Empire Podcast: Episode 210 - Akbar the Great: Revolutionising Religious Tolerance

In Episode 210 of Empire, titled "Akbar the Great: Revolutionising Religious Tolerance," hosts Anita Arnam and William Duranpal delve deep into the life and legacy of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Released on December 10, 2024, this episode explores how Akbar's groundbreaking policies and personal philosophies not only shaped his empire but also left an enduring impact on religious tolerance and administrative reforms in the Indian subcontinent.

1. Akbar and Birbal: Beyond Folklore

The episode opens with a nostalgic discussion about the legendary relationship between Emperor Akbar and his wise courtier, Birbal. Arnam and Duranpal highlight how stories of Akbar and Birbal, often akin to Aesop's Fables, have permeated cultural consciousness, especially among Asian children familiar with tales from the Amakitra Katha comics.

William Duranpal emphasizes, “[...] these stories have actually made people fond of Akbar and think, actually, this is a man who's sort of in search of wisdom and surrounded himself with entrusted Hindus to tell him stuff that he was wrong and to make fun of him who were his wise counsel” ([04:15]).

Despite their folkloric embellishments, both historians acknowledge that Birbal was a real figure—originally named Mahesh Das—who was one of Akbar's nine Jewels (Navratnas). Their bond, however, met a tragic end when Birbal was killed while suppressing an uprising, leaving Akbar in profound grief ([10:07]).

2. The Nine Jewels: A Court of Diversity and Talent

Arnam and Duranpal provide an insightful overview of Akbar's Navratnas, a council comprised of nine extraordinary individuals from diverse backgrounds. While some, like Mullah Do Piaza, are likely fictional creations rooted in folklore, others such as Abu Fazl and Tansen were genuine historical figures.

Anita Arnam notes, “Abu Fazl lays it on with a trowel. There is, as well as Birbal... Tansen the musician” ([07:22]).

These courtiers were not only advisors but also pioneers in their respective fields—Abu Fazl as a historian and Birbal as a witty counselor. Akbar's selection of these diverse talents underscored his commitment to excellence and inclusivity, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.

3. Revolutionary Administrative Reforms

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Akbar's administrative genius. The hosts discuss how Akbar transformed traditional governance structures to create a more efficient and loyal bureaucracy.

William Duranpal asserts, “Think you can sort of say he invented a civil service at a time, you know, when this place has only known dictatorships...” ([12:59]).

Key reforms included:

• Jagirdar System: Unlike the hereditary land ownership prevalent before, Akbar's system was rotational. Nobles were assigned lands based on merit and could be moved across the empire, preventing the establishment of powerful, localized fiefdoms that could challenge his authority ([11:28]).

• Mansabdari System: This hierarchical ranking of nobles was based on their abilities and contributions rather than birthright. It fostered a meritocratic environment where talent was the primary criterion for advancement ([11:28]).

These measures curtailed the power of traditional nobility and laid the groundwork for a centralized and robust administrative framework that was later adopted by the British.

4. Sul Eql: The Policy of Pluralism

Perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of Akbar's reign, as discussed by Arnam and Duranpal, was his policy of Sul Eql—a commitment to religious pluralism and tolerance.

Anita Arnam explains, “The idea that there will be perfect reconciliation, universal toleration, peace with all and complete civility. This is actually made to be the system of the empire.” ([15:33]).

Akbar believed in rational inquiry over rigid tradition, asserting, “I want to find out the truth, whichever religion it is that holds it” ([15:33]). This was a radical departure from the norm, where rulers typically enforced religious homogeneity.

Key initiatives under Sul Eql included:

• Abolition of Pilgrimage Taxes and Jizya: By removing these financial burdens on non-Muslims, Akbar fostered an environment of inclusivity and respect for all faiths.

• Patronage of Hindu Temples: Significant investment in the construction of Hindu temples, particularly in regions like Braj, signaled his support for Hinduism alongside Islam ([16:26]).

• Translation of Sacred Texts: Initiatives to translate important religious manuscripts from Sanskrit, Arabic, and European languages into Persian facilitated cross-cultural and interfaith understanding ([24:04]).

5. Interfaith Dialogues and Cultural Syncretism

The episode vividly recounts Akbar's interactions with Jesuit missionaries and other religious scholars. These dialogues were not mere formalities but genuine attempts to explore and understand diverse religious philosophies.

William Duranpal shares a notable interaction: “[...] Akbar prostrates himself before the image of Jesus and they begin these discussions” ([25:38]).

