Painting: Mughal miniature painting depicting Emperor Akbar having discussions with leaders of other religions.

Which of the following features of civilizations between 1450 and 1750 provides the best context for understanding this painting?
A. Conservative leaders frequently resisted the process of cultural syncretism.
B. Empires had to manage diversity as they expanded.
C. A process of decentralization distributed political power to smaller regions.
D. Most empires sponsored missionary efforts to disseminate their belief systems.