The Mughal Emperor who abolished the Jizya tax in 1564 was:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer: (A) Akbar
Explanation:
The Mughal Emperor Akbar abolished the 'Jizya' tax in 1564 as part of his liberal and secular policies. Jizya was a type of protection tax levied by Muslim rulers upon their non-Muslim subjects (Dhimmis).
Akbar realized that this tax served as a major obstacle to the unity of the empire and to Hindu-Muslim harmony. Prior to this, in 1563, Akbar had also abolished the 'Pilgrimage Tax.'
These reforms by Akbar played a pivotal role in earning him the title of 'The Great' and in securing the support of the Rajputs and other Hindu communities. However, later, in 1679, Aurangzeb reimposed this tax.
Additional Points:
Humayun: Akbar's father, who endured exile after being defeated by Sher Shah Suri and subsequently regained power.
Jahangir: Akbar's son, who gained renown for his 'Chain of Justice.'
Shah Jahan: His reign is referred to as the 'Golden Age' of Mughal architecture.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: Who was the first person to impose the Jizya tax in India?
Answer: Muhammad bin Qasim (in Sindh, 712 AD).
Question: Which Mughal Emperor reimposed the Jizya tax in 1679?
Answer: Aurangzeb.
Question: Who was the Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate who imposed the Jizya tax even upon Brahmins?
Answer: Firoz Shah Tughlaq.