DiniIlahi

Din-i Ilahi, meaning Religion of God, also known as Dini Ilahi, was a syncretic religious doctrine proposed by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the late 16th century in the Indian subcontinent. It was not a formal organized religion with a church, scriptures, or a fixed creed, but a personal initiative by Akbar to create a unifying spiritual platform that could bridge Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, and other faiths within his realm.

Origins and development: The idea emerged from Akbar's Ibadat Khana sessions and his broader policy of religious tolerance and philosophical inquiry. It drew on Sufi concepts of the unity of God and personal piety, and incorporated elements from Hindu Bhakti and other traditions, yet it did not publish a canonical text or specify a common liturgy.

Beliefs and practices: The doctrine reportedly emphasized the oneness of God, ethical conduct, and inclusive attitudes toward other religions. There was no standardized creed or ritual; initiation into the Din-i Ilahi was largely confined to a small circle of courtiers and nobles rather than a mass movement.

Reception and legacy: The movement faced opposition from orthodox religious authorities and did not endure after Akbar's death in 1605. Modern historians describe it as a courtly experiment in religious syncretism rather than a lasting religious system, with little institutional structure or widespread adherence.

See also: Din-i Ilahi; Akbar; Mughal religious policy.