Final answer:
The Mongols allowed the conquered peoples to keep their own religions but used terror to maintain control. They provided protection and encouraged trade for those who submitted peacefully. In the Il-Khanate, Mongol rulers became less distinct from their subjects by embracing Islamic culture.The correct option is: a. They let them keep their own religion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mongols treated the people they conquered in a complex manner. Under the leadership of Genghis Khan, the Mongols allowed the conquered to keep their own religion, demonstrating a significant level of religious tolerance. However, they were known for their military ruthlessness and the use of terror tactics to break their enemies’ will to resist.
The Mongols did not always torture the people they conquered, but they did demand loyalties and taxes from subdued populations. Consequently, they inflicted terror on enemies to ensure compliance but offered protection and trade benefits to those who surrendered peacefully. Moreover, they encouraged the exchange of ideas and goods during the so-called Pax Mongolica.
When it comes to the Il-Khanate rulers and their integration with their Muslim subjects, it was through embracing Islamic culture and civilization that they became less distinct from their subjects, rather than forcing their subjects to assimilate to Mongol culture.The correct option is: a. They let them keep their own religion.