Question

Who constructed the Ibadat Khana?
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Aurangzeb
D. Shah Jahan

Answer 1

Hint: The Ibadat Khana was seen as a ‘House of Worship’. It was a like gathering house which was built in 1575 CE. It was a place where people from different religious beliefs and backgrounds gathered together to share spiritual knowledge.

Complete answer: The Ibadat Khana was constructed by the Mughal Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri. The main aim was to gather spiritual heads of different religious backgrounds so that there is a discussion on the teachings of different religions. Akbar in his anticipation to discover about different religions, built call of prayer at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575. This was known as the Ibadat Khana. He invited selected mystics, intellectuals, religious leaders and theologians, to hold discussions on matters related to religion and also spiritual themes. Some scholars belonged to various religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and even atheists. They all visited Ibadat Khana and discussed their religious beliefs and values with Akbar. The outcome of such discussions led them to the judgment that all religions headed towards the same goal. The philosophers and leaders came from many regions of the diverse Mughal empire. Many were invited because they were passing through. Therefore, Akbar's Thursday evening discussions were held for such people.
Therefore “A” is the correct answer.

Note: Akbar's spiritual interests were stirred to a large extent by the example of Sulaiman Kirani. He was a ruler of Bengal, who used to spend nights in the company of many knowledgeable spiritual men.