MCQ Detailed View

The Din-I-Ilahi (Religion of God) was a syncretic religious doctrine introduced by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1582. Akbar, known for his policy of religious tolerance and openness to interfaith dialogue, sought to create a spiritual path that would merge the best ethical and moral principles of various religions practiced in his empire, including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism.

Akbar believed that religious conflicts stemmed from rigid dogmas and sectarian differences. As a ruler of a vast and religiously diverse empire, he aimed to reduce communal tensions by fostering a sense of unity among his subjects. Din-I-Ilahi was therefore not intended to replace existing religions but rather to serve as a moral and ethical guide that emphasized virtues such as piety, kindness, non-violence, and justice.

Membership in Din-I-Ilahi was limited and by invitation only. It was never a mass movement, and very few courtiers joined the faith. The doctrine discouraged many conventional religious rituals and promoted a personal, direct connection with God. The followers were encouraged to practice vegetarianism on certain days, avoid lust and greed, and remain loyal to the emperor as a spiritual as well as political leader.

However, the movement did not survive long after Akbar's death in 1605. His successor, Emperor Jahangir, did not promote the idea, and it eventually faded into history. Critics—both contemporary and modern—have debated whether Din-I-Ilahi was a genuine religious reform or a political tool to strengthen Akbar’s control over his diverse empire.

Despite its limited spread, Din-I-Ilahi is remembered as a unique example of religious syncretism in Indian history and reflects Akbar’s vision of harmony and tolerance. The year 1582 remains significant as it marks the formal inception of this remarkable, though short-lived, spiritual experiment.