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When a Sultan Bowed to a Saint: Akbar and the Ibadat Khana Debates episode artwork

EPISODE · May 31, 2026 · 8 MIN

When a Sultan Bowed to a Saint: Akbar and the Ibadat Khana Debates

from Religion and Empire: How Faith Built Nations — Fexingo History · host Fexingo

In this episode of Religion and Empire, Lucas and Luna explore a remarkable experiment in interfaith dialogue: the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) built by Mughal Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in the 1570s. Initially convened with Muslim scholars, the debates soon expanded to include Hindus, Jains, Zoroastrians, Christians, and even atheists. Lucas unpacks how Akbar's insatiable curiosity and political ambition drove him to challenge orthodox Islam, issue the syncretic Din-i-Ilahi, and ultimately reimagine imperial authority as divinely inspired but transcending any single creed. Along the way, they discuss the impact of Jain monk Hira Vijaya Suri, Jesuit missionaries from Goa, and the role of Akbar's close advisor Abu'l-Fazl in crafting a tolerant, pluralistic vision for a multi-religious empire. The episode offers a nuanced look at how one ruler's personal quest for truth reshaped the spiritual landscape of early modern India. #Akbar #MughalEmpire #IbadatKhana #FatehpurSikri #Din-i-Ilahi #Abu'l-Fazl #HiraVijayaSuri #Jesuits #InterfaithDialogue #Sulh-i-Kul #16thCentury #India #History #ReligionAndEmpire #FexingoHistory #WorldHistory #Pluralism #AkbarTheGreat Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

What this episode covers

In this episode of Religion and Empire, Lucas and Luna explore a remarkable experiment in interfaith dialogue: the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) built by Mughal Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in the 1570s. Initially convened with Muslim scholars, the debates soon expanded to include Hindus, Jains, Zoroastrians, Christians, and even atheists. Lucas unpacks how Akbar's insatiable curiosity and political ambition drove him to challenge orthodox Islam, issue the syncretic Din-i-Ilahi, and ultimately reimagine imperial authority as divinely inspired but transcending any single creed. Along the way, they discuss the impact of Jain monk Hira Vijaya Suri, Jesuit missionaries from Goa, and the role of Akbar's close advisor Abu'l-Fazl in crafting a tolerant, pluralistic vision for a multi-religious empire. The episode offers a nuanced look at how one ruler's personal quest for truth reshaped the spiritual landscape of early modern India. #Akbar #MughalEmpire #IbadatKhana #FatehpurSikri #Din-i-Ilahi #Abu'l-Fazl #HiraVijayaSuri #Jesuits #InterfaithDialogue #Sulh-i-Kul #16thCentury #India #History #ReligionAndEmpire #FexingoHistory #WorldHistory #Pluralism #AkbarTheGreat Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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When a Sultan Bowed to a Saint: Akbar and the Ibadat Khana Debates

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Religion and Empire: How Faith Built Nations — Fexingo History?

This episode is 8 minutes long.

When was this Religion and Empire: How Faith Built Nations — Fexingo History episode published?

This episode was published on May 31, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In this episode of Religion and Empire, Lucas and Luna explore a remarkable experiment in interfaith dialogue: the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) built by Mughal Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in the 1570s. Initially convened with Muslim scholars,...

Can I download this Religion and Empire: How Faith Built Nations — Fexingo History episode?

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