Which of the following medieval rulers was known by the title “Jagat Guru” (world teacher)?

Introduction / Context:
Titles and honorifics given to rulers often reflect their religious policies, cultural achievements, or public image. The title Jagat Guru, meaning world teacher, suggests a ruler who presented himself as a universal spiritual guide. Exam questions on medieval Deccan and Mughal history sometimes ask which king was known by this title. Correctly linking such titles with the appropriate ruler helps you handle personality based questions with confidence.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The title in focus is Jagat Guru, translated as world teacher. • The options are Ibrahim Qutbshah, Ibrahim Adilshah I, Akbar, and Malik Ambar. • We assume familiarity with the Deccan sultanates and Mughal era personalities.

Concept / Approach:
This question is linked to the cultural history of the Deccan. A ruler in the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur was especially famous for his broad religious outlook, patronage of music and arts, and interest in Hindu and Muslim traditions. He styled himself as Jagat Guru and emphasised harmony among different faiths. Many exam oriented sources present the title with the name Ibrahim Adilshah, and in this particular option set it appears as Ibrahim Adilshah I. Recognising the association between the Adil Shahi court culture and such syncretic titles leads you to the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the title Jagat Guru is unusual for a Muslim ruler and indicates a universal spiritual aspiration. Step 2: Recall that the Adil Shahi rulers of Bijapur, especially Ibrahim Adilshah, were noted for their patronage of music, poetry, and a composite religious culture. Step 3: Match this with the title world teacher, which fits a ruler who encouraged broad devotional practices and saw himself as a guide beyond narrow sectarian lines. Step 4: Consider Ibrahim Qutbshah of Golconda, who is not specially associated with this exact title in standard general knowledge compilations. Step 5: Note that Akbar is famous for his policy of Sulh i Kul and the Din i Ilahi experiment, but he is not commonly referred to as Jagat Guru in exam questions. Step 6: Recognise that Malik Ambar was a Deccan military leader and administrator, not a king with such a spiritual title. Step 7: Therefore, select Ibrahim Adilshah I as the correct option matching the title Jagat Guru.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by recalling that standard multiple choice questions in various exams reproduce this exact combination of options with answer keys indicating Ibrahim Adilshah. Additionally, reading summaries of the Adil Shahi court often emphasises their syncretic culture and the way certain rulers embraced both Islamic and Hindu devotional forms. That context supports the idea that an Adil Shahi ruler, and not a strictly Mughal or Qutb Shahi one, would adopt the world teacher title for himself.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Ibrahim Qutbshah: Ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in Golconda, but not commonly associated with the Jagat Guru title in standard exam references. Akbar: Known for religious tolerance and the Din i Ilahi but not labelled Jagat Guru in objective question banks. Malik Ambar: A powerful Deccan statesman and general, not a king and not described with this spiritual title.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students see Akbar name and immediately think of religious tolerance, which tempts them to choose him for any question involving universalist sounding labels. Another confusion arises between Ibrahim Qutbshah and Ibrahim Adilshah because both ruled in the Deccan and share the name Ibrahim. To avoid errors, always link specific titles with specific courts, and remember that this particular title Jagat Guru is attached to an Adil Shahi ruler of Bijapur, represented in the options as Ibrahim Adilshah I.

Final Answer:
The medieval ruler known by the title Jagat Guru was Ibrahim Adilshah I.