Final answer:
The Mughal Empire, especially under Akbar's rule, was known for religious tolerance, abolishing the jizya, and supporting diverse religious practices and infrastructure. However, under Aurangzeb, the empire saw a regression in this tolerance with favored treatment towards Muslims and imposition of religious taxes on non-Muslims. Religious tolerance was also seen in other empires such as the Mongols and Ottomans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mughal Empire, particularly under Emperor Akbar's reign from 1556 to 1605, is noted for its practice of religious tolerance. Akbar demonstrated respect for multiple religious beliefs within his realm. He abolished the jizya, the tax imposed on non-Muslims, and welcomed both Hindus and Muslims into his administration. Akbar's inclusive approach allowed Hindus to build new temples and established a Hindu code of law for Hindu subjects, while Sharia - Islamic law - was applied to Muslims. This period of tolerance saw the integration of diverse religious groups into the life of the empire and reflected in policies such as supporting Hindu temples monetarily.
However, Emperor Aurangzeb, who ruled from 1658 to 1707, adopted a different approach. His administration favored Muslims for key positions and imposed additional religious taxes on Hindus. Despite occasional support for Hindu temples, Aurangzeb's policies typically restricted non-Muslim inclusion and ultimately dampened the legacy of religious tolerance left by his predecessors.
Religious tolerance extended beyond the Mughal Empire and was practiced in varying degrees by other civilizations such as the Mongols under Genghis Khan and within the Ottoman Empire. These practices highlighted the benefits of an inclusive society and the potential for cultural and religious diversity to coexist under a single rule.