This period saw:

• Commissioning of Religious Art: Mirroring Renaissance artistic exchanges, Akbar encouraged the creation of Christian-themed murals and artworks in his palace, blending European and Mughal aesthetics ([27:52]).

• Establishment of Ibadat Khana: A house of worship dedicated to religious debates, fostering an environment where scholars from various traditions could engage in intellectual discourse ([31:18]).

These endeavors not only enriched the cultural tapestry of the empire but also positioned Akbar as a forward-thinking ruler committed to harmony and intellectual exploration.

6. Din-i Ilahi: Akbar’s Personal Doctrine

Amidst continuous interfaith debates and his quest for spiritual peace, Akbar introduced Din-i Ilahi—a syncretic religion intended to merge the best elements of the religions present in his empire.

William Duranpal describes it as, “...the virtues are what are important in this new religion or faith or way of being in my empire” ([36:42]).

Key features of Din-i Ilahi included:

• Emphasis on Virtues: Kindness, generosity, and tolerance were central tenets, promoting a moral and ethical framework for his subjects.

• Selective Adoption: While Din-i Ilahi was a personal creation, it wasn’t aggressively propagated outside Akbar’s inner circle, serving more as an ideological guide for his trusted courtiers ([37:17]).

Despite its innovative approach, Din-i Ilahi faced criticism from orthodox religious scholars and did not gain widespread acceptance, remaining a unique aspect of Akbar’s legacy.

7. Personal Practices and Artistic Patronage

Akbar's personal life reflected his administrative and religious philosophies. His adoption of various religious practices and commitment to the arts were integral to his rule.

Anita Arnam observes, “Akbar takes on many Hindu and yogic practices, even becoming a vegetarian and criticizing meat eaters” ([16:26]).

Notable practices included:

• Vegetarianism and Animal Welfare: Akbar's choice to adopt a vegetarian diet and his stance against animal slaughter underscored his commitment to ethical living, aligning with certain Hindu and Jain principles.

• Artistic Patronage: By supporting the arts, including music, poetry, and architecture, Akbar fostered a vibrant cultural scene that celebrated diversity and creativity. The episode highlights the construction of intricate murals and the blending of different artistic traditions under his patronage ([41:20]).

These personal choices not only influenced his court but also left a lasting imprint on Mughal art and culture.

8. Challenges and Criticisms

Despite his visionary policies, Akbar's rule was not without contention. The episode addresses the skepticism and resistance from orthodox factions within his empire.

William Duranpal recounts the disapproval from contemporaries: “Badawny just thinks that’s because he’s sort of credulous” ([38:29]).

Key critiques included:

• Orthodox Islamic Scholars: Figures like Badauni labeled Akbar's religious experiments as heretical, challenging his legitimacy as a Muslim ruler ([29:03]).

• Jesuit Frustration: While initially optimistic about Akbar’s openness, Jesuit missionaries were disillusioned when their efforts to convert him to Christianity did not yield the expected results ([39:02]).

• Cultural Skepticism: The eclectic blend of religious practices led to perceptions of Akbar being "barking mad," as described by court chroniclers ([38:45]).

These criticisms highlight the delicate balance Akbar maintained between innovation and tradition, a balance that was both lauded and criticized by his contemporaries.

Conclusion: Akbar’s Enduring Legacy

Empire Episode 210 paints a comprehensive portrait of Akbar the Great as a ruler ahead of his time—innovative in administration, progressive in religious policy, and generous in cultural patronage. His efforts to create a pluralistic and tolerant empire set precedents that would influence not only subsequent Indian rulers but also colonial administrators.

By fostering an environment where diverse religious and cultural ideas could coexist and interact, Akbar laid the foundation for a rich, syncretic civilization. His legacy of tolerance and administrative brilliance continues to be studied and admired, cementing his place as one of history’s most visionary leaders.

Notable Quotes:

• “[...] this is a man who's sort of in search of wisdom and surrounded himself with entrusted Hindus to tell him stuff that he was wrong and to make fun of him who were his wise counsel” – William Duranpal ([04:15]).
• “The idea that there will be perfect reconciliation, universal toleration, peace with all and complete civility. This is actually made to be the system of the empire.” – Anita Arnam ([15:33]).
• “I want to find out the truth, whichever religion it is that holds it” – Akbar ([15:33]).
• “[...] Akbar prostrates himself before the image of Jesus and they begin these discussions” – William Duranpal ([25:38]).

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