Comparison of Religious Policies of Jalal-ud-Din Muhammad Akbar and Elizabeth I

Abstract

This article comparatively describes and analyses the religious policies of Jalal ad Din Akbar and Elizabeth I. It details the religio-political reflections of both monarchs against the religious questions and challenges of sixteenth century England and India. English experience appears as an essentialist solution by giving birth to well-defined Anglican Church. Indian case witnesses the non-essentialist experiment of Akbar based on the concept of Universal Toleration. The comparatives study of different religio-political steps of two monarchs reveals that Elizabeth I’s model finds place in the historical developments in Europe which are culminated in modernity. Akbar’s model, although being superior, vast and accommodative reflects resistance in the future historical development in the political history of India. Author, on the basis of findings stresses the needs of revisiting Akbar’s position in a pursuit to address the present day religio-political issues being faced by Pakistani state and society.