of Akbar the teachings of Bairam khan leaves impact on his mind
regarding their thoughts of religion. In this way Bairam khan was also responsible for shape his
early political religious social and economic policies of Akbar4. There was another person name
Abdul Latif who was Akbar notable tutor which Akbar taught principal of universal piece which
Akbar never forget in his entire life, so this way early environment had great environment in
Akbar religious views which were directed to liberalism when the Akbar was quite young he
dismisses the harm practices of enslaving the prisoner of war and force them to convert their
religion in Islam.

In his social reform he also discourages child marriage and Sati. He also accommodated
Hindu religion dominant by giving the freedom of public prayer and he allowed Hindu to build

3
Vincent A. Smith, C.I.E. Akbar the Great Mogul 1542-1605. (Delhi: Lucky Press, 1962), 132.
4
Shirin, Mehta. Social Scienstist. (Delhi: Ranta Sagar, 1992), 54-60.

2
their temple as their own choice, about his tolerance towards Hindu. One’s his own son Salem
asked to him why he had allowed Hindu ministers to build his temple with his money. Than
Akbar responded his son “my son I love my own religion but the Hindu minister their own
religion if he wants to spend money on them on religion what right do I have to prevent
him…does he not love the right to love the thing that is his very own5”

The main concern of Akbar to provide equality and accountability to all their subjects in
1564 1st time he abolished jazzyia which mean a certain tax on non-Muslim. He also refrains all
taxes on the person who enter in Islam or exile from Islam. Akbar set an example as one need not
to be treated fairly or equally in the Mughal emperor. Akbar was quite concern about the Hindu
and completely abolish jazziya in 1579 he had done all these things in result of good relationship
with Rajput. He also married Rajput princess Jodha Bai he also reduced many taxes and gave
relaxation to non-Muslim in other field of life like agriculture holy practices travel from one
place to and another and etc. Akbar also showed his interest in Hindu practices and also
participated in Hindu traditional and religious festivals like Holi Diwali Rakhri and such type of
festivals6.

He gave the concept and allowed to inter marriages system for all religions it can be
noted his own marriage with Hindu women and notable example is Jhoda Bai he was the
daughter of Rajput Jaipur house he does not remain in only Hindu religion for marriages he had
also Christian wife name Maria Zamani Begum.

One of the greatest legacy of Akbar is “ibadat Khanna” which means “house of worship”
it was built in 1575 at Fateh Purr Sikri. The basic purpose of establish of ibadat Khanna to give
proper plate form for debates among Sunni’s Akbar also took part in their debates in beginning
years only Mullah’s could have participated but afterwards exponents Hinduism Jainism Sikhism
criticism begun to take part in that debates all the scholars of their religion were given the proper
respect and regard. With the passage of time Akbar found that these debated were not help full to
create understanding and good relation between different groups of religion. Instead they create
bitterness so in 1582 discontinued such type of all debates.

5
Richard, Garbe. Akbar, Emperor of india: a Picture of life and Customs from the sixteenth century. (Chicago:
Open Court Pub. Co, 1909), 15.
6
Abul Fazl, Wheeler M. Thackston. The History of Akbar, Volume 4. (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2018),
140.

3
 In 1579 Akbar started to reduce the power of mullah’s because he was not in favor of
Mullah’s power according to Akbar, mullah’s created indiscipline and become the reason of
internal revolt their emperor on the basis of religious and spiritual aspects. So, he wanted to
decrease their power along with that he wanted to both political and spiritual power. According
to this infallibility decree Akbar became superior in term of civil and religious matter, Akbar
himself begin to read the khutba after this declaration was sign.

According to doctor Tara Chand Akbar was deeply interested in religious and philosophy
and he listen very carefully not only to the arguments of Sunni Sufi or Shia he also listen very
carefully to the other non-Muslim scholars. He also loves to read and learnt about the other
religion, he often heard the religious stories of non-Muslims of spiritual leaders from the non-
Muslims scholars he impressed a lot from their spiritual power of non-Muslims saints. He much
load to Hindu and other non-Muslims scholars as well7.

