Question

Write about it in your own word.

How do we know that the religious policy of Shivaji Maharaj was that of tolerance?

Answer 1

The following instances show that the religious policy of Shivaji Maharaj was that of tolerance:

1. In spite of Shivaji Maharaj’s enemies being Islamic powers, he considered the Muslims in the Swaraj as his own subjects and trusted them deeply. The following are a testimony to the same:
   1. Siddi Ibrahim was a trusted servant in his army.
   2. Siddi Hilal was a Sardar in his army.
   3. Daulatkhan was an important officer in the navy of Swaraj.
2. He even continued the facilities given to the Muslim places of worship that belonged to the captured enemy territories.
3. The written work by historian Khafikhan on the tolerant religious policy of Shivaji Maharaj states that "Shivaji Maharaj had framed strict rules for his soldiers that during the campaigns, they should not harm a mosque. In case they possessed a copy of the Holy Quran, they should hand over the same, with reverence, to a Muslim.”