Gujarat BoardEnglish MediumSTD 11 ArtsHISTORYMughal Age3 Marks
Question
Briefly state the religious policy of Akbar.
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Answer
Akbar was a talented and far$-$sighted emperor.
An important part of his politics was his religious tolerance and liberal Rajput policy.
To make his rule stable and prosperous, Akbar adopted a policy of friendship and cooperation to get the cooperation of Hindus.
Most of the population of the empire was Hindu.
They had the qualities of loyalty, conscientiousness, and openness of heart.
Akbar knew it.
He was also aware of the power of the Rajputs.
To make them his own, he adopted the policy of marrying Jodhabai and other Rajput virgins.
Akbar knew that his religious policy, liberal policy towards Rajputs, friendship with Hindus etc. would be opposed by fanatical Muslims and Ulemas.
But he beat his opponents with great caution.
Akbar removed the discrimination of religion, caste, class etc. and gave equal civil rights and all possible facilities to Hindus as well as Muslims.
Abolition of pilgrimage tax: Hindus living in the Muslim state had to pay pilgrimage tax to the state while visiting their places of pilgrimage.
In $1563,$ Akbar abolished this pilgrim tax.
Hindus were allowed to build and renovate their temples.
Abolition of Jajiavero: Under Muslim rule, Hindus had to pay Jajiavero in return for exemption from military service.
When Akbar abolished this tax in $1564,$ Hindus and Muslims got equal citizenship.
Appointment of Hindus to higher positions: In the Muslim state, only Muslims were appointed to higher positions.
Hindus were appointed to lower positions.
Akbar appointed Todramal, Bhagwandas, Mansingh, Birbal, Jaimal, Bedichand etc. to high positions of Hindus.
State jobs were opened on the basis of quality without discrimination of caste, religion and class.
Abolition of Mundkavera: Akbar abolished Mundkavera which pilgrims had to pay in Hindu pilgrimage places like Kashi, Mathura, Hardwar, etc.
Thus, due to Akbar's liberal policy towards Hindus and his far$-$sighted policy towards Rajputs, the Mughal Empire developed and Hindu$-$Muslim culture was harmonized.
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