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Why did Akbar end the forced conversion of prisoners of war to Islam?

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Akbar A painting titled *Akbar Hunting* from a folio of *Akbarnama* (“History of Akbar”), late 16th century; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.

Akbar ended the forced conversion of prisoners of war to Islam as part of a broader strategy to maintain his status as a Mughal ruler while securing the active support of his predominantly non-Muslim subjects.1

Recognizing that his empire was socially and religiously diverse, Akbar sought to foster a cohesive political community rather than enforce religious uniformity. By abolishing forced conversions, along with the jizyah (a tax on non-Muslims) and taxes on pilgrims, he reduced discrimination and encouraged Hindus to serve as his principal confidants and policymakers. These nonsectarian policies were essential for governing a vast, complex region where aggressive conversion was practically impossible and would have undermined the stability of his administration.213