Akbar the Great, the Mughal emperor who ruled from 1556 to 1605, is often remembered as a ruler who went beyond the rigid confines of religious orthodoxy.
His policies of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace), his promotion of a pluralistic society, and his personal interest in diverse religious traditions left an indelible mark on the history of India.
Among his many innovative and progressive decisions was his issuance of coins that bore the images of Rama and Sita, along with inscriptions in Devanagari script—a striking testament to his policy of religious accommodation.
Akbar: The Emperor of Tolerance and Pluralism
Akbar ascended the throne at the age of 13, and his reign transformed the Mughal Empire into one of the most powerful and culturally diverse empires in the world. Unlike many of his predecessors, Akbar displayed a profound interest in the religious beliefs and practices of his subjects.
This interest culminated in his policy of religious tolerance, which became a defining feature of his rule. Akbar went as far as to engage in theological discussions with scholars of different religions in his Ibadat Khana (House of Worship), located at his capital in Fatehpur Sikri.
Coins of Akbar Featuring Rama and Sita
Among the numerous coins minted during Akbar’s reign, the most unique were those bearing the figures of Rama and Sita—two revered figures from the Ramayana, a sacred Hindu epic.
The coins, which also featured the Devanagari legend “Rama-Siya”, were a powerful symbol of Akbar’s efforts to integrate Hinduism into the Mughal administration and reflect his inclusive approach to governance.
Why Rama and Sita?
Rama and Sita are central figures in Hindu-Brahmin mythology of Nothern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Rama, the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu, and his wife Sita, represent dharma (righteousness), duty, and moral virtue. Their story, narrated in the epic Ramayana, is revered by millions of Hindus especially upper-castes across India.
By featuring these figures on his coins, Akbar was making a significant statement of appeasement of Hindu-Brahminical religious traditions, signaling that the Mughal court, while Islamic in its leadership, recognized and revered the beliefs of its powerful Hindu upper caste minorities.
The Political and Symbolic Message
Akbar’s decision to issue coins with the imagery of Rama and Sita was not merely an act of religious curiosity but a carefully calculated political gesture. The Mughals, like any ruling dynasty, needed to secure the loyalty of their subjects. In a country where the majority of the population was Hindu, such symbols could foster a sense of unity and inclusiveness.
- Legitimizing Rule: Coins were the most visible and widely circulated symbols of an emperor’s authority. By minting coins with Hindu religious imagery, Akbar was signaling that his rule was legitimate not just for Muslims, but for Hindus as well. In doing so, he was appealing to his Hindu subjects by showing respect for their beliefs and integrating elements of their religion into the framework of Mughal governance.
- Appealing to Hindu Nobility and Elite: Many Rajput rulers, powerful Hindu elites from regions like Rajasthan, were integrated into Akbar’s empire as allies and administrators. These Rajput nobles were crucial in maintaining the stability of his empire. By issuing coins with Hindu deities, Akbar was showing respect for the Rajput traditions and beliefs, further cementing the loyalty of these influential figures.
- Symbol of Sulh-i-Kul: Akbar’s issuance of coins featuring Rama and Sita could also be seen as a manifestation of his broader policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace). This policy aimed at maintaining peace and harmony among his subjects of various religious backgrounds. The coins underscored his belief in the pluralistic nature of his empire and his desire to create a society where all religious communities could coexist.
The Role of Devanagari Script
Another significant feature of these coins was the use of the Devanagari script—the script used to write Sanskrit, the language of Hindu sacred texts, and many Indian languages including Hindi.
Most Mughal and Rajput coins traditionally carried inscriptions in Persian or Arabic, reflecting the Islamic roots of the empire. By incorporating Devanagari, Akbar was not only honoring Hindu culture but also symbolically embracing India’s linguistic diversity.
This was a powerful symbol in an empire where the ruling elite predominantly used Persian as the language of administration, art, and literature. The use of Devanagari on coins—one of the most circulated items in the empire—served as a direct message to the people that their language and culture were recognized and respected.
The Context of Religious Inclusivity in Akbar’s Policies
Akbar’s decision to issue coins with Hindu religious imagery was consistent with his other policies of religious inclusivity. Throughout his reign, he made several efforts to incorporate non-Muslim communities into the fabric of his administration:
- Marriage Alliances: Akbar famously married Rajput princesses, including Jodha Bai, as part of his strategy to form political alliances with Hindu rulers. These marriages were not merely symbolic; they resulted in many Rajput rulers becoming key members of the Mughal administration.
- Abolition of the Jizya: In 1564, Akbar abolished the jizya, a tax traditionally imposed on non-Muslim subjects in Islamic empires. This move was a landmark decision that underscored Akbar’s commitment to equality among his subjects, regardless of religion.
- Din-i-Ilahi: Akbar’s religious curiosity eventually led him to create his own syncretic faith known as Din-i-Ilahi, which sought to combine elements of Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity. Although it did not gain many followers, it reflected Akbar’s deep interest in creating a religiously harmonious society.
The Legacy of Akbar’s Religious Policies
Akbar’s issuance of coins featuring Rama and Sita has been remembered as one of the most striking examples of his religious tolerance.
This act contributed to Akbar’s image as a benevolent and enlightened ruler, one who respected the diverse beliefs of his subjects and sought to bring unity through respect for religious traditions.
His policies of inclusivity, including the minting of these coins, laid the foundation for the Mughal Empire’s long-term stability.
By adopting symbols that resonated with the majority of his subjects, Akbar ensured that his reign was marked by relatively peaceful coexistence between communities of different faiths.
Conclusion
The coins featuring Rama and Sita minted by Akbar are much more than a mere numismatic curiosity; they are a powerful symbol of a ruler who understood the importance of cultural sensitivity and religious accommodation.
Through this gesture, Akbar sent a clear message that the Mughal Empire, though Islamic in its origins, was a multi-religious, multi-ethnic realm, where the beliefs and traditions of all were to be respected.
This unique aspect of Akbar’s coinage is a testimony to his vision of a pluralistic society, and it stands as one of the many reasons why he is remembered as one of the most progressive rulers in Indian history.
His legacy, embodied in these coins, continues to inspire debates on religious tolerance and the role of rulers in fostering harmony across diverse populations.