Akbar

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Govardhan. Akbar With Lion and Calf ca. 1630, Metmuseum (cropped)

Akbar (14 October 1542 – 27 October 1605), known as Akbar the Great, was the third Mughal Emperor who reigned from 1556 to 1605. Akbar succeeded his father, Humayun, under the regency of Bairam Khan, who helped consolidate the Mughal Empire in India. Through his military conquests, administrative innovations, and religious tolerance, Akbar was able to establish a strong and stable empire which included a large part of the Indian subcontinent.

Early Life

Akbar was born on 15 October 1542, in the Rajput fortress of Umerkot, Sindh, where his father, Humayun, sought refuge after being ousted from India by the Afghan leader, Sher Shah Suri. Akbar's mother was Hamida Banu Begum. After regaining the throne in 1555, Humayun died an accidental death, leaving Akbar to inherit a fragile empire at the age of 13.

Reign

Akbar's reign can be divided into three periods. The first (1556–1570) was marked by military conquests and consolidation of power, the second (1570–1585) by administrative reforms and the establishment of a centralized government, and the third (1585–1605) by a focus on cultural developments and the expansion of the empire's boundaries.

Military Conquests

Akbar expanded the Mughal Empire to include a large part of the Indian subcontinent. Notable conquests include the defeat of the powerful Rajput kingdom of Mewar after the Siege of Chittorgarh in 1568 and the subsequent submission of other Rajput states. He also annexed Gujarat in 1573, Bengal in 1576, and parts of the Deccan Plateau in the 1590s.

Administrative Reforms

Akbar introduced several administrative reforms, including the establishment of a centralized government. He implemented a system of revenue collection known as the Ain-i-Akbari, part of the larger work Akbar Nama, written by his court historian, Abu'l-Fazl. This system classified land into categories for tax purposes and is considered a significant contribution to the economy of the Mughal Empire.

Religious Policies

Akbar is renowned for his policy of religious tolerance. He abolished the jizya (tax on non-Muslims) and encouraged debate on religious matters at his court, inviting scholars from different religious backgrounds. He founded the Din-i Ilahi, a syncretic religion intended to merge elements of the major religions of his empire, although it never gained many followers.

Cultural Contributions

Akbar's reign is also notable for its cultural achievements. He patronized the arts, including literature, painting, and architecture. The construction of the Fatehpur Sikri, a new capital city, showcased the architectural innovations of his era. Akbar also commissioned the Akbar Nama and the Ain-i-Akbari, which are invaluable resources for understanding the history of his reign.

Death and Legacy

Akbar died on 27 October 1605 and was succeeded by his son, Jahangir. His legacy is a unified subcontinent, ready for further expansion and cultural achievements under his successors. Akbar is remembered as a wise and just ruler, whose policies of religious tolerance and administrative reforms laid the foundation for the prosperity of the Mughal Empire.

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