Akbar's idea of 'sulh-i-kul', as described by Abul Fazl, meant:

Akbar's idea of "sulh-i-kul" meant "universal peace" or "absolute peace" with all, and was the foundation of his religious and political policy.

Meaning of sulh-i-kul:

• "Sulh" means peace, and "kul" means all.
• NCERT explains that the ideal of sulh-i-kul was described by Abul Fazl as the cornerstone of enlightened rule.
• In sulh-i-kul, all religions and schools of thought had freedom of expression, but on the condition that they did not undermine the authority of the state or fight among themselves.

NCERT on sulh-i-kul:

• NCERT notes that this ideal was implemented through state policies.
• The nobility under the Mughals was a composite one, comprising Iranis, Turanis, Afghans, Rajputs, Deccanis, all of whom were given positions and awards purely on the basis of their service and loyalty to the king.
• Akbar abolished the tax on pilgrimage and the jizya, as the two were based on religious discrimination.
• Instructions were sent to officers to follow the precept of sulh-i-kul in administration.
• All Mughal emperors gave grants to support the building and maintenance of places of worship.
• Even when temples were destroyed during war, grants were later issued for their repair, as during the reigns of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.

Influences on Akbar's ideas:

• His discussions with scholars of different religions (Muslims, Hindus, Jains, Parsis and Christians).
• The teachings of Sufi and Bhakti saints.
• His tutor Abdul Latif, who taught him the idea of tolerance.
• His own experience of ruling a vast and diverse empire.

Akbar's other religious ideas:

• He believed that all religions contained some truth.
• He held that the emperor should be above sectarian conflicts and act as a father to all his subjects.

Later Mughals:

• Jahangir and Shah Jahan broadly continued the policy.
• Aurangzeb followed a more orthodox policy.

Why not the other options?

• ✗"Universal kingship", "unity of God" and "divine right of kings" are not the meaning of sulh-i-kul.