He also gave the concept of “Sulh-e-Kul” which means “universal peace” it is only the
solution of developing harmony and friend ship behavior among followers of different faith his
policy of sulh-e-kul was deeply influence by his Hindu mother and his mentor bairam khan and
Abdul Latif as well. All these played a vital role in Akbar religious policies8. He wanted to
extend strengthen his empire with corporation of all religious. He got all attention and favor of
all religious followers.

In 1581 he founded the new religion which was the mixture of all major religion of his
era like Budism Hinduism Jainism Christians and such type of other. He introduces the new
religious policy known as Deen e Ilahi which mean divine faith the reason behind creation and
establishment of Deen e Ilahi was that Akbar thoroughly acquainted the practices and principals
of different religious through listening the different debates and discussion of different religious
scholars. There are some important principal and factor of Deen e Ilahi which as below:

 God is only one He is great.

 Akbar is representative of God.

7
Richard, Garbe. Akbar, Emperor of india: a Picture of life and Customs from the sixteenth century. (Chicago:
Open Court Pub. Co,1909), 15.
8
Ibid.

4
  Every supporter of this faith should be ready to give away his life his purity honor and
religious to emperor.
 Every supporter should give oath of doing well for everyone.
 The blind faith should not have in any member.
 The member of this faith should not approve any child marriage and old marriage.
 The respect should be given to all religion.
 When the supporter of this faith meets each other, one should say “Allah Ho Akbar” and
the response of other should be “Jala Jalala Hou”.
 They should not eat meat as much as possible.
 They should nor sleep with minor girls.
 Every follower on his birthday to give charity and a feast.

About the members of Deen Ilahi Akbar did not force anybody to embrace new faith, on
the other hand mullahs was not ready to this concept and this religious policy of Akbar. The saint
Sheikh Ahmed Sir Hindi is also known as Mujadid Alf Thani was totally against his policies. He
was one and only to lead and criticize freely on Akbar policies. Akbar gave the concept of
Wahdat ul Wajood. On the other end Sheikh Ahmed Sir Hindi gave the concept of wahdat ul
shahood, it was totally against the concept of Akbar. Later on, Sheikh Ahmed Sir Hindi faced
many difficulties because of his concept which is totally against the Mughal Emperor. According
to Akbar views Raam and Rahim was sane, there was no difference except in names9. The
teachings of life were same given by both of them. According to all Mullah’s the concept of
Akbar were silly inventions and un-Islamic.

Deen e Ilahi totally change the character of Muslim rule in India Akbar aims was the
Hindustan under one head which was very difficult to achieve for him. Deen e Ilahi ended up in
religious conflict and bitterness as Akbar failed to realize that Hindu and Muslim at that age were
so orthodox and conservative that it is impossible for them to give up them believe and practices.

Mughal emperor Akbar was totally prohibited “cow slaughter” in common days and also
strictly prohibited to cook and eat beef for Muslim. Muslims give this religious demand of

9
Vincent A. Smith, C.I.E. Akbar the Great Mogul 1542-1605. (Delhi: Lucky Press, 1962), 132.

5
Hindu, he introduced this policy because he often listens discussion of Hindu scholars about holy
cow in their religion. He had great and emotional with the Hindu scholars he loved to agree the
opinion with them. He started to love eat vegetables.

There were also some other factors that are influenced Akbar Hindu’s policies. Akbar
was influenced by Sufi Peers and Bhakti Saints. Who had already been stressing open religion
tolerance and Akbar was born and brought up these kinds of atmospheres. So, it was natural that
Akbar was influenced by their contemporary ideas and values. His nature was also quite
moderate and at a open minded. Jalal-uddin Muhammad Akbar wanted to work independent and
free from all the restrictions of religion of Muslims. Because he wanted to have experiment and
cooperation with all the other religions. Behind all these things the main fact was he beloved that
without all that he can’t built or establish a strong empire10.

The famous Mughal Emperor Akbar the great had elected some great men from his
kingdom to act as a Akbar advisor and top official in the court. These are also known as
“Navarapnus” are nine gems. These nine gems were consisted on writer, artist, musician,
warrior, good thinker, foreign ministers as well and also poets.

