(a) The growing harmony between Hindus and Muslims was a marked feature of the social life at that time. Akbar’ liberalism went a great way to heal the rift between the two communities. The Jiziya (poll tax on the non-Muslims) was abolished and state services were opened for the Hindus, especially the Rajput princes. Akbar’ marriages with Hindu princesses led to the introduction of Hindu customs into the palace and Durga Puja was celebrated within the palace then and afterwards. On the other hand, Mughal etiquette, Mughal dress and dishes were adopted by the Hindu zamindars and people having a high social rank. The Muslims of high rank often took part in the Holi and Diwali festivals with their Hindu friends.
(b) The Bhakti tradition continued to grow and several new cults had arisen in the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the most prominent saints of Maharashtra was Tukaram. Sufism also ‘ had a profound influence on society during the **. Akbar was deeply influenced by the mysteries of Sufism and teachings of the Hindu saints. Throughout the **, the Bhakti school of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu held the field in Bengal and Orissa. In Rajasthani, Gujarat and South India also the Bhakti Movement retained its popularity. Raja Man Singh of Amber, in Rajasthan, was one of the greatest patrons of Vaishnavism.
