Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

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Question

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C — the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religionsStep-by-step Solution:The Ibadat Khana (literally 'House of Worship' or 'Prayer House') was a building constructed in 1575 CE at Fatehpur Sikri — the Mughal capital established by Emperor Akbar. It was the hall where Akbar organised and participated in theological and philosophical discussions with scholars from different religious traditions.Initially established for Islamic scholars only — Akbar invited Sufi mystics, orthodox ulema, and Shia scholars to debate and discuss Islamic philosophy and jurisprudence. Over time, as Akbar's religious curiosity expanded, he broadened the discussions to include: Hindu scholars (Brahmins) and Vedantic philosophers; Jain monks (particularly Hiravijaya Suri, whom Akbar honoured greatly); Zoroastrian priests (Parsi Dastur Meherji Rana); Portuguese Jesuit missionaries (Father Antonio Monserrate and others from Goa) who discussed Christianity and the Bible; Muslim theological scholars.The Ibadat Khana thus became a forum for inter-religious dialogue unprecedented in Mughal history — reflecting Akbar's remarkable intellectual curiosity and his developing philosophy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace/harmony among all religions), which eventually led to his promulgation of the syncretic Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith) in 1582.Key Concept: Akbar's religious policy: Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace) — treating all religions equally; abolished the Jizya (tax on non-Muslims) in 1564; Din-i-Ilahi (1582) — an eclectic faith combining elements of Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Christianity; Ibadat Khana discussions (1575 onwards) — the intellectual foundation of Din-i-Ilahi; Abul Fazl (author of Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari) was Akbar's closest advisor and the main champion of his syncretic religious philosophy. Fatehpur Sikri: Akbar's capital (1571–1585); UNESCO World Heritage Site; built in honour of Sufi saint Salim Chishti (whose shrine is there); abandoned due to water scarcity after 14 years.

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

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Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

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