Is Europe Really Responsible For The Enlightenment Essay

Enlightenment: A refreshed way of rational thinking. Giving intellectual knowledge. It is also an 18th century European movement in which thinkers attempted to apply the principles of reason and the scientific method to all aspects of society. Enlightenment has shaped our lives today from the forms of government we have or moral beliefs. Yet the question rises, “Is Europe really responsible for the Enlightenment period?” I don’t believe Europe should get all the credit, even though Europe is recognized for enlightenment. I believe a lot of the tribute should go to Akbar the ruler of India’s Golden Age (1556-1605). He believed in ruling his country with tolerance and cultural blending. Some people believe in zero tolerance, though zero tolerance policies keep our schools organized. But the way Akbar ruled his empire lead to a good

He married multiple wives with different religions and he permitted them to practice freely. Hence his strong belief in religious freedom. Akbar also banned taxes on Hindu pilgrims and despised the jizya on non muslims, which he also banned. He could of made money out of these taxes, yet he proved his tolerance by banishing religious taxes. This is evidence of Akbar’s cultural blending and tolerance. Another way Akbar demonstrates cultural blending was using different ethnicities to govern. He used Natives and foreigners. Every person could rise to a higher office. This lead to new ideas being used in Akbar’s kingdom. A man named Todar Mal who was Akbar’s chief finance minister developed a system similar to the US graduated income tax. This increased the money for the empire. Another example of Akbar using tolerance and cultural blending was appointing a Spanish Jesuit to tutor his son. Hiring another man of a different culture is a great example that Akbar believed in religious freedom. The fact that his very own son’s teacher was a different religion then Akbar is