Akbar The Great

Akbar was the 3rd Mughal emperor of Mughal empire in India after Babur and Humayun. He became the king at a young age of 13 after the death of his father Humayun in 1556. Due to his young age, his regent, Bairam Khan, effectively ruled on his behalf. Under Akbar's rule, the Mughal Empire expanded significantly, encompassing large parts of the Indian subcontinent. He established control in all directions including Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat and Deccan. He relied on the wisdom of Navratnas in his court to guide him in the areas of administration, military etc. For administration, he divided his empire into Suba, Sarkars and Parganas. He introduced a unique military-administrative system known as Mansabdari system in which every noble (mansabdar) was assigned a rank (mansab) indicating his military command and administrative responsibilities. He also started a Chehra and Dagh system to maintain a database of Mughal nobles and horses respectively. For land revenue administration, Akbar introduced the Zabt system in which a land revenue rate is fixed based on the fertility and condition of land. Under the system, the revenue is fixed for a specified period, typically ten years. Akbar was tolerant to all religions. 'Ibadat Khana' was established at Fatehpur Sikri, where scholars from various religious backgrounds engaged in intellectual debates. Din-i Ilahi was initiated by Akbar to create a universal religion that incorporated elements from various existing faiths. Akbar also contributed to the architecture through the construction of Fatehpur Sikri, Allahabad fort etc. His biography known as Akbarnama was written by Abu'l-Fazl in Persian. Ain-i-Akbari, Hamzanama, Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, Razmnama were also written during his reign. His innovative policies, such as religious tolerance, administrative reforms, and promotion of arts and literature were a great contribution to Indian society.

Akbar, also known as Akbar the Great, was the third Mughal emperor of India. He was born on October 15, 1542, in Umerkot, Sindh (present-day Pakistan). His father was Humayun, the 2nd Mughal emperor and son of Babur. His mother was Hamida Banu Begum. Akbar's early years were fraught with instability and adversity. Following his father's defeat by Sher Shah Suri, Humayun was forced into exile. Akbar, along with his parents and their loyalists, wandered across the deserts of Sindh and Rajasthan, seeking refuge in various kingdoms and tribal territories. In 1555, Humayun regained control of Delhi but his reign was short-lived as he died in 1556. After the death of his father, Akbar became emperor at the age of 13. Due to his young age, his regent, Bairam Khan, effectively ruled on his behalf. Bairam Khan played a pivotal role in stabilizing the empire and suppressing internal rebellions. But as Akbar matured, conflict emerged between him and Bairam Khan. In 1560, Akbar asserted his authority by dismissing Bairam Khan from office and assuming full control over the affairs of the empire.

Emperor Akbar, also known as Akbar the Great, was one of the most renowned rulers of the Mughal Empire in India. His reign, which lasted from 1556 to 1605, is often regarded as a golden age of the Mughal Empire. Under Akbar's rule, the Mughal Empire expanded significantly, encompassing large parts of the Indian subcontinent. He is known for his visionary leadership, innovative administrative reforms, military conquests, and promotion of cultural and religious diversity.

• Parents : Akbar’s father was Humayun, the 2nd Mughal emperor and son of Babur. His mother was Hamida Banu Begum
• Wives : Akbar had several wives - Ruqaiya Sultan Begum (1st wife), Harka Bai (Jodha Bai), Bibi Khiera, Salima Sultan Begum etc.
• Children : Jahangir, also known as Salim (succeeded Akbar as the fourth Mughal Emperor), Murad Mirza, Daniyal Mirza, Aram Banu Begum.

1. Expansion in Northern India
   • Akbar's reign began with the reconquest of territories in northern India that had been lost during his father Humayun's reign.
   • In the Battle of Panipat of 1556, Akbar defeated the king Hemu and got control over Delhi and Northern India.
2. Annexation of Kashmir and Kabul
   • Akbar expanded Mughal territory beyond the Indian subcontinent by annexing the regions of Kashmir and Kabul (in present-day Afghanistan).
   • This provided the Mughals with strategic control over key mountain passes and trade routes in the northwestern frontier.
3. Conquest of Rajasthan
   • There were many powerful Rajput kingdoms in Rajasthan including Mewar, Marwar, Amber (Jaipur), Bikaner, and others which resisted Mughal expansion in the region.
   • Akbar employed a policy of matrimonial alliances, marrying Rajput princesses and forming alliances with Rajput rulers to gain their support and cooperation. For example, One of the most popular wives of Akbar, Harka Bai also named as Jodha Bai was a Rajput princess and the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amer.
   • Akbar's first major conquest in Rajasthan was the capture of Amber (modern-day Jaipur) in 1562.
   • Akbar continued his expansion into Rajasthan by capturing Ranthambore and Marwar (Jodhpur).
4. Expansion to Gujarat:
   • In 1572, Akbar annexed the region and brought it under Mughal control.
   • The conquest of Gujarat provided the Mughals with access to important ports and trade routes along the western coast of India.
5. Expansion to Deccan:
   • Akbar's expansion into the Deccan region involved conflicts with the Deccan Sultanates, including Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar.
   • In 1591, Akbar started a policy of aggression towards Deccan and sent an expedition under Prince Murad who was the ruler of Gujarat. The culmination of Akbar's Deccan campaigns came with the capture of Ahmadnagar in 1600.
   • Following the capture of Ahmadnagar, Akbar negotiated a treaty with the Deccan Sultanates, granting them semi-autonomy in exchange for their allegiance to the Mughals.
6. Conquest of Bengal : Bengal was conquered by Akbar's general, Man Singh, in 1576. It added significant resources and revenue to the Mughal treasury.
7. Peace treaties : In addition to military conquests, Akbar entered into alliances with regional rulers, negotiated treaties, and employed the policy of "sulh-i-kul" (universal peace) to maintain stability and secure their allegiance.