“Raja Todhar Mal” was the first member of the court who was the foreign minister of the
Akbar’s empire court. About Raja Todhar Mal in his early life. He lost his father. He left him
with very little remaining11. He started his career as a writer. When he was young later on in his
life. He was the one to whom Shair Shah Suri gave a responsibility to build a court in Punjab
known as Rohtas Port. When Akbar over threw Shair Shah Suri. He gave the charge of Agra to
Raja Todhar Mal. Later on, he became the governor of Gujrat. About his achievement in India
also still practices in these days are present. He established and improve the economic system,
land reform system also revenue system by his intelligence. Which can be seem even today in
India as well.

“Abu-ul-Fazi Ibn-i-Mubarak” He was the second son of Indian teacher name Mubarak.
He was also great scholar as well. Born in Agra and was the great Vizier or Prime Minister of

10
Schimmel. Anne,aroe (2004). The Empire of the Great Mughals: History, Art and Culture. Reaktion boods. P. 88.
11
Chandra, Dr. Satish (2001). Medievel Indoa: From Sultant to the Mughals. Hat Anand Publications. P. 107.

6
Akbar’s court. His brother was also in Akbar’s courts. In his early age12. He got the education of
Arabic and Islam and became quite familiar with writing and reading in the just age of five years.
He had a significant influenced on Akbar’s personality with that influence and guidance. Akbar
became idealistic and moderate. When he was 23. He appointed in Akbar’s court. He extended
sentiment of liberalism towards Akbar and his empire. He was also first military commander in
Deccan. His most important work about Akbar and his empire was he wrote Akbar Nama. He
was much close to Akbar and much observed Akbar’s life. He always advised to Akbar on
different ways and matters.

“Raja Birbal” was the Hindu advisor of Akbar and also known for his traditional
character in India. He was born in 1528 and belongs to Brahaman family. He was also famous
for his singing and poetry and served Akbar as a religious and military commander for more than
thirty years. Birbal was only one who converted into Deen-i-Illahi that was created by Akbar. He
had been killed when he lead on army to crush to unrest in northern west. His death was the big
military loss for all Mughal army even Akbar’s too. The Emperor mourned on the death Birbal
was more than two docket his folk tale was famous even the end of Akbar empire. So, in this
way he got much respect from Akbar and was legendary figure of India13.

“Abdul Raheem Khana-i-Khana” was the defense Minister of the Akbar’s Era. Abdul
Raheem Khana-i-Khana was the son of Bheram Khan. He was born in 1556 when Akbar started
his ruling command on India. His father was the guardian of Akbar. When his father was killed.
Akbar took his responsibility. Abdul Raheem also shifted to Royal Court with widow mother.
Akbar also got married to second wife of Abdul Raheem father. In this way Abdul Raheem
became stepson. Abdul Raheem also served Jahangir the son of Akbar. His major two
achievements were books on astrology, Babar Nama and also wrote many books.

Tan Sen was born in Hindu family. He was the minister of culture and very famous by his
melody voice. He had great command on singing and different type of Rags. Deepak Rag one of
them which is much difficult to perform. He had been noticed by Akbar because of his services
for Ram Chand the Hindi King. Akbar requested for him and he granted him. Ram Chand gave

12
Grabe, Richard von (1909). Akbar, Emperor of India. Chicago: The open court Publication Company.
13
Henry Beveridge (Trans.) the Akbarnama of Ab-ul-Fazl Bibliotheca Indica Series (Calcutta: Asiatic Society of
Bengal) 1897 Three Vols.

7
the Tensen to Akbar as a gift. He was given the title of “Miea” which means “Learned Man” by
the Emperor himself. He was the most influence personality of Hindustan classic music. He was
the musician and vocalist. He was expended in many Hindu classic Rags even no one can
challenge his voice in the whole kingdom of Akbar14. He was fully control on his voice even he
was expert in Deepak Rag and also saved Akbar’s Daughter through Deepak Rag. His major
achievements two books on music and Indian classic named “Sangite Sara” and “Sriganesh
Stotaro”.

