Akbar

Akbar was one of the greatest rulers of Mughal dynasty. He reigned most parts of the Indian subcontinent from 1556-to 1605. Akbar was known for his deed as he maintained peace and won non-muslim subjects’ support by adopting some policies in their favour. Akbar created unity in his empire irrespective of religion. Later he was succeeded by his son named, Prince Salim or Jahangir. He was famous because he was unlike other rulers of India who milked India and discriminated against for their religion. Akbar was known for his tolerance toward every religion. 

Personality of Akbar

Akbar maintained a brilliant and luxurious court in which he held ceremonies and confronted the people who would dare to complain to him. During his ruling time, he tripled the size of his empire and wealth. He also developed a powerful military force and effective political and social reform. Even when Akbar was no more tha 5 feet 7 inches, he was seamlessly able to maintain a dominating character in front of others. Akbar was illiterate but had a sharp mind.  Fatehpur Sikri was the capital for Akbar near Delhi, which carried evidence that he could rule and had support if non-muslim groups as the capital had architectural styles of multiple cultures that he encountered. Akbar was smart enough to understand the need of a country like India for an effective government and had the calibre of satisfying it. He must often have rewarded his closest, which was also known by the term ‘inam.’

Another noticeable fact about Akbar’s administration was that he maintained his military system and civil administrative both at the same time very well. He systematically organised his government during his ruling period. He aslo improved the revenue collections system to safeguard the peasants from the stage of loss of money. 

Subedar

In Mughal Empire, Subah is a word for a province, and it is derived from Arabic and Persian. The head or the ruler of the subah is known as the subedar. The subahs were established by the Badshah/king or the emperor. Initially, Akbar had 12 subahs, but due to his conquests, they were further increased to 15. Each subah had its own subedar. In today’s world, subah is used for ‘province’. 

Akbar’s Imperial Expansions 

The first region that Akbar attacked was Malwa which was a strategic route as it was a commanding route in the Vindhya Range plateau in around 1561. Later, Akbar made a deal with the independent Hindu Rajputs through his policy of conciliation and conquest. Akbar accepted the marriage proposal of the daughter of Raja Bihari Mal of Amber when threatened by a succession dispute. Once one settlement was done, Akbar started making deals with more Rajput chiefs. They would be allowed to have hold of their territory but consider Akbar as their emperor and provide him troops, whenever required, pay tribute to him, etc. 

The ones who agreed were taken honourably, but on the other hand, Akbar showed no mercy to those who did not acknowledge his supremacy. Later in 1568, Akbar captured the historic fortress of chitor. 

Akbar was far most successful than any other Mughal ruler in winning the corporation of the Hindus. In 1573 Akbar captured Gujarat and many ports at the seashore. He subjugated the Kashmir region in 1586 and Sindh in 1591. At the end of the rule of Akbar, there was a rebellion from his son, who was eager for power. 

Art and Culture

While being a dedicated ruler who was different from many other Mughal emperors, Akbar also had a great taste in art. Akbar always enjoyed it when he had some kind of artist in his company, even if it was a singer, a poet, or some other kind of artist. All of his forts and palaces are still unmatched even today in Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, and Allahabad fort. Akbar was a great lover of music and poetry. He usually had some artists in his darbar. 

Conclusion

Akbar was a great Mughal ruler who was different from the other rulers in many ways and had his way of getting things done. He had a dominating personality while being just 5 feet 7 inches. He was also an admirer of art and culture, and his forts are still unmatched until now, around the nation. Besides art and culture, Akbar was also a great lover of music and poetry. He captured many regions and even made settlements in many where he let the Rajput chiefs keep hold of their land if they would acknowledge his supremacy. Overall he was one of the greatest rulers of all time.