Akbar the Great was the third Mughal emperor and is regarded as the greatest of them all. He ruled from 1556 to 1605. He is remembered for his wise policies, religious tolerance and strong administration, making him an important exam topic.
Early Reign
Akbar came to the throne at the age of 13 after his father Humayun's death. In his early years, Bairam Khan acted as his regent. Akbar won the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 against Hemu, which secured the empire.
Religious Policy
Akbar followed a policy of religious tolerance. He abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims and the pilgrim tax. He built the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri for religious discussions. In 1582, he started Din-i-Ilahi, a new faith that combined ideas from different religions.
Administration
Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system to organise the army and nobles into ranks. His finance minister Raja Todar Mal introduced the land revenue system called Dahsala or Zabti. Akbar also established a centralised government with strong provincial administration.
Achievements and Navaratnas
Akbar's court had the Navaratnas (nine gems), which included Birbal, Tansen, Abul Fazl, Todar Mal and others. Abul Fazl wrote the Akbarnama and the Ain-i-Akbari. He built the city of Fatehpur Sikri and the Buland Darwaza.
Quick Revision Points
- Akbar ruled from 1556 to 1605.
- Won the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556.
- Abolished the jizya tax.
- Started Din-i-Ilahi in 1582.
- Introduced the Mansabdari system.
- Todar Mal reformed land revenue.
- Abul Fazl wrote the Akbarnama.