Question

Compare the religious practices of Akbar's and Aurangzeb's reigns​

Answer 1

Answer:

Akbar's Religious Policy:-

Akbar is known for his liberal ideas and liberal religious policy. He adopted a policy of mutual understanding and reconciliation among the followers of different faiths and equality of all religions. He tried to harmonize relations. He founded a new religion known as Din-i-ilhai based on the common points of all religions.

• Akbar followed the policy of religious toleration on account of the following major consideration:

1)Influence of the Age over Akbar.

2)Strength and Prosperity of an Empire depends upon unity of its people.

3)Truth in every Religion

4) Influence of several personalities

• Main steps taken for Religious harmony

1. Equal treatment with subject of all the faiths.
2. Aboilation of Jaziya and other taxes imposed on Hindus.
3. Matrimonial alliances with Hindu Royal families.
4. Employment of Hindu subjects at higher posts.
5. Freedom of worship to all.
6. Founding a new religion based on the common points of all the religions.

• Impact of Akbar's Policy:-

1. Empire became strong.
2. A environment of good will was developed.
3. Social reform took place.
4. Cultural unity emerged.
5. Akbar got the credit of being a national king.

Aurangzeb' s Religious Policy:-

1. Aurangzeb completely reversed the religious policy of Akbar. All important temples of North India including the Vishwanath temple of Banaras and the Keshav Dev temple of Mathura were destroyed .
2. Mosques were raised at the sites of the temples.Images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses were broken and used to construct the mosques.
3. Several taxes including the jajiya were imposed on non Muslim communities.
4. Hindus in large no. were turned out of the serviced specially of the revenue department.
5. Various kinds of temptation were offered to Hindus to embrace Islam.
6. Restrictions were imposed on the celebration of Hindu festivals and affairs.
7. The execution of th 9th Sikh Guru , Guru Teg Bahadur on his refusal to embrace Islam is the most glaring example of bigotry of Aurangzeb.
8. During his reign, two sons of 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh were buried alive.