Akbar, ascending the throne at the age of thirteen, dramatically reshaped the Mughal Empire. His reign, which began in 1556, is remembered for its extensive military conquests, innovative administrative reforms, and progressive religious policies. These efforts laid the foundation for a prosperous and inclusive empire.

Early Reign and Regency

When Humayun died in 1556, Akbar was at Kalanaur in Punjab. Consequently, his coronation occurred there. Bairam Khan, Humayun’s trusted tutor and confidant, served as regent from 1556 to 1560. Bairam Khan was pivotal in stabilizing and expanding the Mughal Empire during Akbar’s early years.

Major Military Conquests of Akbar

During Akbar’s early reign, he achieved significant military victories that expanded the Mughal Empire:

• Defeat of Hemu (1556): Under Bairam Khan’s leadership, the Mughal forces defeated Hemu and the Afghan troops in the Second Battle of Panipat. This victory was crucial for securing Akbar’s rule.
• Conquest of Malwa (1562): Akbar defeated Baz Bahadur and annexed Malwa, appointing Baz Bahadur as a mansabdar (military officer) in his court.
• Annexation of Gondwana (1564): The Gondwana region was conquered after a fierce battle with Rani Durgavati and her son, Vir Narayan.
• Conquest of Gujarat (1573): Akbar overcame Muzaffar Shah and established Fatehpur Sikri as a new capital to commemorate this victory.
• Battle of Haldighati (1576): In this battle, Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar was defeated by Man Singh, leading most Rajput rulers to acknowledge Akbar’s suzerainty.
• Annexation of Bihar and Bengal (1576): Daud Khan, the Afghan ruler of Bihar and Bengal, was defeated, integrating both provinces into the Mughal Empire.
• Occupation of Khandesh (1591): Akbar’s forces captured the Khandesh region. Meanwhile, Chand Bibi valiantly defended Ahmednagar against the Mughal forces.

Rajput Policy

Akbar’s Rajput policy was instrumental in integrating Rajputs into the Mughal administration:

• Marriage Alliance: Akbar’s marriage to a Rajput princess, the daughter of Raja Bharamal, was a turning point in Mughal-Rajput relations.
• Administrative and Military Integration: Rajputs such as Raja Bhagawan Das and Raja Man Singh were appointed to high positions in Akbar’s administration. Over time, all Rajput states came under Akbar’s control, and Rajputs served the Mughals for generations.

Religious policy of Akbar

Akbar’s religious policies were notable for their inclusiveness and tolerance:

• Abolition of Taxes: He abolished the pilgrim tax and jiziya, taxes that had been seen as discriminatory.
• Construction of Ibadat Khana (1575): Akbar ordered the building of Ibadat Khana in Fatehpur Sikri, where scholars from various religions engaged in dialogue.
• Din-i-Ilahi (1582): Akbar introduced Din-i-Ilahi, a new religion that emphasized the belief in one God and incorporated elements from various religions.
• Philosophy of Sulh-i-Kul: This policy, meaning “peace to all,” promoted harmony and tolerance among different communities.
• Discontinuation of Debates: To prevent religious discord, Akbar discontinued the debates in Ibadat Khana in 1582.
• Contemporary Criticism and Support: While Badauni, a contemporary author, criticized Akbar’s religious experiments, Sheikh Mubarak supported him. Abul Faizi was instrumental in drafting Akbar’s new religious policies.

Conclusion

Akbar’s reign marked a period of significant growth and reform for the Mughal Empire. His military conquests expanded the empire’s territory, while his administrative and religious policies fostered inclusivity and stability. For UPSC aspirants, understanding Akbar’s achievements provides valuable insights into effective governance and strategic planning in Mughal India.