Akbar the Great

Lore & Background

Akbar gradually enlarged the Mughal Empire to include much of the Indian subcontinent through military, political, cultural, and economic dominance. He established a centralized administration and adopted a policy of conciliating conquered rulers through marriage and diplomacy. He abolished the sectarian tax and appointed non-Muslims to high posts. Under Akbar, the economy tripled in size and wealth, and his courts at Delhi, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri became centers of the arts and learning. Disillusioned with orthodox Islam, he promulgated Din-i Ilahi, a syncretic creed derived mainly from Islam and Hinduism, with elements of Zoroastrianism and Christianity. He was succeeded by his son, Prince Salim (Jahangir).

In Their Own Story

The dust of battle settled over the plains of Panipat, and the young emperor surveyed the field. His generals whispered of further conquests, but Akbar's gaze was fixed beyond the horizon—on a vision of a united India. In his tent, he unrolled a map, tracing the rivers and mountains with his finger. 'We will not just conquer,' he murmured to his advisors, 'we will build.' The ink of treaties and reforms would flow as freely as the blood of battles, forging an empire that would stand for centuries.

Reader's Guide

Akbar was born on 15 October 1542 at the Rajput Fortress of Amarkot in Rajputana (modern-day Sindh). He was brought up in Kabul by his uncles and aunts. He never learned to read or write. He was appointed governor of Ghazni at age nine and betrothed to Ruqaiya Sultan Begum. He succeeded Humayun on 14 February 1556 and was enthroned by Bairam Khan in Kalanaur, Punjab. Bairam Khan ruled on his behalf until he came of age. Akbar introduced organizational changes to the mansabdari system and innovations in cannons, fortifications, and the use of elephants. He sought help from the Ottomans and Europeans for firearms. His army defeated Hemu at the Second Battle of Panipat on 5 November 1556. He dismissed Bairam Khan in 1560 after a dispute.

Did You Know?

• Akbar never learned to read or write, but would have someone read to him in the evening.
• He was enthroned at age 14 on a platform that still stands in Kalanaur, Punjab.
• His regent Bairam Khan was assassinated on his way to Mecca by a group of Afghans.
• Akbar's empire tripled in size and wealth during his reign.