RAS question
The 'Din-i-Ilahi' was founded by:
Correct answer: (C) Akbar.
Din-i-Ilahi, also called the Divine Faith, was founded by the Mughal emperor Akbar.
Explanation
Akbar founded Din-i-Ilahi, a late-sixteenth-century religious movement whose founding is placed in 1582 CE. It is also called the Divine Faith. Its importance lies in its syncretic character, with influences from Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Jainism, while Encyclopaedia Britannica describes it as an eclectic movement and an ethical system. Encyclopaedia Britannica also notes that it had no sacred scriptures or priestly hierarchy, which helps explain why it remained a limited order rather than a mass religion. Birbal was the only Hindu who adopted it, and it did not survive Akbar.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Aurangzeb is wrong because Akbar founded Din-i-Ilahi, while Aurangzeb was orthodox and opposed such syncretic movements.
- (B) Jahangir is wrong because he did not found Din-i-Ilahi; Encyclopaedia Britannica attributes the movement to Akbar, not to Akbar's successor.
- (D) Shah Jahan is wrong because he is associated with architectural achievements such as the Taj Mahal, whereas Din-i-Ilahi belongs to Akbar's religious policy.
Concept
Mughal religious policy in Medieval Indian History includes Akbar's experiments in religious synthesis. RAS coverage often connects rulers, policies and ideological trends rather than just dates.