In Mughal period, special attention was paid to interfaith harmony and tolerance. Friendly behaviour and accommodating policy of Mughal emperors impressed the non-Muslims deeply. Mughal emperors rooted out the dicontentment and bias. Akbar appointed the non-Muslims on high posts and positions. In Mughal times, Hindi langauage was also given importance, as well as Persian. The lives and property of non-Muslims was also made secure. Non-Muslims were recruited in Mughal army. We can say the religious policy of Mughal emperors won the hearts and souls of all their subjects.
Religious policy of the Mughul emperors, from Babur to Aurangzeb, has provided an ideal for the ruling class of India, viz., the ruling class of India should pursue a policy of religious toleration and equality. Babur and Humayun had no time to pursue a clear-cut religious policy.
Akbar followed the policy of religious toleration and also attempted for the cultural unity of India. His policy won him the favour of the majority of his subjects. He, therefore, succeeded in strengthening the Mughul empire.
Jahangir and Shah Jahan pursued the same religious policy in principle though sometimes differing in details. Aurangzeb reversed the policy of Akbar and tried to establish the supremacy of Islam in India. He failed in his attempt.
The failure of his religious policy contributed towards his failure and disintegration of the Mughul empire after his death. This provides a lesson to the Indian ruling class that religious intolerance is against the religious spirit, culture and way of life of the majority of the Indians. Therefore, the policy of religious intolerance can never bring about successful result in India.
Babur:
Babur was a Sunni Muslim. He had complete faith in God but he was not a bigot. He had agreed to propagate Shia sect among his subjects when he had entered into a treaty with Shah Ismail of Persia. Certainly Babur exhibited intolerance in India on several occasions.