Write a short note on religious policy under the mughals
Answers
Answer:
Historians and thinkers have given conflicting views regarding the religious policy followed by the Mughal rulers.
The matter has been made so complex, that it is not possible to sift facts.
However one may try to be objective, one’s vision still remains coloured according to one’s prejudiced approach on account of the influence exercised by vested interests.
What was the religion of the Mughal empire
Religious policy of Babur:
The following instances indicate that Babur was not liberal in his religious outlook:
(1) He declared the battle against Rana Sanga of Mewar as Jihad’ and assumed the title of Ghazi after his victory at Khanwa in 1527.
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(2) Babur again fought a ‘holy war’ against Medini Rai of Chanderi.
(3) The present Ram Janmabhoomi—Babri Masjid controversy which has done great damage to the Hindu-Muslim relations is the outcome of Babur’s legacy. It is said that by the command of the emperor Babur, his governor Baqi Tashqandi built a mosque at Ayodhya by destroying an ancient temple which also marked the birth place of Rama whom the Hindus consider him as an incarnation of God.
(a) He discriminated against the Hindu traders when he abolished some duties for all Muslim traders. Some of the historians think that all these acts were done on political considerations and not on religious considerations. Babur had to infuse a new spirit among his soldiers when he realised that they had to face stiff opposition from the brave Rajput’s.
Religious policy of Humayun:
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Humayun was not a bitter persecutor of the Hindus but he never attacked a Muslim ruler when he was engaged in a fight with any Rajput ruler at the same time. Humayun wanted to crush the power of Bahadur Shah of Gujarat who had annexed Malwa also. Humayun found an opportunity to overpower Bahadur Shah when he was engaged in war with Mewar. But Humayun did not attack him as his enemy being a Muslim ruler was fighting against Non-Muslims.
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 followers of different faiths and equality of all religions. He tried to harmonize the relations. He founded a new religion known as ‘Din-i-Ilahi’ based on the common points of all religions. Of course, in this endeavor he was not successful.
Answer:
The Mughal (or Mogul) Empire ruled most of India and Pakistan in the 16th and 17th centuries. It consolidated Islam in South Asia, and spread Muslim (and particularly Persian) arts and culture as well as the faith.