Who started "Din-i-elahi"?

The correct answer is Akbar.

Key Points

• In 1582, Akbar promulgated a new religion called Din-i-Elahi or Devine Faith.
• It believes in one god.
• It contained good points of all religions.
• Its basis was rational. It upholds no dogma.
• It was aimed at bridging the gulf that separated different religions.
• His new faith, however, proved to be a failure. It fizzled out after his death.

Additional Information

• Babur (1526-1530):
  • The Mughal dynasty was founded by Babur.
  • He defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the 1^st Battle of Panipat (1526) and established the Mughal power in India.
  • In the Battle of Khanwa near Agra in 1527, he defeated Rana Sanga of Mewar.
  • Tuzuk-i-Baburi or Baburnama is the biography of Babur.
• Akbar (1556-1605):
  • Akbar became emperor when he was 14 years old.
  • The 2^nd Battle of Panipat (1556) was fought between, Hemu, who was the general of Mohammad Adil Shah and Bairam Khan (mentor of Akbar).
  • Almost all of the Rajput states except the king of Mewar recognized the supremacy of Akbar.
  • Rana Pratap and the Mughal Army led by Man Singh fought the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. Rana Pratap was defeated by Akbar's army.
  • Introduction of Mansabdari, Zabti and Dahsal systems. 
  • He displayed his secular stance and respect for all religions by marrying the Hindu daughters of Rajputs.
  • He abolished the pilgrim tax.
• Jahangir (1605-1627):
  • After Akbar's death, his son Salim (Jahangir) ascended to the throne.
  • He was famous for his paintings.
  • He also wrote Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri in Persian.
  • Arjun Singh, the 5^th Sikh Guru, was sentenced to death by him.
• Aurangzeb (1658- 1707):
  • He executed the 9^th Sikh Guru (Guru Teg Bahadur) when he refused to convert to Islam.
  • The Mughal empire rapidly declined after Aurangzeb's death in 1707, due to weak successors.