3.1 Land Based Empires SAQ
'Having on one occasion asked my father [Akbar] the reason why he had forbidden any one to prevent or interfere with the building of these haunts of idolatry [Hindu Temples], his reply was ...: 'I find myself a powerful monarch, the shadow of God upon earth. I have seen that he bestows the blessings of his gracious providence upon all his creatures without distinction. Ill [badly] should I discharge the duties of my exalted station, were I to withhold my compassion and indulgence from any of those entrusted to my charge. With all of the human race, with all of God's creatures, I am at peace: why then should I permit myself, under any consideration, to be the cause of molestation or aggression to any one? Besides, are not five parts in six of mankind either Hindus or aliens to the faith; and were I to be governed by motives of the kind suggested in your inquiry, what alternative do I have but to put them all to death! I have thought it therefore my wisest plan to let these men alone.'
Jahangir, Mughal emperor from 1605-1627, Memoirs
Question 1
Describe ONE example of Akbar's display of religious tolerance.
Question 2
Describe ONE way in which Akbar's response to religious diversity compared to the practices of the Mongols during the 13th century.
Question 3
Explain ONE way in which Akbar's practice of tolerance was different from the religious tolerance of the Safavids.
Teach with AI superpowers
Why teachers love Class Companion
Import assignments to get started in no time.
Create your own rubric to customize the AI feedback to your liking.
Overrule the AI feedback if a student disputes.