Which Mughal emperor is associated with compilation of Fatawa Alamgiri?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
The Fatawa-i-Alamgiri, or simply *Fatawa Alamgiri*, is one of the most comprehensive legal treatises ever compiled in the Islamic world and served as the basis for legal administration in the Mughal Empire for centuries. This monumental work was commissioned by the sixth Mughal Emperor, Abu'l Muzaffar Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad, who is universally known by his regnal name, Aurangzeb. His official title, Alamgir (Conqueror of the World), gives the text its name. Aurangzeb sought to establish a definitive, orthodox application of Hanafi Islamic law (Fiqh) across his vast empire. He spent nearly seven years assembling a large team of over fifty prominent Islamic scholars and jurists, primarily from the Deccan and North India, led by Sheikh Nizam Burhanpuri, to systematically codify the law. The compilation was completed around 1672 CE and represented Aurangzeb's commitment to implementing Sharia law strictly throughout his domain.

The incorrect option is 1:
Akbar (reigned 1556–1605) was known for his religious syncretism, exemplified by his Din-i-Ilahi and the policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace). His reign was characterized by efforts to unify diverse legal systems and move away from strict adherence to Sharia, making him highly unlikely to have commissioned an orthodox Hanafi legal code like the *Fatawa Alamgiri*.

The incorrect option is 2:
Jahangir (reigned 1605–1627) was generally focused on the arts, administration, and his famous 'Chain of Justice,' but he did not commission a large-scale, systematic codification of Islamic law. His legal measures were more focused on administrative decrees and maintaining order rather than compiling an authoritative legal encyclopedia.

The incorrect option is 3:
Shahjahan (reigned 1628–1658) is most famous for his patronage of architecture, epitomized by the Taj Mahal. While he maintained aspects of Islamic governance, he did not undertake the extensive, centralized project of compiling the *Fatawa Alamgiri*, which was a hallmark of his successor, Aurangzeb's, reign and his vision for an orthodox state.