Author: Puja Sarkar
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04040021
Abstract: Dara Shikoh, the Mughal prince and scholar, stands as a pivotal figure in comparative religious studies, particularly through his exploration of Tasawwuf (Sufism) and Vedanta, two profound mystical traditions within Islam and Hinduism. His seminal work, Majma al-Bahrain (The Confluence of Two Oceans), represents a groundbreaking attempt to bridge these traditions, highlighting their shared metaphysical truths and spiritual aspirations. Dara Shikoh argued that despite their different languages, rituals, and cultural contexts, both Tasawwuf and Vedanta converge on realizing divine unity and transcending the self. His vision of religious syncretism sought to dissolve the boundaries between Hinduism and Islam, promoting an understanding of religious traditions as interconnected paths leading to the same spiritual truth. This study examines Dara Shikoh’s contributions to religious harmony and assesses the relevance of his work in fostering interfaith dialogue in historical and modern contexts. By analyzing the philosophical commonalities he identified, this study underscores the enduring significance of his work in contemporary discussions on religious pluralism, unity, and tolerance. Dara Shikoh’s comparative approach offers valuable insights for promoting peace and mutual understanding among diverse faith communities, reaffirming the potential for different religious traditions to inform and enrich one another
Keywords: Dara Shikoh, Tasawwuf, Sufism, Vedanta, religious syncretism, interfaith dialogue, religious harmony, Majma al-Bahrain, comparative religion, Mughal India.
Page No: 160-168