Akbar (Part-I)

Akbar launched "Tauhid-4-Ilahi" or "Din-i-linh" in 1582. Din- i-Ilahi was a syncretic religion which intended to merge the best elements of all the religions of the community. Indeod, the prophet of this new sect was Abul Fazl. Among Hindus, only Birbal accepted Din-i-Ilahi. Raja Bhagawan Das and Man Singh bluntly refused to embrace Din-i-lahi.

"Din-i-Ilahi" was not a religion but an ideology based on Sufi pantheism. Jahangir's contemporary Mohsin Fani mentioned Din-i-Ilahi as an independent religion in his text "Dabistan- i-Mazahib".

Akbar ordered the construction of Ibadat Khana in 1575 A.D. for holding a philosophical and theological discussion with Ulemas, Sayyids, Shaikhs. But he opened the doors of Thadat Khana for all schools of religion in 1578 A.D. These religious discussions in Ibadat Khana led to the declaration of Mahzarnama in 1579. Mahzarnama put an end to the predominance of the bigoted orthodox and allowed the free development of the generous spirit which Akbar wished to encourage. Mahzarnama is stated as infallibility decree by Smith and Woolsey Hage. Akbar was honoured with the title of Sultan-i-Adil or Imam-i-Adil after the issue of Mahazar. Smith said that "Din-i-Ilahi is monument of Akbar's foolishness, not of his wisdom".

Akbar ordered the construction of Ibadat Khana in 1575 A.D. for holding a philosophical and theological discussion with Ulemas, Sayyids, Shaikhs. But he opened the doors of Thadat Khana for all schools of religion in 1578 A.D. These religious discussions in Ibadat Khana led to the declaration of Mahzarnama in 1579. Mahzarnama put an end to the predominance of the bigoted orthodox and allowed the free development of the generous spirit which Akbar wished to encourage. Mahzarnama is stated as infallibility decree by Smith and Woolsey Hage. Akbar was honoured with the title of Sultan-i-Adil or Imam-i-Adil after the issue of Mahazar. Smith said that "Din-i-Ilahi is monument of Akbar's foolishness, not of his wisdom".

Mughal emperor Akbar established Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) city. Established is present day Uttar Pradesh, it was capital of Mughal Kingdom from 1571 AD to 1585 AD. It houses monuments of Mughal architecture of likes of-Jarma Masjid, Baland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti etc. Jama Masjid situated here is also known as 'Shah-i-Fatehpur' or 'Shan-i-Sikri".

Akbar had constructed palace with fort, around 37 km away from Agra at Fatehpur Sikri. Several buildings in Gujarat and Bengal styles have been found in this fort. Jodha Bai Mahal, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Birbal ki Kothi are some of them. Akbari Mahal is located in the Fort of Agra. Other three are located in Fatehpur Sikri.

Humayun's tomb is located in Delhi which was constructed in the patronage of Humayun's wife and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiya. This tomb is an example of Persian and Indian architectures.

The major objective of the religious policy of Akbar was universal harmony which is better known as "Sulh-i-Kul" policy. Akbar formulated the policy of Sulh-i-Kul in place of Islamic concept. He promulgated new sect "Din-i-Illahi" for reconciliation between all religious school in 1582 A.D. "Sulh-i-Kul' policy of Akbar reflects his political generosity and religious tolerance as well as his liberal cultural attitude.

The major objective of the religious policy of Akbar was universal harmony which is better known as "Sulh-i-Kul" policy. Akbar formulated the policy of Sulh-i-Kul in place of Islamic concept. He promulgated new sect "Din-i-Illahi" for reconciliation between all religious school in 1582 A.D. "Sulh-i-Kul' policy of Akbar reflects his political generosity and religious tolerance as well as his liberal cultural attitude.

In 1580 A.D., an Ulema, Mulla Muhammad Yazdi from Jaunpur issued a 'Fatwa' against the Mughal emperor Akbar and asked all Muslims to rebel against the Mughal emperor, Akbar.