DIN-I-ILAHI

PRERNA FOR IAS

DIN-I-ILAHI

1. Akbar's Mansabdari System

The Mansabdari System was introduced by Emperor Akbar around 1571 as the foundation of the Mughal administrative and military organization. The word "Mansab" means rank or position. Every officer was assigned a rank that determined his salary, status, and military responsibilities. The system had two main components: Zat, which indicated the officer's personal rank and salary, and Sawar, which specified the number of cavalry soldiers he had to maintain. Officers were paid either in cash or through jagirs. This system strengthened central authority, improved military discipline, and ensured an efficient and well-organized administration throughout the empire.

2. Din-i-Ilahi

Din-i-Ilahi was a spiritual and ethical order introduced by Emperor Akbar in 1582. It was not a new religion but an attempt to promote harmony among different faiths such as Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. The central principle of Din-i-Ilahi was Sulh-i-Kul, meaning universal peace and tolerance. It emphasized belief in one God, moral living, charity, kindness, loyalty to the emperor, and respect for all religions. Only a few close followers, including Birbal, joined it. Since it lacked scriptures, rituals, and widespread public support, Din-i-Ilahi disappeared soon after Akbar's death.

3. Akbar's Navratnas

The Navratnas (Nine Gems) were nine distinguished scholars, administrators, poets, musicians, and advisors in Akbar's royal court. They played an important role in strengthening the Mughal Empire and promoting culture. The famous Navratnas included Abul Fazl, Faizi, Raja Todar Mal, Raja Birbal, Raja Man Singh, Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana, Miyan Tansen, Fakir Aziao-Din, and Mulla Do-Piyaza. Abul Fazl wrote the Akbarnama, Todar Mal introduced revenue reforms, Tansen excelled in music, and Birbal was known for his wisdom. Their contributions enhanced administration, literature, music, military affairs, and intellectual life during Akbar's reign.

4. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a historic city built by Emperor Akbar near Agra in 1571. It served as the Mughal capital from 1571 to 1585. Akbar founded the city after receiving blessings from the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, following the birth of his son Salim (Jahangir). The city contains magnificent monuments such as the Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, and the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti. Due to water shortages, the capital was later shifted. In 1986, UNESCO declared Fatehpur Sikri a World Heritage Site because of its outstanding Mughal architecture.

5. Jahangir

Jahangir (1569–1627), whose original name was Nur-ud-Din Muhammad Salim, was the fourth Mughal emperor and the son of Akbar. He ruled from 1605 to 1627 and was known for his love of justice, art, and nature. Jahangir established the famous Chain of Justice, allowing people to seek justice directly from the emperor. His reign witnessed remarkable growth in Mughal painting and cultural activities. His wife Nur Jahan greatly influenced the administration. During his rule, the English ambassador Sir Thomas Roe visited the Mughal court, strengthening diplomatic and commercial relations between England and India.

6. Development of Painting During Jahangir's Reign

The reign of Jahangir is regarded as the Golden Age of Mughal painting. Jahangir had a deep interest in art and encouraged talented painters in his court. Portrait painting reached its highest level, with artists creating realistic images showing detailed facial expressions and costumes. Paintings of birds, animals, flowers, and natural landscapes also became highly popular. European artistic techniques such as perspective and light and shadow influenced Mughal paintings, making them more lifelike. Famous painters like Ustad Mansur, Abul Hasan, and Bishandas gained recognition. Jahangir's patronage greatly enriched Indian miniature painting and artistic traditions.

7. Arrival of the English During Jahangir's Reign

The arrival of the English in India during Jahangir's reign marked the beginning of British commercial influence. The English East India Company, established in 1600, sought trading opportunities in India. In 1608, Captain William Hawkins arrived at Surat and visited Jahangir's court but failed to secure permanent trading rights. Later, in 1615, Sir Thomas Roe arrived as the ambassador of King James I of England. Through diplomacy, he obtained permission for the English to establish trading factories in India. These privileges laid the foundation for British trade, which eventually led to British political control over India.

8. Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri (Jahangirnama)

Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, also known as Jahangirnama, is the autobiography of Emperor Jahangir written in the Persian language. Jahangir personally recorded the events of the first seventeen years of his reign, while the remaining part was completed by Mutamad Khan. The book provides valuable information about Mughal administration, justice, military campaigns, art, nature, and important court events. Jahangir also described his keen interest in plants, animals, birds, and painting. Historians consider the Jahangirnama an important primary source for understanding Mughal history, society, culture, and the emperor's personal thoughts and administrative policies.

9. Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan (1592–1666) was the fifth Mughal emperor and ruled from 1628 to 1658. His reign is known as the Golden Age of Mughal architecture because of the construction of magnificent monuments. He built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, along with the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi. Shah Jahan also encouraged literature, art, and architecture, making the Mughal Empire reach its peak of wealth and grandeur. In 1658, his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him in Agra Fort, where he remained until his death in 1666.