Question

What was Jizya?

Hint:

Jizya was a religious tax imposed on non-Muslims under Islamic rule, and its abolition marked a shift towards a more secular governance in colonial India.

Answer 1

Jizya was a tax imposed by Islamic rulers on non-Muslim subjects in their empires, especially in medieval India. It was levied on Hindus and other non-Muslims as a sign of submission to Islamic rule, though it also allowed non-Muslims to practice their religion freely and gave them protection under the state. Jizya was a form of tax that distinguished the status of Muslims from non-Muslims in the empire.
Step 1: Introduction of Jizya by Mughal Empire.
During the reign of Akbar, the Jizya tax was abolished in 1564 to promote a more inclusive policy. However, it was reinstated by Aurangzeb in 1679, as he pursued a more orthodox Islamic approach and wanted to enforce a stricter system on his non-Muslim subjects. This tax was considered a means of maintaining the socio-political and religious hierarchy in the Mughal Empire.
Step 2: The Nature of Jizya.
The Jizya tax was not a uniform amount and varied depending on the region and the wealth of the individual. It was primarily collected from those who were considered able to pay, including merchants and landowners. However, the tax was often resented by non-Muslims, as it signified a form of discrimination and unequal treatment under the rule.
Step 3: The Abolition of Jizya.
Jizya was eventually abolished by the British during their rule in India in the 19th century, as part of their broader efforts to promote secularism and reduce religious discrimination. It had become a symbol of the colonial era's religious imposition and was seen as incompatible with the new policy of non-discriminatory governance.