Abdul Fazi was another minister of Akbar’s court. He was the education minister in
Akbar’s empire. He was born in Agra in 1547. Fazi was an Arabic poet. He composed around
hundred poetic works in Persian. His collection of poems was comprised of Ghazals.

Raja Man Singh was Rajput Raja of Amber. He was chief of state of Mughal army. He
was born in 1556 and one of the trustful General of Akbar. Akbar married to his aunt and this
way he became close to him. He was in charge of move more than seven thousand soldiers under
his leadership in Mughal armies15. He fought against Rana Partab in the battle Haldghati. Later
on, he became the Governor of Bangal, Behair, Odisha and Jarkhend. Under his leadership a fort
and the mosque were construct. The most famous architectural achievement is the Karishna
Temple16.

Mullah Dopayaza was the minister of home affairs and also the in charge of internal
security of state. According to some scholars Dopayaza was fictional character. He took part in
several stories and he was like a witty character against Birbal. In most of the folktale of 19
century, we can saw him as a witty Muslim counter part of Birbal.

Fakir Aziao-Dinwas excellent chief advisor and religion minister of Akbar’s court. Its
duty was to provide religion advice to Akbar. His advice was considered as high esteem by the
Emperor himself. Who appointed him as one of his nurture?

14
Hasan, Nurul (2007). Religion, State and Society in Medievel India. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.
15
Habib, Irfan (1997). Akbar and Technology, Social Scientist 20. p. 25.
16
Ibid.

8
 There above all the some of the famous personality who influenced Akbar in his religion
policies directly or in directly. We can see the role of these personality in molding the Akbar
tolerance in religious policies17.

Din illahi, Wahdatul Wajud and Hindu Conciliation.

Akbar was most famous person in Hindu community due to his religious tolerance. He
always gave benefits to Hindus. In the beginning Era of Mughal called Babar Era. Muslims were
in majority and Muslims started converted Hindus in to Muslim religion after the death of Babar
his son Hamayun obligated the legacy of his father. After the death of Akbar became successor
of his father and started his empire with very soft and tolerance towards Non-Muslims. Akbar
came with different thoughts and mind. On the other hands Hindus deeply studied his thoughts
about their own religion18. Hindus knew very well Akbar had no knowledge about his own
religion Islam. Akbar started to get advices and suggestion about religious tolerance in his
Empire. In very short term, he became the star of Hindus eye. Before the Akbar there were rule
that if any Muslim convert his religion will face death penalty or any Non-Muslim converted into
Muslims face same punishment. If he wanted to encounter his religion that person also face death
penalty. But in the time of Akbar Hindu made the deal with Akbar that if any person wanted to
reconvert or forcedly convert Hindu into Muslim could reconvert to Hinduism without facing
any death penalty. Akbar’s goodness towards Hindus were very famous and Hindu sung the
name of Akbar in religious song and Hymns as well.

With the passage of time Akbar started to follow the Hindu preaching and tradition. He
celebrates festival of Diwali in his palace and also allowed Barhaman praised to lie jeweled
strings around the wrist by way of blessing and God showed mercy on him. By saying this many
of other religious things took place in Akbar’s court like to wear the Rakhi 19. He also neglected
the feeling of Muslims and renounced that beef and all type of meet forbade able in certain days
of week. Like father, his sons Jahangir and grandson Shah Jahan copied many of Akbar actions
like band on cow slaughter and only vegetarian dishes were allowed for eat and also preferred to

17
Ali, M. Athar (2006). Mughal India: Studies in Policy, Ideas, Society and Culture. Oxford University Press.
18
Chandra, Dr. Satish (2001). Medievel Indoa: From Sultant to the Mughals. Hat Anand Publications. P. 107.
19
Henry Beveridge (Trans.) the Akbarnama of Ab-ul-Fazl Bibliotheca Indica Series (Calcutta: Asiatic Society of
Bengal) 1897 Three Vols.

9
drink water only Ganga. When Akbar moved to Lahore Punjab which is 200 miles away from
Ganga. The water was sealed and carry with him as his sympathy towards Hindus. He thought
that Ganga water is the water of immortality. Historian write that there were many rumors about
Akbar but one of them his Barhaman priest showed the puppet through tight up with stings
caught pulled up to window of Akbar’s bedroom and told about their stories of their God.

