Final answer:
The main difference between the Ottoman and Mughal empires in the 17th century lies in their approach to religion: the Ottoman Empire, predominantly Sunni Muslim, employed a millet system granting autonomy to different religious groups, whereas the Mughal Empire was known for its policy of religious tolerance and blending of Islamic and Hindu traditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A significant difference between the Ottoman and Mughal empires in the 17th century was religion. The Ottoman Empire was predominantly Sunni Muslim, while the Mughal Empire, although it was Muslim-led and the emperors were Muslim, was characterized by its more diverse religious landscape, including a significant Hindu population. The Ottomans maintained a millet system which allowed various religious communities to govern themselves to a degree, whereas the Mughal Empire under Akbar the Great is noted for a policy of religious tolerance and synthesis, blending Islamic and Hindu traditions, leading to a unique and more inclusive culture.
The Ottoman Empire favored the growth of a diverse society in part through the use of the millet system which permitted religious minorities to maintain their own religious, cultural, and legal institutions. In contrast, the Mughal Empire's approach to governance allowed for a greater cultural and religious integration, which was leveraged to maintain stability and control within a religiously diverse population.