How did the state handle its relations with its minority populations?
Akbar, a prominent Mughal emperor, treated minorities like the Hindus (a conquered people) very well. He let them participate in the military as well as political offices. This tolerance of minorities gave him a great reputation as a fair and just ruler. Akbar also appointed Rajputs, a rebellious minority group, to some of the highest positions in military. Although, Akbar did not handle all minorities well. Under his rule, the rich were incredibly wealthy, but peasants were incredibly poor, creating a large social disunity.
Unlike Akbar, Aurangzeb (a later and less respected emperor) was very intolerant of minorities. For example, Aurangzeb annexed several minority groups such as Bijapur and Golconda, Muslim Deccan kingdoms. He also persecuted a group called the Sikhs, and this led to rebellions by Sikhs, Rajputs, and Marathas. Lastly, Aurangzeb treated Hindus very poorly. He destroyed their temples and schools, and also disallowed them from participating in public office. This intolerance led to the decline of the Mughal Empire because of the lack of support and likability from Aurangzeb and the proceeding emperors.
In Conclusion, different rulers, like Akbar and Aurangzeb, used separate strategies when handling relations with minorities. Although, Akbar did have a much more successful reign and a much better reputation than Aurangzeb. This fact shows that it is a smarter move to welcome minority populations, growing the diversity and good reputation of the Empire.
Unlike Akbar, Aurangzeb (a later and less respected emperor) was very intolerant of minorities. For example, Aurangzeb annexed several minority groups such as Bijapur and Golconda, Muslim Deccan kingdoms. He also persecuted a group called the Sikhs, and this led to rebellions by Sikhs, Rajputs, and Marathas. Lastly, Aurangzeb treated Hindus very poorly. He destroyed their temples and schools, and also disallowed them from participating in public office. This intolerance led to the decline of the Mughal Empire because of the lack of support and likability from Aurangzeb and the proceeding emperors.
In Conclusion, different rulers, like Akbar and Aurangzeb, used separate strategies when handling relations with minorities. Although, Akbar did have a much more successful reign and a much better reputation than Aurangzeb. This fact shows that it is a smarter move to welcome minority populations, growing the diversity and good reputation of the Empire.
by: Anne Marie Green