Religious aspirations of Akbar and Rajput

Akbar is very much famous or known for policies towards Rajpoot. As he opened a new
chapter in this direction the Rajpoots were very brave and famous for their bravery, war skills
and much more abilities to tackle the bad situations against their enemies and also, they were the
leader of the Hindu in military field. It was not surprised that the one who wanted to build the
empire on the willing of Hindus dictated to deal with the major men of their Era, so Akbar do
that. Akbar won over the Rajpoot, but question raised here as in the case of Akbar’s how he did
that. He took many Rajpoots in Mughal services as he created them as Mansabdars 20. He also
abolished Jazia and other thing that he did the abolishment pilgrimage tax. He did that in order to
one they cooperation of Rajpoot as he followed a policy of reconciliation. So, he did that in order
to remove the discrimination feeling among the Rajpoots. It was because of that policy towards
the Hindus and Rajpoots and enabled Akbar one their cooperation and later on the captured the
northern India and also part of Deccan.

He married with the eldest daughter of Raja Behar Mal of Jaipur and because of this
marriage Akbar was enabled took Man Singh and Raja Bhagwan Das into the moral services.
Which Akbar helped to win many wars as they occupied officers of trust and responsibilities and
two other marriages 1570 and 1584 of Rajpoot princes from Bikaher and Jaisalmer and also
Saleem with the marriage of Raja Bhawan Das daughter? So, in these ways Akbar became most
popular in the state of Rajputana21.

There were certain features of Akbar’s policies towards Rajpoot which are as below:

20
Nath, R (1982). History of Mughal Architecture. Abhinav Publications.
21
http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Akbar_(1542-1605)

10
  The different marriages had to use decrease the distance between Akbar and
Rajpoots and discuss above come under this category.
 Because of Marriage with Joda Bai. Akbar appointed different Rajpoots in the
Mughal services and appointed on the high post.
 Akbar gave religious indolence to Rajpoot in which they can perform their
religion activities in which they could built their temples, worship houses and
such type of others. He also celebrate Rajpoots religious activities in his court.
 Akbar treated them with equal accordance which able him to win the cooperation
with Rajpoots.
 Akbar gave freedom to Rajpoot queens in the observance of their faith.
 All of the Rajpoot rulers submitted to Akbar after fighting against him were full
respect and honor.
 Akbar never interfere in the internal academic and administrative works of
Rajpoot Kingdom as he gave them internal freedom in the different matters.
 Akbar gave twenty percent high rank posts to Rajpoots in the Mughal royal army.
 The Emperor had personal relations with many rulers as when son-in-law of Rai
Singh of Bikaner died due to storm Akbar himself wanted to share grief with
their families.

Akbar Religious tolerance and other factions of society.

As history told about the Akbar religious tolerance gave space to other religious rather
than his own religious Islam which definitely defame Islam because Islam is only religion who
gave survival of every religion but Akbar truly against with that conspiracy. He always thought
that Islam imposed restriction on Muslims amalgamated with other resistance of other religions
as Akbar’s policies gave free hand to Hindu, decide this he gave free passage to other religion
like Jains, Jews, Christians and etc. To visit Akbar’s court all the communities of India and
preaching of their religion.

When they saw Akbar didn’t restrict them to preaching. They started to impose their
religion following on Muslims religion. Firstly, they prohibited for the slaughter of animals and
didn’t eat the meat except then the specific days in the week. For this Akbar first encounter with

11
Jains Shrabaka names Champa procession after six months long fast Akbar impressed by her
power and devotion. Akbar invited Acharya Hiravijaya Suri to Fateh PurSikri. Guru accepted
that invitation and moved his march towards Mughal’s capital from Gujrat22.

