Akbar

Full Name: Abu'l-Fath Jalal ud-din Muhammad Akbar
Profession: Mughal Emperor

Nationality:

Biography: Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, widely known as Akbar the Great, was the third Mughal Emperor who ruled from 1556 until his death in 1605. Born in Amarkot, now in modern-day Pakistan, he was the son of Emperor Humayun and Hamida Banu Begum.

Ascending to the throne as a teenager, Akbar expanded Mughal control across the Indian subcontinent and is remembered for his innovative administrative policies, military conquests, and encouragement of cultural fusion.

After Humayun's untimely death, young Akbar became emperor with Bairam Khan acting as his regent. Akbar's reign officially began in 1556 when he was just 13. During his formative years in Kabul, he was nurtured in the arts of war and statesmanship, which prepared him for future challenges, though he remained illiterate. Bairam Khan effectively managed the succession process, which allowed Akbar to take control without immediate opposition.

Akbar's military strategies transformed the Mughal armies, incorporating advanced technologies like cannons and matchlocks, and expanding the empire through significant battles such as the defeat of the Surs, securing Agra and Delhi. His administrative acumen led to the establishment of a structured bureaucracy and progressive policies like the abolition of sectarian taxes and the inclusion of non-Muslims in leadership roles.

The consolidation of his power also saw Akbar's conflict with his regent, Bairam Khan, who was eventually dismissed and later forgiven following an attempted rebellion. Akbar continued to suppress uprisings, including those by the Uzbek chiefs and his own half-brother. His administrative insights contributed to the creation of ministerial posts specific to various areas of governance.

Akbar's diplomatic efforts extended beyond military conquest. He forged matrimonial alliances with Rajput princesses and maintained relations with international powers like the Portuguese, Ottomans, and Safavids. His religious policies promoted tolerance and he encouraged philosophical discussions among various faiths, culminating in the inception of the syncretic Din-i Ilahi, although this new faith did not survive beyond his reign.

Akbar's death in 1605 marked the end of a pivotal epoch in the Mughal empire. His burial place is in Sikandra, near Agra. His legacy endures through the Akbarnama and Ain-i-akbari, historical texts by his court historian Abul Fazl, as well as his depiction in films, television, and literature. His son, Prince Salim, carried forward his legacy as Emperor Jahangir, succeeding him on the Mughal throne.

Born: October 15, 1542
Birthplace: Umerkot, Rajputana (present-day Sindh), Pakistan
Star Sign: Libra

Died: October 27, 1605 (aged 63)