Write What was the policy of Sulh I Kul important for the Mughal to control their Vast empire
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Akbar's interaction with people of different faiths and beliefs made him realize that religious scholar who emphasized ritual and dogma were often bigots. He used to think that the teachings of these type of persons created divisions and disharmony amongst his subjects. This finally led Akbar to the idea of Sulh-i-Kul or universal peace. He inferred that the idea of tolerance was of utmost important because it did not discriminate between people of different religious backgrounds in his realm. Instead it focused on a system of ethics i.e. honesty, justice and peace. These were the virtues universally applicable. With the help of Abul Fazl, Akbar formed a vision of governance around the idea of Sulh-i-Kul. The principle of Sulh-iKul was further followed by Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
In Persian "Sulh I Kul" means "peace with all". Akbar appointed many Hindus to high positions in his Empire. He removed many of the civil disabilities to which Hindus had been subjected. He participated in debates between authorities of various religious traditions, and started his own religious cult.
As a good statesman, he understood that in order to reign on a firm footing he had to make himself the king not only of the Muslims but also gain the sympathy and goodwill of all the sections of the people, particularly the Hindus.
So he adopted a policy of universal religious toleration. He gave equal respect to all the religions in the country. He allowed everyone to worship God in any form and in any style according to their belief.
He did not believe in the predominance of priesthood. He believed in his own internal conscience as a guide. He abolished the religious taxes like Jaziya which was charged only from the Hindus. He allowed people to build their own churches and temples.
He treated the Hindus on a footing of equality with the Muslims. His policy of religious toleration made him dear to the Hindus. They became his loyal and faithful supporters in all matters of the state. They assisted him in conquering the whole of Northern India and a part of the Deccan.