How did the Mughal empire promoted religious tolerance in the territories it controlled

Question

How Did The Mughal Empire Promote Religious Tolerance in the territories it controlled

Answer 1

The Mughals were Muslim descendants of Turkmen/Mongol groups that conquered parts of the Indian subcontinent throughout the 14th and 15th centuries. As such, they were always a minority government leading a majority of Hindus with minorities of Sikhs, Jews and Christians sprinkled in. The Mughals knew that even in a monarchy they needed buy in from the local population in order to succeed as rulers.

Mughal religious tolerance was multifold. Firstly, the Mughals kept religious minorities in their court as advisers, artisans, soldiers, guards and trade partners. This fostered a constant exchange of ideas among the elite circles of society. This is a literal application of the idiom "Courting favor." Secondly, the Mughals married non-Muslim women, like the famous wife of Akbar named Jodha Bai, who were often daughters of conquered rulers. Lastly, in exchange for jizya (protection tax), the common people of the Indian subcontinent were left largely to their own devices for the economic betterment of the empire. In a largely agrarian society, it was important to keep the working class productive and compliant.

This isn't to say there was no conflict. Hindu and other non-Muslim rulers and their armies of followers lost their lives and wealth in battles with Mughal soldiers. Temples in some areas were converted to mosques or desecrated.