In medieval Indian history, which Mughal emperor founded the syncretic religious order known as Din e Ilahi (Divine Faith)?

Introduction / Context:
The religious policy of the Mughal emperor Akbar is famous for its tolerance and experimentation. Among his many initiatives was the attempt to create a new syncretic religious order called Din e Ilahi, or Divine Faith, which tried to bring together elements from different religions and ethical systems. This question asks you to identify which emperor founded this order, a fact that is frequently examined in questions on Mughal history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The religious order is Din e Ilahi, meaning Divine Faith.
• It was created at the Mughal court.
• Options list Alauddin Khalji, Akbar, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, and Ibrahim Lodi.

Concept / Approach:
Din e Ilahi was introduced by Akbar in the later part of his reign. It drew from Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and ethical traditions, aiming at loyalty to the emperor and a high moral code rather than a mass religion. Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq were Delhi sultans of earlier centuries, and Ibrahim Lodi was the last Lodi Sultan defeated by Babur. None of them were associated with this syncretic religious experiment. Therefore, the answer must be Akbar.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Akbar is known for his policy of Sulh i Kul or universal peace and for inviting scholars of many religions to his court. Step 2: Remember that it was in this context that he formulated Din e Ilahi as a personal spiritual order. Step 3: Note that this order emphasised ethical living, loyalty to the emperor, and elements drawn from different religions. Step 4: Recognise that Alauddin Khalji, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, and Ibrahim Lodi belong to the Delhi Sultanate, and their policies did not include such a syncretic order. Step 5: Conclude that Akbar was the founder of Din e Ilahi.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard textbooks on Mughal history clearly state that Akbar introduced Din e Ilahi around 1582. Descriptions of his religious debates at the Ibadat Khana and subsequent policy experiments consistently link this order with his reign alone.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Alauddin Khalji is remembered for military campaigns and economic regulations, not for religious syncretism. Muhammad bin Tughlaq is known for his bold but often impractical administrative experiments. Ibrahim Lodi s reign ended at the First Battle of Panipat and had no such religious innovation. None of them are connected with Din e Ilahi.

Common Pitfalls:
Most students recognise Akbar s name in this context, so major confusion is unlikely. However, one must avoid mixing up Din e Ilahi with Sulh i Kul, which is a broader principle of tolerance rather than a specific order.

Final Answer:
The emperor who founded the religion Din e Ilahi was Akbar.