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Home / IAS Preparation / The Religious Policy Of Mughals

The Religious Policy Of Mughals: The Tale Of Conflict, Religion And Faith!

Last Updated on Apr 18, 2025
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The 'religious policy of the Mughals' was an important aspect of their rule in India. Different Mughal emperors followed different approaches to religions other than Islam in their imperial policy. While earlier Mughals like Akbar followed a policy of religious tolerance and neutrality, Aurangzeb adopted a stricter Islamic stance. The Mughal emperor's attitude towards non-Muslims and religious minorities shaped the religious' religious policy of Mughals' during their reign. This, in turn, impacted the stability and effectiveness of Mughal rule in India.

Here we shall learn about the religious policy of Mughals. It constitutes a meaningful part of the UPSC IAS test. Both UPSC Preliminary and Main Paper I contain many inquiries pertaining to this subject. It is also pertinent to UPSC History Optional. 

The Religious Policy Of The Mughals Under Babur And Humayun
  • The religious policy of the Mughals under Babur and Humayun was very liberal and secular. They followed the policy of religious tolerance and allowed people of different faiths to practice their religion freely.
  • Babur followed the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam. However, he did not impose his religious beliefs on others. His religious policy was based on religious tolerance and the co-existence of different religions. Minorities like Hindus and Shias were allowed to practice their religion freely during his rule.
  • The religious policy of religious tolerance continued during the rule of Humayun. He also followed the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam but gave equal rights to minorities. He believed in fraternity and co-existence among people of different faiths. Shia Iran supported him against Sher Shah during the Sur Empire, but he did not favour Shias in his religious policy.
  • The religious policy of the Mughals focused on reducing religious conflicts and maintaining peace. They founded new cities in India which had mosques, temples, churches and imambaras. This showed that people of different faiths were given equal status and respect.
  • Babur appointed Hindus in his administration. Hindu Rajputs were given important positions within the military under the religious policy of the Mughals.
  • Most of the Mughal architecture from the era of Babur and Humayun was of Islamic style, but they did not ban or destroy temples. Hindus and Jains were allowed to build new temples during this era showing religious tolerance as part of the religious policy of the Mughals.
  • In short, the religious policy of the Mughals from Babur to Humayun focused on religious harmony, non-interference in religious matters and secular administration. It led to the integration of people of different faiths and the overall development of India. The policy helped build a composite culture in India.
  • In conclusion, the religious policy of the Mughals under Babur and Humayun is very laudable and progressive. It sets an ideal precedent for a pluralistic society that India aims to build even today.

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Akbar Religious Policy

The religious policy of the Mughals under Akbar's rule aimed to bring harmony and unity among the people of different faiths who lived in India. Akbar himself believed in religious toleration and harmony.

  • The religious policy of the Mughals started with Akbar granting freedom of worship to all religious groups in the empire. Akbar issued decrees prohibiting forced religious conversions of non-Muslims living in the empire. He withdrew jizya or tax on non-Muslims showing his religious tolerance.
  • As part of the religious policy of the Mughals, Akbar fostered interreligious dialogue and interaction. Hindu and Jain's scholars were appointed as advisors to Akbar. He encouraged debates between scholars of different faiths to promote understanding of different religious beliefs.
  • To evolve an inclusive religious policy of the Mughals, Akbar started his own religion, "Din-e-Ilahi", that aimed at combining the virtues of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Jainism. The principles of Din-e-Ilahi, like mercy, tolerance and reverence for all religions, were meant to promote harmony among all religious groups.
  • Akbar wanted to evolve a religious policy of the Mughals that put people's welfare first instead of differences in religious rituals and beliefs. He believed religious dogma and rituals should not come in the way of good relations among people.
  • To take input for evolving an effective religious policy of the Mughals, Akbar organized conferences and meetings of Muslim scholars, Zoroastrians, Hindus and Jains. Their ideas and suggestions helped shape the principles of Akbar's religious toleration.
  • As part of the religious policy of the Mughals, Akbar encouraged the construction of temples, churches and gurudwaras. Non-Muslims were freely allowed to practice their faiths. Communal tensions were reduced due to Akbar's policy of religious toleration.
  • The strong religious policy of the Mughals under Akbar's rule led to an era of communal harmony in India, with people of different faiths living in peace and prosperity. Akbar's principles of focusing on humanity over religious rituals and texts became a model for inclusive governance.
  • In short, religious policy of the Mughals under Akbar aimed at bringing different religious communities together to make India a land of unity in diversity. His religious toleration and sense of harmony among religious groups led to a progressive period in Indian history.

Religious Policy Of Jahangir And Shah Jahan

The Mughals followed a policy of religious tolerance. They respected all religions equally.