As Akbar has soft corner for other religions he was very impressed from Guru Acharya
qualities and characters. After arranged many dialogues among scholars of different religion for
interfaith harmony. Acharya preaching against eating meat or Acharya’s arguments made Akbar
complete vegetarian. When Acharya noticed that Akbar followed him then Acharya built
pressure on Akbar for using of Sansikrit text in Mughal court that reality was still unknown to
many Mughal historians that as Hindu jains also reason for the recession of Akbar Era due to
Akbar’s collaboration with Jains Indian Supreme Court has gave the precedence of co-existence
of Jains and Mughal architectural calling Akbar “The architecture of modern India” 23. As per
Akbar religious tolerance famous Jains “Amari Ghosana” removed the Jazziya tax from Jains
pilgrim places like Palitana, Santi chandra, Disciple of Suri was sent to Emperor who in turn left
his disciple Bhanu chandra and Siddhia Chandra in the court. Akbar called Hira Vijaya Suri
successor Vijaya Sina Suri in his court. And they came to him between 1593 and 1595.

As per majority of two religion found named Hindu and Muslims in subcontinent but the
nature of Akbar religious tolerance Christians saw that religion relaxation of Akbar. Christian
moved towards Emperor Court they raised their voice in front of Akbar. Their father Monserrat
to explore Christianity preach in the Royal court in front of Akbar’s court. After that the priests
were allowed to preach and convert freely in the whole kingdom. Akbar also allow them to
perform their religion activities freely in the state. Sometime Christian used Akbar’s court
against the other religion to show their differences among other religions. Most of the members
of court thought that Akbar will adopt Christianity. It is highly probably that his declaration and
suggestion devotion to Christianity were never truly sincere24.

In Akbar court all the religions had space to describe their preaching but meanwhile
providing their literature in the court to showing curiosity to other religion. They impressed
Akbar by their reasons and got the benefit of Akbar religion tolerance for creating religious

22
Haji Muhammad 'Arif Qandahari Tarikh-i-Akbari (Better known as Tarikh-i-Qandahari) edited & Annotated by
Haji Mu'in'd-Din Nadwi, Dr. Azhar 'Ali Dihlawi & Imtiyaz 'Ali 'Arshi (Rampur Raza Library) 1962 (Persian)
23
Eraly, Abraham (2004). The Mughal Throme: the Saga of India’s Great Emperors. P. 115-116.
24
Chandra, Satish (2007). History of Medievel India. New Delhi: Orient Longman.

12
harmony among all religions. Akbar made parliament of religion in which all the religions gave
descriptions of discussion in which Jews also activity took part. In Persian book “Dabistan”
which shows many mirrors of the event of the Akbar time also showed the detail religious
disputation with use participation in the “Parliament of Religion”. Parliament of religion Akbar
made different sides and allow them to discuss different topic and gave point according to their
religion. In that Parliament Jews were present and participated in all discussions ones they were
against Suni and Shia. They were also disputation. In which they state to defend their religion
and Akbar placed Christian in opposition.

Socially constructed spiritualism and Akbar

As study earlier Akbar religious tolerance didn’t hidden from anyone. The Muslims
theologians were pulled the issue among Muslims sects. Everyone gave best to show his own
best and criticize the inabilities of others. In Akbar’s court two famous Muslims theologians
named as Makhdom-ul-Mulk and Sheikh Adul-ul-Nabi try to defeat each other. Unfortunately,
due to that dispute Akbar lost in both of them. His thoughts exceeded to orthodoxy. They showed
or represented25.

In time of Akbar’s rule, the Western Europe was busy in pulling the dominium Mundi
among the state and church. This reformation of movement was initiated by Martin Lauther. This
movement describe the ultimate power of priests in the Rome.

Due to this conflict the theory of Caesaropapism came into being in which king was the
ultimate authority. When Akbar saw this reformation movement he centralized all the power in
which land in which land because this type of development influenced the Akbar. Akbar was the
person who appreciated and initiated new ideas in religious matters to improve and keep
maintain peace in his Kingdom. The laws related to religious matters were trusted to theologians
who were much closed and next in position to the ruler.

