Tolerance for temples
Members of the Hindu sect of Radhavallaba were allowed to grow under the rule of Akbar and his predecessors. In particular, Akbar was praised by one member of this sect for his permission to allow the building of Hindu temples:
‘In his territory all people are happy. All people follow their own religions. He has issued an order to all governors to permit the construction of temples, which have turned into abodes of saints. Thus connecting the hearts of people with the Lord of the Universe.’
Akbar the Great (1542-1605) was the third leader of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals were Muslims who ruled vast territories in India, which contained many different populations with many different religions.
Initially Akbar followed the religious policies of his predecessors. However, he was very curious about other religions and became deeply influenced by certain Islamic mystical sects, which aimed at establishing a personal bond with the sacred. He increasingly wanted to treat all his subjects, regardless of religion or creed, equally and with respect. He abolished different religious taxes for Muslims and non-Muslims. He forbade the killing of cows and peacocks, which were sacred to Hindus. He also allowed his subjects, including Muslims, to change their religion.
In 1582, Akbar created a belief as a mixture of mystical ideas from Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and even Christianity. This religion is known as the Din-i Ilahi. Central to this belief was an Islamic theory of ‘universal peace’ (Sulh-i kul) that invites all citizens, of whatever creed and conviction, to live in harmony and to respect one other’s worldview.
All these measures brought Akbar in conflict with the Muslim clergy. Nevertheless, they ultimately respected him as Muslim leader. Akbar’s successors continued to rule India as Muslims. They did not continue the experiment of the Din-i Ilahi.
For more information on this and other peace treaties, see