Q. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was (UPSC Prelims 2014)
Answer:
the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions
Notes: The correct answer is
[C] the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions. The Ibadat Khana, or "House of Worship," represents a significant shift in Akbar's religious policy toward syncretism and universal peace.
- Purpose and Origin (1575): Built at Fatehpur Sikri, the Ibadat Khana was initially intended for discussions among Muslim scholars (Ulama). However, dissatisfied with their narrow interpretations and internal conflicts, Akbar opened the doors to representatives of all religions.
- Diverse Participation: Akbar invited scholars from various faiths, including Hindus (Purushottam and Devi), Jains (Hira Vijaya Suri), Zoroastrians (Dastur Meherji Rana), and Christians (Portuguese Jesuits like Father Monserrate and Aquaviva).
- Outcome: These interfaith dialogues led Akbar to conclude that all religions contain elements of truth but are often clouded by bigotry. This realization eventually led to the promulgation of Sulh-i-kul (universal peace) and the Din-i-Ilahi in 1582.