UPSC Mains 2025 PYQ Analysis | GS1 | Akbar & Religious Syncretism Decoded

Akbar’s “religious syncretism” is not just about Din-i Ilahi – it covers a full range of ideas, policies and experiments through which he tried to harmonise diverse religious traditions. This video helps you clearly understand what UPSC wants when it asks you to “examine the main aspects of Akbar's religious syncretism” in GS1.

We break the question down step-by-step:
Analyse the directive word “Examine” and the core phrase “religious syncretism”.
Identify what exactly you must cover (and what to avoid) in a 150/250-word GS1 answer.
Build rich content around Sulh-i Kul, Ibadat Khana debates, Din-i Ilahi, Mahzar, Rajput policy, abolition of jizya, and the translation projects.
Learn how to convert raw facts into a high-scoring structure with clear subheadings, thematic dimensions and a balanced conclusion.
See a model answer approach that you can adapt for similar Mughal religious policy questions in future Mains.

In this session, we cover:
Understanding the real demand of the question: “main aspects” + “examine”
Conceptual clarity: tolerance vs religious syncretism in Akbar’s reign
Organising dimensions: ideological, administrative, socio-political and cultural aspects
Integrating historians’ views and value-added points without overcrowding the answer
Structuring a 10/15 marker: sharp intro, logically arranged body, exam-oriented conclusion
Common mistakes: writing a biography of Akbar, over-focusing on Din-i Ilahi, missing evaluation

For best use of this video, pause at the question, set a timer, and first write your own answer. Then watch the analysis and model answer to compare structure, content and presentation.
Do check out other videos in our “UPSC Mains 2025 PYQ Analysis” series to systematically cover all GS papers and refine your answer-writing.

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