Akbar

Lore & Background

Akbar was born on 15 October 1542 at the Rajput Fortress of Amarkot in modern-day Sindh, where his parents had been given refuge by the local Hindu ruler Rana Prasad. He gradually enlarged the Mughal Empire to include much of the Indian subcontinent through military, political, cultural, and economic dominance. To unify the vast Mughal state, Akbar established a centralised system of administration and adopted a policy of conciliating conquered rulers through marriage and diplomacy.

He abolished the sectarian tax and appointed non-Muslims to high civil and military posts. Under Akbar, Mughal India developed a strong and stable economy, which tripled in size and wealth. Akbar's courts at Delhi, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri attracted holy men of many faiths, poets, architects, and artisans. Disillusioned with orthodox Islam, he promulgated Din-i Ilahi, a syncretic creed derived mainly from Islam and Hinduism as well as elements of Zoroastrianism and Christianity. Akbar was succeeded as emperor by his son, Prince Salim, later known as Jahangir.

Reader's Guide

Akbar's military campaigns consolidated Mughal rule in the Indian subcontinent. He introduced organisational changes to the mansabdari system, establishing a hierarchical scale of military and civil ranks. Organisational reforms were accompanied by innovations in cannons, fortifications, and the use of elephants. He sought the help of the Ottomans, as well as Europeans, especially the Portuguese and Italians, in procuring advanced firearms and artillery. Key battles include the Second Battle of Panipat (5 November 1556) against Hemu and the Sur army, and subsequent campaigns in Punjab, Ajmer, Gwalior, and central India.

Did You Know?

• Akbar never learned to read or write, but when he retired in the evening, he would have someone read to him.
• Akbar was betrothed to Ruqaiya Sultan Begum, daughter of his uncle Hindal Mirza, and the marriage was solemnized in Jalandhar when both were about fourteen years old.
• Akbar was enthroned by Bairam Khan on 14 February 1556 in Kalanaur, Punjab, on a newly constructed platform which still stands.