In Mughal India, which emperor propounded the syncretic religious order known as Din E Ilahi, or the religion of God, in an attempt to promote harmony among different faiths?

Introduction / Context:
The Mughal period in India saw not only political expansion but also major experiments in religious policy. One of the most discussed experiments was the creation of Din E Ilahi, a new spiritual order that attempted to bring together the best elements of different faiths. This question asks which Mughal emperor propounded this idea, a fact that is frequently tested in medieval Indian history sections.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The subject is Din E Ilahi, sometimes translated as religion of God. • The options list four Mughal emperors: Jahangir, Akbar, Shah Jahan and Humayun. • We assume knowledge of each ruler general policy and religious outlook.

Concept / Approach:
Akbar, the third Mughal emperor, is famous for his policy of Sulh i Kul, or universal peace, and for his interest in interfaith dialogue. He invited scholars of different religions to discuss theological issues at his court in Fatehpur Sikri. Out of these discussions and his own beliefs, he developed a new spiritual order called Din E Ilahi. It was not a mass religion but a small order for selected courtiers who took special pledges of loyalty and ethical conduct. The other emperors listed did not propound such a religious order. Jahangir and Shah Jahan followed relatively orthodox policies, and Humayun ruled before Akbar experiment and faced mostly political struggles.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that Akbar reigned from 1556 to 1605 and is widely known for his policy of religious tolerance and experimentation. 2. Remember that he abolished the jizya tax for non Muslims and married Rajput princesses, promoting a broad based empire. 3. Note that during his reign, the Ibadat Khana or House of Worship at Fatehpur Sikri hosted debates among scholars from Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and other traditions. 4. Understand that from these influences Akbar proposed Din E Ilahi, a syncretic spiritual order emphasising loyalty to the emperor and ethical living. 5. Compare this with Jahangir and Shah Jahan, who did not create any new religions or spiritual orders of this type. 6. Humayun spent much of his career in exile and reconquest and is not associated with such religious innovations. 7. Therefore, Akbar is clearly the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most standard medieval Indian history texts and exam preparation guides state directly that Akbar founded or propounded Din E Ilahi around 1582. They often explain that the order did not spread widely and died out after his death, but it remains an important example of his attempt at religious synthesis. This consistent attribution across sources confirms that Akbar is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Jahangir: Akbar successor, known for his interest in art and justice but not for creating a new composite religion. Shah Jahan: Famous for monumental architecture such as the Taj Mahal, but he followed a more orthodox religious policy. Humayun: Akbar father, whose reign was marked by military setbacks and temporary loss of the empire, with no record of founding any religious order like Din E Ilahi.

Common Pitfalls:
Because many Mughal emperors had Persian cultural influences and patronised religious scholars, some students may confuse which ruler did what. A common mistake is to think Jahangir, as Akbar son, might have continued or founded such an order. To avoid this, it helps to remember that the most experimental and syncretic religious policies are a hallmark of Akbar reign, not of his successors. Linking Din E Ilahi directly with Akbar name is a useful memory aid.

Final Answer:
The syncretic religious order Din E Ilahi was propounded by the Mughal emperor Akbar.