Din-i ilahi

Definition

Din-i ilahi, or 'Religion of God,' was a syncretic faith introduced by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. It aimed to blend elements of various religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, and Christianity, to create a universal faith that would promote tolerance and unity among his diverse subjects. This initiative reflected Akbar's progressive vision for governance, where religious diversity was acknowledged and embraced.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Din-i ilahi was officially announced by Akbar in 1582 and was intended to be a new religion that would unite his empire's diverse population.
2. The faith was not widely adopted; only a small group of followers, known as the 'Din-i Ilahi' or 'Illuminated Ones,' embraced its principles.
3. Din-i ilahi emphasized ethical living, devotion to one God, and respect for all religious traditions, promoting harmony among different communities.
4. Akbar used din-i ilahi as a political tool to strengthen his rule and diminish sectarian conflicts within his empire.
5. Although din-i ilahi did not survive long after Akbar's reign, its principles influenced later movements advocating for interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance in India.

Review Questions

• How did din-i ilahi reflect Akbar's approach to governance and his views on religious diversity?
  • Din-i ilahi showcased Akbar's innovative governance style by promoting inclusivity and acceptance of diverse religious beliefs within his empire. By creating this syncretic faith, Akbar sought to foster unity among his subjects while reducing tensions caused by religious differences. His policies aimed at recognizing and celebrating the cultural plurality of India, demonstrating that he valued coexistence over conflict.
• In what ways did din-i ilahi influence later ideas about religious tolerance in India?
  • While din-i ilahi did not gain widespread following during Akbar's time, its core principles of respect for all religions laid the groundwork for future dialogues about interfaith relations in India. The emphasis on ethical living and universal values resonated with various reform movements that emerged later. As these ideas spread, they contributed to a greater appreciation for pluralism and coexistence in a region characterized by its rich tapestry of beliefs.
• Evaluate the reasons behind the limited adoption of din-i ilahi among Akbar's subjects and its implications for future religious movements in the Indian subcontinent.
  • The limited adoption of din-i ilahi can be attributed to several factors, including the deep-rooted traditions and identities of existing religions, particularly Hinduism and Islam, which made it challenging for a new syncretic faith to gain traction. Additionally, the absence of strong institutional support for din-i ilahi post-Akbar's reign led to its decline. Nevertheless, the concept of religious synthesis introduced by din-i ilahi continued to inspire subsequent reform movements seeking to bridge gaps between different communities in India, ultimately contributing to a legacy of dialogue around religious tolerance that remains relevant today.

Related terms

Mughal Empire:

A powerful Islamic empire in South Asia that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the 19th century, known for its cultural achievements and administrative innovations.

Sufism:

A mystical Islamic belief system that emphasizes the inward search for God and shuns materialism, often advocating love and devotion towards God as a path to spiritual enlightenment.

Akbar's Religious Policy: The set of measures taken by Mughal Emperor Akbar to foster religious tolerance, including the abolition of the jizya tax on non-Muslims and encouraging dialogue among different faiths.