  • Jahangir continued the policy of religious tolerance started by his father, Akbar. He followed the divine faith or 'Din-e-Ilahi' formulated by Akbar.
  • Jahangir treated all religions equally. He did not interfere in the religious matters of his subjects. Hindus and Muslims were treated alike by him.
  • Jahangir banned forced conversions in his empire. He ordered his officers not to interfere with either Hindus performing pujas or Muslims offering namaz.
  • Jahangir appointed men of merit irrespective of their religion in his administration. Hindus were given high positions in the army and bureaucracy.
  • Jahangir patronized religious scholars of all faiths. He held religious discussions with Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Parsi and Jain scholars. This showed his policy of religious tolerance.
  • Shah Jahan continued the policy of religious tolerance adopted by Akbar and Jahangir. He maintained equal respect for all religions in his empire.
  • Shah Jahan appointed Hindu officers like Raja Man Singh, Raja Jai Singh and Raja Jagat Singh in high positions. This showed that religion was not a barrier to administrative positions under Shah Jahan.
  • Shah Jahan allowed religious scholars of all faiths to hold discussions at his court. He held discussions with Hindu Brahmins, Muslim Qazis and European missionaries visiting his court.
  • Though Shah Jahan was a devout Muslim, he did not interfere in the religious affairs of Hindus in his empire. He continued the policy of religious tolerance followed by Akbar.
  • Shah Jahan showed equal respect to all religions. He gave grants to repair Hindu temples like the Kashi Vishwanath temple at Varanasi and Jagannath temple at Puri.
  • But Shah Jahan also undertook massive construction of Islamic buildings like the Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid and new parts of the Red Fort in Delhi during his reign. This showed religious neutrality in his policies.
  • In conclusion, both Jahangir and Shah Jahan followed the policy of religious tolerance and neutrality started by Akbar. They treated all religions equally and maintained religious harmony in their empire through this policy. 
  • They respected all religious communities and appointed men of merit, irrespective of their religion, in government positions. This helped maintain peace and stability during their reigns. The 'religious policy of the Mughals' under Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan is an important aspect of their rule.

Aurangzeb Religious Policy

Aurangzeb's 'religious policy of Mughals' was different from that of his predecessors.

  • While earlier Mughal rulers like Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan followed a policy of religious tolerance, Aurangzeb adopted a stricter Islamic policy.
  • Aurangzeb favoured orthodox Sunni Islam and tried to make it the official religion of the empire. This changed the Mughal policy of religious neutrality.
  • Aurangzeb imposed jizya or religious tax on non-Muslims like Hindus and Jains. This had not been imposed by previous Mughal emperors since Akbar.
  • Aurangzeb banned music and non-Islamic customs at his court. He also banned the consumption of alcohol and imposed strict Shariat laws.
  • Aurangzeb persecuted religious minorities in his empire, especially Shia and Sufi Muslims, whom he viewed as heretics. He banned certain Sufi practices.
  • Aurangzeb closed down private temples and prohibited new temple construction. He demolished several prominent Hindu temples like the Keshava Rai temple in Mathura and temples at Varanasi.
  • Aurangzeb dismissed Hindu officials from high positions and appointed conservative Muslims in their place. He followed a policy of promoting Muslims over non-Muslims.
  • Aurangzeb tried to expand the Islamic empire by waging wars against Hindu kingdoms like Marathas, Jats and Rajputs. He viewed these wars as jihad or religious duty.
  • Aurangzeb prohibited religious discussions and debates in his court, which had been patronized by previous Mughal emperors. He did not invite religious scholars of different faiths.
  • In contrast to earlier Mughal rulers, Aurangzeb did not give grants for the repair of temples. He saw non-Islamic religious places as symbols of Hindu idolatry.
  • Thus, Aurangzeb represents a shift in the 'religious policy of Mughals'. While previous Mughal rulers followed religious neutrality, Aurangzeb followed a policy of Islamic orthodoxy and Hindu persecution.
  • This shift caused resentment among his Hindu subjects and weakened the bonds of loyalty between the ruler and the ruled. His religious intolerance alienated Hindus from the Mughal Empire.
  • Aurangzeb's religious policy focused on promoting Islamic orthodoxy and restricting the religious freedoms of non-Muslims. This conflicted with the policy of religious tolerance followed by his predecessors and contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire. While previous Mughal rulers followed a policy of 'sulh-i-kul' or peace with all, Aurangzeb promoted 'sulh-i-Islam' or peace within Islam alone.

Conclusion

The 'religious policy of Mughals' varied from one emperor to another but was an important determinant of the nature of Mughal rule in India. While Akbar and his successors followed policies of tolerance that helped unite a religiously diverse empire, Aurangzeb's Islamic orthodoxy and persecution of minorities alienated large sections of the population. The Mughal emperor's attitude towards religion thus shaped not just the 'religious policy of Mughals' but also impacted the stability, prosperity and eventual decline of the empire. An inclusive and tolerant 'religious policy of Mughals' helped consolidate Mughal power while religious intolerance weakened it.

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Religious Policy Of Mughals FAQs

Akbar followed a policy of religious tolerance and neutrality. He treated all religions equally and respected religious scholars of all faiths.

Yes, both Jahangir and Shah Jahan largely continued Akbar's policy of religious neutrality and tolerance. They appointed Hindus in senior positions and respected all religious communities.

Aurangzeb followed a stricter Islamic policy. He imposed jizya on non-Muslims, banned temple construction and persecuted religious minorities

A tolerant policy helped unite a diverse empire, while Aurangzeb's intolerant policy alienated minorities and contributed to the empire's decline.

The religious policy of the Mughals is referred to as 'sulh-i-kul' (peace with all) under Akbar and 'sulh-i-Islam' (peace within Islam) under Aurangzeb.
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