Abolition of Jizya by Akbar

The abolition of Jizya by Emperor Akbar was one of the most significant acts of religious tolerance and social reform in the history of the Mughal Empire. Jizya was a tax levied on non-Muslims (dhimmis) in Islamic states as a symbol of their subjugation and in exchange for protection under Muslim rule. By abolishing this tax, Akbar demonstrated his policy of Sulh-i Kul (universal peace), promoting equality and harmony among the diverse religious communities of India.
This decision reflected Akbar’s vision of an inclusive and secular administration and marked a turning point in the relationship between the Mughal state and its non-Muslim subjects.

Background of Jizya

The Jizya tax originated in early Islamic tradition and was introduced in India by Muslim rulers as part of Islamic law. It was first imposed during the Delhi Sultanate, notably under Alauddin Khalji and Firoz Shah Tughlaq, and continued under the early Mughals.
Under Islamic jurisprudence, Jizya was levied on adult, able-bodied non-Muslim men in return for protection of life and property and exemption from military service. Women, children, monks, the elderly, and the disabled were exempted.
However, in the Indian context, the tax came to symbolise religious discrimination and was deeply resented by the predominantly Hindu population.
When Akbar (r. 1556–1605) ascended the Mughal throne, he inherited an empire still influenced by orthodox policies from earlier Islamic regimes. His approach to governance, however, soon diverged toward tolerance, rationality, and inclusion.

Akbar’s Religious Policy and Context

In the initial years of his reign, Akbar followed the conventional Islamic practices of governance under the guidance of his regent Bairam Khan and orthodox advisers. However, as he matured as a ruler, Akbar’s exposure to the diversity of Indian society and his interactions with people of various faiths transformed his outlook.
By the 1570s, Akbar had begun to implement a liberal and pluralistic policy, rejecting orthodox religious constraints and promoting inter-religious dialogue. His policy of Sulh-i Kul (peace with all) became the foundation of his statecraft.
The abolition of Jizya in 1564 CE was part of this broader programme of religious and social reform aimed at achieving unity and goodwill among his subjects.

Reasons for Abolishing Jizya

Akbar’s decision to abolish the Jizya was motivated by a combination of religious, political, and administrative factors:
1. Spirit of Religious Tolerance: Akbar’s personal belief in universal harmony and respect for all religions inspired him to remove discriminatory practices. He regarded all faiths as valid paths to the divine and sought to rule his subjects without religious bias.
2. Integration of the Hindu Majority: Hindus formed the overwhelming majority of Akbar’s empire. By abolishing Jizya, Akbar aimed to gain their confidence and loyalty, thereby strengthening the political unity of his vast realm.
3. Administrative Efficiency: The collection of Jizya was often corrupt and exploitative, causing resentment and unrest among the people. Its abolition simplified taxation and reduced social friction.
4. Influence of Scholars and Thinkers: Akbar’s association with liberal scholars such as Abul Fazl and Faizi, who encouraged rational and humanistic policies, influenced his decision.
5. Desire for Social Equality: Akbar viewed himself as the ruler of all his subjects, regardless of religion. Removing Jizya symbolised his commitment to social equality and just governance.
6. Promotion of Sulh-i Kul: The abolition of Jizya was a practical manifestation of Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i Kul, which emphasised peace, mutual respect, and cooperation among followers of all faiths.

Implementation and Proclamation

In 1564 CE, Akbar issued a formal imperial decree (farmān) abolishing the Jizya throughout his dominion. This decree was revolutionary in the context of Islamic governance and was received with great relief and enthusiasm by his non-Muslim subjects.
Abul Fazl, in his Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama, records Akbar’s deep concern for religious harmony and notes that he viewed the tax as a burden on his people, inconsistent with his ideals of justice and fairness.
Akbar not only abolished the Jizya but also removed other discriminatory taxes, such as the pilgrimage tax, which had been imposed on Hindu pilgrims visiting sacred sites.

Reactions and Consequences

1. Reaction of the Orthodox Clergy: The abolition of Jizya angered the ulama (Islamic scholars) and orthodox sections of society. They criticised Akbar for violating Islamic law (Sharia). However, Akbar’s growing authority and his policy of religious autonomy allowed him to disregard such opposition.
2. Popular Support: The measure was immensely popular among Hindus, Jains, and other non-Muslim communities. It reinforced Akbar’s image as a just and benevolent ruler who treated all his subjects equally.
3. Political Integration: The decision helped consolidate Akbar’s empire by fostering goodwill among the Rajputs and other Hindu elites. Many Rajput rulers, including the Rajas of Amber (Jaipur) and Bikaner, allied themselves with Akbar following his liberal reforms.
4. Administrative Stability: Social harmony and reduced communal friction strengthened the internal stability of the empire, contributing to its prosperity and expansion.
5. Diplomatic Prestige: Akbar’s reputation as a tolerant and enlightened monarch spread beyond India, enhancing his stature among contemporary rulers and travellers from West Asia and Europe.

Broader Religious Reforms under Akbar

The abolition of Jizya was part of a wider programme of religious and ethical reform, which included:

• Abolition of the Pilgrimage Tax (1563) – earlier imposed on Hindus visiting sacred places such as Prayag, Mathura, and Banaras.
• Encouragement of Interfaith Dialogue: Establishment of the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri, where scholars of different faiths debated theological ideas.
• Promotion of Din-i Ilahi (1582): Akbar’s syncretic spiritual order combining ethical principles from various religions.
• Appointment of Non-Muslims to High Offices: Inclusion of Rajputs and Hindus like Birbal, Man Singh, and Todar Mal in administrative and military positions.

Together, these policies created a model of inclusive governance that transcended sectarian barriers.

Later Developments

While Akbar’s successors Jahangir and Shah Jahan generally upheld his tolerant policies, the Jizya was later reimposed by Aurangzeb in 1679. Aurangzeb, following orthodox Islamic principles, reinstated the tax as a symbol of Islamic supremacy, reversing Akbar’s policy of religious inclusiveness.
The reintroduction of Jizya under Aurangzeb caused widespread discontent and contributed to alienation among non-Muslim subjects, particularly in northern India.

Historical Significance

The abolition of Jizya by Akbar holds immense significance in Indian history:
1. Symbol of Secular Statecraft: It marked a decisive shift from a theocratic to a secular and inclusive model of governance.
2. Foundation of National Integration: By removing religious discrimination, Akbar unified his multi-religious empire and laid the groundwork for cultural synthesis in Mughal India.
3. Humanitarian Vision: The act reflected Akbar’s humanist philosophy, moral courage, and empathy toward the common people.
4. Model for Future Governance: His policy of tolerance became a benchmark for enlightened rule in pre-modern India, influencing later reformers and thinkers.
5. Enduring Legacy: Akbar’s abolition of Jizya stands as one of the earliest examples of religious tolerance and pluralism in world history, a concept that resonates with modern secular values.