Ibadat Khana was an important institution established by the Mughal emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 CE. The term Ibadat Khana literally means “House of Worship” or “House of Religious Discussion.” Akbar initially established it as a place where Muslim scholars, theologians and religious men could meet every Thursday evening and discuss religious matters. However, disagreements and conflicts among Muslim scholars gradually encouraged Akbar to broaden the discussions and invite representatives of other religious traditions. From the 1570s onwards, the Ibadat Khana became a centre for inter-religious dialogue. Akbar invited Hindu scholars, Jain monks, Zoroastrians, Christians and other religious thinkers to participate in discussions. Among the Hindu participants were scholars associated with the Brahmanical tradition, who explained Hindu philosophical and religious ideas. Jain monks, particularly Hira Vijaya Suri and other Jain teachers, also visited Akbar's court and influenced his thinking regarding non-violence and religious tolerance. Zoroastrian priests explained the principles of their faith, including the significance of fire. Jesuit missionaries from Goa were also invited to the Mughal court. They discussed Christianity and presented Christian beliefs before Akbar. The participation of non-Muslims in the Ibadat Khana reflected Akbar's growing interest in understanding different religious traditions.