UPSC Prelims 2014 Q93: Medieval History – Mughal Empire
Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was
- (a) the mosque for the use of Royal Family
- (b) Akbar’s private prayer chamber
- (c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions
- (d) the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs
Answer: (c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions
Explanation
Ibadat Khana
The Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) was built by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575.
It was the hall where he held discussions with scholars of various religions.
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1575 | Built; at first only Muslim scholars debated |
| 1578 | Opened to all religions |
| 1579 | Mahzar declared Akbar the final arbiter in religious disputes |
| 1582 | Din-i-Ilahi (Tauhid-i-Ilahi) put forward |
Who took part:
| Faith | Representative |
|---|---|
| Hinduism | Purushottam, Devi |
| Jainism | Hiravijaya Suri |
| Zoroastrianism | Dastur Meherji Rana |
| Christianity | Jesuit fathers Aquaviva and Monserrate |
These debates led to his policy of Sulh-i-kul (peace with all).
Answer: (c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It was not a mosque for the royal family.
- (b) Incorrect. It was not Akbar's private prayer chamber.
- (c) CORRECT. It was the hall for Akbar's discussions with scholars of various religions.
- (d) Incorrect. The debates were led by Akbar with scholars, not a gathering of nobles alone.
Key point
Ibadat Khana (Fatehpur Sikri, 1575): hall of religious debate; opened to all faiths in 1578; Mahzar 1579; Din-i-Ilahi 1582; Sulh-i-kul.
Remember
Ibadat Khana = Akbar's hall of religious debate.
Common mistakes
- Taking 'House of Worship' literally as a prayer room.
- Confusing the order: Ibadat Khana, Mahzar, Din-i-Ilahi.
- Thinking only Muslim scholars ever took part.
Exam tip
1575, 1578, 1579, 1582: built, opened to all, Mahzar, Din-i-Ilahi.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — History of Medieval India (Akbar: religious policy)
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part II, Ch 9 (Kings and Chronicles: The Mughal Courts)