Aspirant Academy
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RAS question

Akbar abolished the jaziya tax in:

Correct answer: (B) 1564 CE.

Akbar abolished the jaziya tax on non-Muslims in 1564 CE as part of his policy of religious tolerance and imperial integration.

  1. (A)

    1582 CE

  2. (B)

    1564 CE

  3. (C)

    1575 CE

  4. (D)

    1556 CE

Explanation

Akbar abolished the jaziya in 1564 CE, so 1564 CE is the required date. SAGE Journals, European Journal of International Relations places this reform within Akbar's wider attempt to broaden Mughal legitimacy over a religiously diverse population. Akbar justified the abolition of the tax on non-Muslims in terms of integrating people of different religions as equally loyal to the state. The measure reflected religious tolerance and belonged to the broader Sulh-i-Kul idea of universal peace. Read with his abolition of the Hindu pilgrimage tax, the jaziya decision was not an isolated concession but a political and religious reform aimed at making Mughal rule acceptable across communities.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (A) 1582 CE is too late for this reform because Akbar's abolition of jaziya took place in 1564 CE.
  • (C) 1575 CE does not match the established date; the reform being tested was the 1564 CE abolition of the tax on non-Muslims.
  • (D) 1556 CE is not the year of this fiscal-religious reform; the abolition of jaziya belongs to 1564 CE in the context of Akbar's integrative policy.

Concept

This tests Mughal religious policy under Akbar, especially the link between taxation, legitimacy and Sulh-i-Kul. RAS repeatedly asks such dates because they connect administrative measures with larger themes of medieval Indian statecraft.

Source

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