CAPF AC 2020 Q88: Medieval History – Mughal Empire
Consider the following statements about sulh-i kul:
1. It means 'absolute peace'
2. It provided for freedom of expression to all religions and schools of thought
3. The ideal of sulh-i kul was implemented through state policies
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 3
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Sulh-i kul
How to think: all three statements are lines from NCERT on Akbar's rule.
None of them carries a twist, so all three stand.
| Statement | Verdict | NCERT says |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It means absolute peace | Correct | Abu'l Fazl calls sulh-i kul (absolute peace) the cornerstone of enlightened rule |
| 2. Freedom of expression to all religions and schools of thought | Correct | Allowed, provided they did not undermine the State or fight among themselves |
| 3. Implemented through state policies | Correct | See the table below |
How the State applied it:
| Policy | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mixed nobility | Iranis, Turanis, Afghans, Rajputs and Deccanis all held posts |
| Pilgrimage tax | Abolished in 1563 |
| Jizya | Abolished in 1564 |
| Officers | Told to follow sulh-i kul in administration |
The idea is linked to Akbar and his court historian Abu'l Fazl.
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also right; the ideal was put into state policies.
- (b) CORRECT. Sulh-i kul means absolute peace, gave freedom of expression, and was applied through state policy.
- (c) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are right as well.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 gives the meaning of the term and is right.
Key point
Sulh-i kul (absolute peace): Akbar's ideal described by Abu'l Fazl; freedom to all religions; applied through a mixed nobility and abolition of pilgrimage tax (1563) and jizya (1564).
Remember
Sulh-i kul = absolute peace; Akbar; made real through state policy.
Common mistakes
- Treating sulh-i kul as only an idea that was never put into practice.
- Mixing it up with Din-i Ilahi, which was a small order of disciples.
- Swapping the years: pilgrimage tax went in 1563, jizya in 1564.
Exam tip
Sulh means peace, kul means all. Peace with all is the whole idea.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part II (Kings and Chronicles: The Mughal Courts)
- NCERT Class VII History — Our Pasts II (The Mughal Empire)