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Kings And Chronicles : The Mughal Courts
“The ideal of Sulh-i-kul was the corner stone of enlightened rule.” In the light of the above statement, make an assessment of the Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-kul.
Abu’l Fazl described the ideal of Sulh-i-kul as the corner stone of enlightened rule:
(i) In sulh-i-Kul all religions and schools of thought had freedom of expression but on condition that they did not undermine the authority of the state or flight among themselves.
(ii) The ideal of sulh-i kul was implemented through state policies-the nobility under the mughals was a composite one comprising iranis, Turanis, Afghans, Rajputs, Deccanis-all of whom were given positions and awards purely on the basis of their service and loyalty to the king.
(iii) Akbar abolished the tax on pilgrimage in 1563 and Jizya in 1564 as the two were based on religious discrimination.
(iv) All Mughal emperors gave grants to support the building and maintenance of places of worship.
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To what extent do you think the visual material presented in this chapter corresponds with Abu’l Fazl’s description of the taswir (Source 1)?
What were the distinctive features of the Mughal nobility? How was their relationship with the emperor shaped?
Identify the elements that went into the making of the Mughal ideal of kingship.
Find out more about any one Mughal chronicle. Prepare a report describing the author, and the language, style and content of the text. Describe at
least two visuals used to illustrate the chronicle of your choice, focusing on the symbols used to indicate the power of the emperor.
Prepare a report comparing the present-day system of government with the Mughal court and administration, focusing on ideals of rulership, court rituals, and means of recruitment into the imperial service, highlighting the similarities and differences that you notice.
Why did Akbar abolish the pilgrimage tax? Give two reasons.
Mention the significance of Sijda in the Mughal court.
What was the form of greeting an ambassador was expected to offer while being presented before the Mughal emperor?
Mention the main objective of Akbar behind Jharokc Darshan.
Who is considered as the Great Mughal? Describe his two achievements.
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