The Jain monk who stayed for a few years in the Court of Akbar and was honoured with the title of Jagadguru was-
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
A. Hemachandra
B. Hari Vijay Suri
C. Jinasena
D. Umaswati
Answer: Hari Vijay Suri
Option b is the correct answer.
Hari Vijay Suri was a high priest of the Tapa Gaccha monastic order, following the Jain Svetambara tradition. He is known for propounding the Jain philosophy to Mughal Emperor Akbar and turning him towards vegetarianism. In 1582, he was invited by Akbar to visit his court at Fatehpur Sikri, where he stayed for about three years. He impressed Akbar with his knowledge, eloquence, and charisma, and engaged in religious debates with other scholars and theologians. He also presented Akbar with a copy of the Kalpa Sutra, a sacred Jain text, which was translated into Persian by his disciple Bhanuchandra. Akbar honoured Hari Vijay Suri with the title of Jagadguru, which means 'world teacher'. He also gave him many gifts and privileges, such as an elephant, a palanquin, a robe of honour, and a grant of land. He also allowed him to build Jain temples and install idols in his empire
Important Tips
Hari Vijay Suri influenced Akbar's religious views and policies in several ways. He convinced Akbar to adopt a policy of religious tolerance and harmony, known as Sulh-i-Kul, which means 'peace with all'.
He also persuaded Akbar to issue orders prohibiting animal slaughter and hunting on certain days, such as Paryushana, the most important Jain festival.
He also encouraged Akbar to abstain from meat and alcohol on some occasions, and to adopt a vegetarian diet for six months