Akbar religious tolerance gave the relaxation to rebellions of religion. In 1577 a

highlighted case come into known front of majesty Akbar. In which Qazi blamed Barhaman

25
Schimmel. Anne,aroe (2004). The Empire of the Great Mughals: History, Art and Culture. Reaktion boods. P. 88.

13
captured a building which is sorted for a Mosque. After that Barhaman had also disrespect the
Profit (SAW) of Islam and Muslims. Qazi asked for the proper punishment for Barhamans. Due
to the lack of knowledge and conflictions consideration he gave no decision but Barhaman took
in prison for a long time. After some time, Muslims theologians demanded the death of
Barhaman and he was eventually put to death. This issue became furious outcry. After was in
much trouble not only this issue but by overall authority position which gave so much strength to
the Muslims theologians that Akbar was depended on them on such types of issue.

As the Akbar ambition of mutual understanding among different faiths Hindus Pandits,
parsis, jains and Jews among Muslims scholars. They were called to religious discussion at
Ibadat Khana. They didn’t explain themselves properly according to their own believes but
reviled Islam and the Profit (SAW) in restrict. In the end Akbar tolerance society opened the new
door among religion. He neglects all differences and gave equality to every Muslims and non-
Muslims that’s why inter religion marriages became common in societies but this always cause
are created issue for Muslims Akbar was one of them.

The reactionary moves of Traditionalist Muslims

 Akbar made the rule that exchange greeting with the words “Allah o Akbar and Jalla Jalal
Ho”.
 The member of Akbar faith distributed their foods in their life rather than distributed after
the death.
 In earlier days of birth meat should not be seen or eaten.
 Akbar declared that sexual relationship with old, pregnant or barren women and the
underage girls was forbidden.
 The celebration of birthday parties was compulsory by members.
 Akbar restricted the member could not be used vessels of butchers, fisher and birth
catchers.

Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi stayed for a long time for the royal court of Akbar in Agra. He
personally observed the political, social, academic and religious atmosphere of the Akbar’s
court. He came into relation with many other famous Ullamas, Sufis, Scholars and Nobles as

14
well as Government Officers, in order to understand the attitude what they think and what their
activities and their performance towards Islam. It’s Profit (SAW), Holy Book and followers. The
last twenty-five years of Akbar’s administration were in the eye of Saints. Sheikh Ahmed
Sirhindi was dissatisfied with religious condition of royal court. This surrounding took him great
distress and anxiety. His reaction towards Akbar actions and thoughts was very strong. He felt no
hesitation to openly criticize the Akbar attitude towards Islam and Muslims. He also observed
that Akbar and its court denied the prophecy of Prophet (SAW) of Islam and pointed objection in
that matters. Sirhindi came to know Ullma like Abdul Fazl and many others try to invest
prophecy to Akbar by calling him God’s Prophet. He also criticized the Ullma specially Ullama-
e-Su who were responsible for the religious condition of Akbar and the Muslims.

Ullma of other sects like Mulla Muhammad Zyazdi, the Shia Qazi of Jaunpur many time
criticize the Akbar’s religious thoughts and policies which Akbar wanted to impose entire
Muslim Ullma like this many of Akbar’s courtiers Ullma like Qutb-ud-Din-Khan Koka and
Shehbaz Khan kamboh criticize the policies of Emperor in the royal court. After the Manifesto of
Deen-i-Illahi opened rebellion broke out in 1581, to conspiracies were tried dethroning Akbar
and gave that place to his brother named Mirza Muhammad Hakim. Who was dethrone of Kabul
at that time.

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Conclusion

Akbar thought was built on philosophy of Sufi Saints due to Akbar’s strength. Akbar near
to become a Prophet but he didn’t claim to be a prophet or inventor of new religion but Akbar
thoughts the privileged position of Islam. If Akbar finish the remission of Jazzya. He banned the
cow slaughter, the petrel Hindu of administration. History would have executed him to the rank
of greatest King and nation builder of the world.

Due to his tolerance policies towards Non-Muslims. He became more popular. It was not
suitable for the Islam and Muslims, but it helped too much in the state peace and equality for all.
No doubt, the Era of Akbar was peaceful and remarked prominent period in the history. On the
other hand, traditional Muslims were not ready to accept the tolerance policies of Akbar towards
Indian communities, but Akbar didn’t care to anyone and they restrict and arrested many
traditional Muslims to avoid the religious conflict among all religious sects.

16
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