Akbar (1556-1605)

Akbar, the third Mughal emperor, reigned from 1556 to 1605. He conquered and expanded the Mughal Empire in India, surpassing his father Humayun, with the assistance of Bairam Khan and others. Akbar was renowned for his strong personality and military prowess. Candidates preparing for UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains exam can refer to other NCERT Notes on Medieval Indian History.

• Akbar faced critical circumstances upon inheriting his father's throne as Delhi was dominated by Afghans. 
• In 1556, during the second battle of Panipat, Akbar's victory over Hemu was decisive, solidifying Mughal dominance. 
• Initially, Bairam Khan served as his regent for the first 5 years of his reign. 
• However, Akbar later dismissed Bairam Khan, sending him on a journey to Mecca, where he was assassinated by an Afghan.
• Akbar's military conquests were extensive and far-reaching.

Mughal Administration under Akbar

• Akbar was renowned for his effective ruling techniques. 
• He possessed an insatiable desire for knowledge, eagerly learning from every encounter in his daily life. 
• His humility and politeness were remarkable strengths in his interactions with his subjects.
• In his day-to-day governance, Akbar's approach was simple yet strategically framed. 
• One of his most crucial skills in managing a country with vast territories and diverse religious beliefs was the formulation of a Centralized Federal Government. 
• This form of governance involved delegating responsibilities to governors of various states.

Land Revenue Administration

Akbar, with the assistance of Raja Todar Mal, undertook a comprehensive investigation into land revenue administration, completed in 1580.

The land revenue system, also known as Zabti, Bandobast, or Dahsala System, was established.

Revenue assessment was based on the average yield of land over the preceding ten years.

Land was categorized into four types:

• Polaj (cultivated annually)
• Parauti (cultivated every two years)
• Chachar (cultivated every three or four years)

Banjar (cultivated every five years or more)

• Land revenue was typically collected in cash.

Mansabdari System

• Akbar implemented the Mansabdari system within his administration.

• This system assigned rank to every officer, ranging from 10 to 5000, with nobles holding the highest ranks.
• Princes of royal lineage were granted even higher ranks.
• These ranks were categorized into two types: Zat and Sawar.
• Zat denoted personal status, while Sawar indicated the number of troops a person was required to maintain.
• Each Sawar was mandated to maintain at least two horses.
• The emperor held direct authority over all appointments, promotions, and dismissals within this system.

Akbar’s Relations with Rajputs

• Akbar entered into marriage with a Rajput Princess, the daughter of Raja Bharmal.
• Over four generations, the Rajputs faithfully served the Mughals, occupying positions as military officials.
• Akbar appointed Raja Man Singh and Raja Bhagawan Das to senior positions within the Mughal Administration.
• While most Rajput states surrendered to Akbar, the Ranas of Mewar persistently resisted, despite repeated defeats.
• In 1576, the Mughal Army emerged victorious over Rana Pratap Singh in the battle of Haldighati. 
  • Following this, other prominent Rajput leaders conceded defeat and submitted to Akbar.
• Akbar's policy towards the Rajputs was characterized by religious tolerance.
• He abolished both the pilgrim tax and later the jizya tax.

Akbar’s Religious Policy

• Akbar’s religious policy stands out prominently in the annals of history.
• In 1562, he took a significant step by abolishing the jizya tax.
• He granted freedom of worship to his Hindu wives, allowing them to practice their religion as they pleased
• In 1575, Akbar erected a House of Worship at his capital, Fatehpur Sikri, and extended invitations to scholars of all religions.
• He disapproved of the political interference of Muslim Ulemas.
• In 1579, he promulgated the Infallibility Decree, asserting his religious authority.
• In 1582, Akbar propagated a new religion named Din Ilahi, or Divine Faith.
• Despite opposition, he built a temple for Jodha within his own palace, showcasing his commitment to religious tolerance and harmony.

About Din Ilahi

• This new religion advocated belief in one God, amalgamating virtues from various world religions.
• Its foundation was flawless, devoid of any philosophical doctrines.
• The objective was to unify disparate religions.
• Despite attracting only 15 followers, including Birbal, Akbar did not coerce anyone into adopting this faith.
• However, it was deemed a failure after Akbar's demise.

Art and Culture

• Despite being a dedicated ruler, Akbar was also a significant patron of art and culture. 
• He deeply appreciated the poetry of poets, the music of singers, and the art of creative individuals.
• His forts and palaces in and around Delhi stand as marvels of unparalleled craftsmanship. 
• Notable among these are Fatehpur Sikri, Allahabad Fort, and Agra Fort.
• Akbar's passion for music and poetry was evident in his durbar, which hosted a unique ensemble of artists, scholars, poets, and singers, contributing to the joyful ambiance of the palace.

Reasons for his Greatness

There were several unique habits and actions that contributed to Akbar's lasting legacy:

• Under his reign, the Jizya taxes were abolished, promoting religious tolerance.
• Akbar appointed learned Hindu Pandits to important government positions, fostering inclusivity.
• He held open audiences at the Diwan-e-Aam, where he listened to the grievances of the general public.
• In the Diwan-e-Khaas, Akbar engaged with scholars from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian backgrounds to discuss significant issues.

End of Rein

• In 1605, at the age of 63, Akbar succumbed to a severe bout of dysentery that ultimately claimed his life.
• He was buried with great ceremony within the grand confines of the Agra Fort.
• Akbar's reign left an indelible mark on Indian history. His leadership saw the expansion and enrichment of the Mughal Empire, marked by a strong military and progressive political reforms.