Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

1. the mosque for the use of Royal Family
2. Akbar’s private chamber prayer
3. the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions.
4. the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• In c.1575 CE, Akbar constructed the Ibadat Khana (Hall of prayers) at his new capital Fatehpur Sikri wherein Akbar invited learned scholars from all religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism and used to conduct religious discussions with them.
• Some of the scholars were:
  • Pursottam Das – Hindu Dastur
  • Maharji Rana – Parsi (of Navsari)
  • Hira Vijaya Suri – Jain saint of Kathiawar
  • Aquaviva and Monserrate – Christian (sent by the Portuguese on Akbar’s request)

• In c.1582 CE, he promulgated a new religion called Din-i-Ilahi/Tauhindi-Ilahi (Divine Monotheism), which believes in one God and in Sul-iKul/peace to all. It contained the good points of all religions and the basics were rational. However, his new faith proved to be a failure. It fizzled out after his death. Even during his lifetime, it had only followers including Birbal, Abul Fazl, and Abul Faizi.

Answer: (c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions.; Difficulty Level: Easy