Question

With reference to social development during the Mughal Age, answer the following question:

Explain briefly any two steps taken by Akbar towards integrating the Hindus and the Muslims.

Answer 1

The Mughal Emperors, especially Akbar, took a number of measures to promote greater understanding between the Hindus and the Muslims.
Some of these measures were the following:

1. Akbar abolished the poll taxorjizyah, which the non-Muslims were required to pay. He also abolished the pilgrim tax on bathing at holy places such as Prayag and Banaras. Further, he abolished the practice of forcibly converting prisoners of war to Islam.
2. To strengthen the liberal principles, Akbar enrolled a number of Hindus into the nobility. While most of these were Rajput rajas, many of whom entered into matrimonial alliances with Akbar, mansabs were given to others also on the basis of their competence.