Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism.

Akbar’s religious policy evolved from pragmatic tolerance into an imperial philosophy of sulh-i-kul, or universal peace. It sought to reduce sectarian conflict and provide ideological support for a diverse empire. **Administrative inclusiveness:** Akbar abolished the pilgrimage tax (1563) and *jizya* (1564), incorporated Rajputs and other non-Muslims into the nobility, and encouraged inter-community cooperation. **Inter-faith dialogue:** The *Ibadat Khana* at Fatehpur Sikri hosted discussions among Sunni and Shia scholars, Hindus, Jains, Zoroastrians and Jesuit missionaries. **Personal intellectual engagement:** Jain teachings influenced restrictions on animal slaughter; Zoroastrian ideas influenced court rituals involving the sun and fire. **Ethical fellowship:** The *Din-i Ilahi* or *Tauhid-i Ilahi* (1582) promoted loyalty, moral conduct and spiritual discipline rather than constituting a mass religion. **Cultural synthesis:** Persian translations of the *Mahabharata* (*Razmnama*) and the *Ramayana*, along with Indo-Islamic architecture and painting, reflected cultural interaction. However, this syncretism remained largely imperial and elite-centred.