Question 62 from UPSC CSE 2014 - Culture

Question

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions

Strategy: Identify the key term 'Ibadat Khana' and associate it with Akbar's policy of Sulh-i-Kul, which promoted interfaith dialogue. Eliminate options describing a mosque or private prayer chamber, as these contradict the historical purpose of the Ibadat Khana as a venue for public religious debate.

Key Info: **About the Ibadat Khana**

- Built by Akbar in 1575 CE at Fatehpur Sikri, the Ibadat Khana was a hall dedicated to religious discourse among scholars from various faiths, including Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity.
- The structure symbolized Akbar's commitment to religious tolerance (Sulh-i-Kul) and his interest in synthesizing elements from different religions.
- Akbar personally presided over these public theological exchanges, which were intended to foster harmony and understanding among different communities.
- The Ibadat Khana was not a mosque or a private prayer chamber; it was a designated place for open debate and discussion.
- The intellectual activity centered there contributed to Akbar's religious innovations and ultimately inspired the formulation of his syncretic faith, Din-i-Ilahi.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: the mosque for the use of the Royal Family

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Akbar's private prayer chamber

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs