Akbar, the Mughal Emperor, changed the name of Prayag to Allahabad for both political and religious reasons.

1. Religious Tolerance: Akbar was known for his policy of religious tolerance and sought to create a sense of unity and inclusivity among the diverse religious communities in his empire. By renaming Prayag to Allahabad, he aimed to emphasize the Islamic significance of the city. "Allah" refers to the Islamic concept of God, and "abad" means "city of," so the new name symbolized the city as a place under the protection and blessings of God. This renaming was seen as a gesture of inclusivity towards the Muslim population.

2. Political Consolidation: Akbar was a shrewd ruler who understood the importance of political stability. Renaming cities and regions was a common practice during his reign to assert Mughal authority and integrate diverse regions into a centralized administration. By renaming Prayag to Allahabad, he reinforced the idea that his rule extended over all parts of his empire, regardless of their religious or cultural heritage.

3. Symbol of Mughal Power: Changing the name of a city was a symbolic act of asserting imperial authority. It served as a reminder to the local population that they were now part of a larger, unified Mughal empire, with its capital in Agra and later Delhi.

It's important to note that Akbar's renaming of Prayag was not an isolated incident. Throughout his reign, he engaged in various acts of religious tolerance and cultural integration, such as the Din-i Ilahi, a syncretic religion that aimed to blend elements of various faiths. His policies were an attempt to create a more cohesive and stable empire by accommodating the diverse religious and cultural traditions of his subjects.

The renaming of Prayag to Allahabad, therefore, reflects Akbar's multifaceted approach to governance, which combined religious tolerance, political pragmatism, and symbolism to strengthen and unify his empire.