Which of the following statements with regard to religious policies and Bhakti-Sufi saints during the Mughal era is/are correct? 1. Akbar established the Ibadat Khana for interfaith discussions and promulgated Sulh-i-Kul, whereas Aurangzeb appointed Muhtasibs to enforce moral codes. 2. Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti was a contemporary of Akbar, while Sheikh Mian Mir was held in high esteem by Prince Dara Shikoh. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Notes:

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Akbar pursued interfaith synthesis through the Ibadat Khana (1575 CE) and the non-sectarian principle of Sulh-i-Kul. Conversely, Aurangzeb enforced orthodox measures, appointing Muhtasibs to regulate public morality.
Statement 2 is correct: Sheikh Salim Chishti lived at Sikri and was patronized by Akbar (who named Prince Salim after him). Mian Mir (a Qadiriyya Sufi saint of Lahore) was the spiritual preceptor of Prince Dara Shikoh and Jahanara.