Abstract
There are conflicting reports regarding the role of the Mughal emperor Jalal ud-Din Akbar (d.1556-1605). It is argued that he endeavored for the establishment of peace and tolerance in a pluralistic Indian society while the others criticized him for his perennialistic approach for religious and social cohesion. Contrary to these assumptions, it has been established in this paper that Akbar was instrumental in creating a space for non-Muslims to consolidate his authority that was the need of any pluralist society. He married with Hindu Rajkumari and appointed many Hindus on significant positions. All of these steps shows his careful socio-religious policy of government. The present paper helps us in understanding the Akbarian period from this unique perspective that has been always analyzed in theological and religious dimensions.
Keyword(s)
Social Pluralism, Akbar’s period, Diversity, Analytical Study