• Akbar’s Navratnas
  • "Navratnas" refers to the nine jewels or courtiers in the court of Akbar known for their wisdom and talent.
  • They played significant roles in various spheres of Akbar's administration, including governance, diplomacy, literature, art, and military affairs.
  • These nine jewels include - Abu'l-Fazl, Birbal (Mahesh Das), Tansen (Tannu Mishra), Todar Mal, Raja Man Singh, Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana, Faizi, Raja Birbal Das and Fakir Aziao-Din.
• Centralised administration
  • Divisions of empire : The Mughal Empire was divided into provinces called Subhas. A Subhadar was appointed to head each Subha. The Subhas were further subdivided into Sarkars (districts). The Sarkas were divided into Paraganas, headed by Shiqdarwhich are further divided into villages.The village chief was called Muqaddam.
  • Central councils : Several central councils were established by Akbar to assist him in the governance of the empire.
    • Diwan-i-Arz : Military council
    • Diwan-i-Kohi : Agricultural council
    • Diwan-i-Khairat : Charity council
• Mansabdari system:
  • It was a unique military-administrative system introduced by Akbar.
  • Under this system, every noble (mansabdar) was assigned a rank (mansab) indicating his military command and administrative responsibilities. The nobles had the highest rank of 5000 and the lowest rank of 10.
  • Mansabdars were required to maintain a contingent of soldiers (sawar) proportional to their rank.
  • Chehra system : It was established to keep a comprehensive database of the Mughal nobility, including their personal details, military ranks, land grants, and other relevant information.
  • Dagh system : It was a method of marking horses and soldiers to distinguish them and ensure accountability in the military. It was also known as the Branding system.
• Land revenue system
  • Zabt system : Akbar introduced the Zabt system, also known as Bandobast system, to standardize methods of assessing and collecting land revenue. Under the system, the revenue is fixed for a specified period, typically ten years.
  • Land measurement : Land was categorized based on its fertility, irrigation facilities, and other agricultural factors, with different rates of revenue applied to each category. The land was categorised into 4 classes :-
    1. Polaj : It refers to fertile and cultivable land.
    2. Parauti : It refers to land that could be cultivated only during the rainy season or monsoon months.
    3. Chachar : It refers to land that requires irrigation for cultivation.
    4. Banjar : It refers to uncultivated or barren land that was unsuitable for cultivation.
  • Assessment of Revenue: The revenue was determined based on the potential yield and productivity of land. Farmers had the option to pay their land revenue in cash or kind.

• Religious tolerance : Akbar was tolerant to all religions. In 1564, he abolished the Zaziya tax on non-muslims to bring equality.
• Ibadat Khana : 'Ibadat Khana' (House of Worship) was established at Fatehpur Sikri, where scholars from various religious backgrounds engaged in intellectual debates and discussions.
• Din-i Ilahi : It was a religious doctrine initiated by Akbar to create a universal religion that incorporated elements from various existing faiths prevalent in the Indian subcontinent at the time.
• Policy of Sulh-i-kul : Akbar introduced a principle of governance known as policy of Sulh-i-kul which translates into "peace with all." It aimed to create a peaceful and inclusive society by respecting diverse religious beliefs and practices.

• Monuments
  • Fatehpur Sikri : The city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar near Agra. Notable structures at Fatehpur Sikri include the Buland Darwaza, Khankah, Jama Masjid, and the Panch Mahal. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
  • Tomb of Akbar : It was a mausoleum built by Akbar in Sikandra near Agra. It reflects a blend of Persian, Hindu, and Islamic styles.
  • Agra fort : The Agra fort, built by Babur was extensively renovated and expanded by Akbar. He built Jahangir mahal at Agra fort.
• Paintings
  • Mughal miniature paintings under Akbar's patronage exhibited a shift towards naturalism and realism, with artists depicting landscapes, animals, and botanical elements with greater attention to detail.
  • Paintings under Akbar covered a wide range of themes and subjects, including court scenes, religious narratives, historical events, hunting expeditions etc.

• Akbarnama : It is the autobiography of Akbar written by Abu'l-Fazl in Persian. provides a comprehensive overview of Akbar's life, reign, and the socio-political landscape of the Mughal Empire.
• Ain-i-Akbari : It was also written in Persian by Abu'l-Fazl. It is a detailed administrative and statistical survey of the Mughal Empire under the rule of Akbar.
• Hamzanama : It was commissioned by Akbar, depicting the adventures of Amir Hamza, an epic hero of Persian literature. It consisted of 1200 paintings.
• Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri : It was written by Emperor Jahangir. It provides insights into his life, his relationship with Akbar and his own experiences as a ruler
• Razmnama : It is a Persian translation of the Hindu epic Mahabharata commissioned by Akbar.
• Translation of Yogavashishtha : During the reign of Emperor Akbar, the Yogavashishtha, a profound philosophical text attributed to the sage Valmiki, was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati. It contains dialogues between the sage Vashishtha and his disciple Rama

The rule of Emperor Akbar, one of the greatest rulers of the Mughal Empire, came to an end with his death on October 27, 1605. After Akbar's death, his son Prince Salim succeeded him to the throne, taking the title of Emperor Jahangir.

Akbar's rule marks a significant chapter in the history of the Mughal Empire and India. He ruled for nearly half a century and was one of the most successful kings of the Mughal empire to have established control in all directions. His reign had remarkable achievements in administration, diplomacy, military conquests, and cultural patronage. His innovative policies, such as religious tolerance, administrative reforms, and promotion of arts and literature were a great contribution to Indian society.