Q. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was
(a) the mosque for the use of Royal Family
(b) Akbar’s private prayer chamber
(c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions
(d) the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs
Ans: (c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions.
Ibadat Khana, located in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra, was a significant structure built during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. It served as the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Jainism, and Sikhism.
Akbar, known for his religious tolerance and interest in religious dialogue, established the Ibadat Khana as a place for intellectual and spiritual discourse. He invited scholars from different faiths to engage in discussions, debates, and the exchange of ideas on religious matters. This initiative aimed to foster mutual understanding, religious harmony, and the exploration of philosophical and theological concepts.
The Ibadat Khana represented Akbar’s efforts to create a syncretic and inclusive religious atmosphere at his court, where different religious perspectives could be discussed and respected. The discussions held in the Ibadat Khana played a significant role in shaping Akbar’s religious policies, including his promotion of Din-i Ilahi, a syncretic religion that sought to blend elements of different faiths.
Therefore, the correct answer is (c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions.
