Akbar

5. Akbar (1556–1605 CE)

Definition & Introduction

Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor and son of Humayun, is regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Indian history. His reign was marked by territorial expansion, administrative innovation, and cultural integration. He consolidated Mughal authority across much of the Indian subcontinent and promoted policies of religious tolerance and efficient governance.

Early Life

Born: 1542 CE at Amarkot (Sindh) during Humayun’s exile.
Mother: Hamida Banu Begum.
Known for physical strength and exceptional hunting skills.
Illiterate but had sharp memory and understanding of statecraft.

Accession to the Throne

Became emperor at age 13 after Humayun’s death in 1556 CE.
Initially under the regency of Bairam Khan.

Early Reign & Regency of Bairam Khan (1556–1560 CE)

Second Battle of Panipat (1556 CE): Defeated Hemu (chief minister of Sur remnants), securing the Mughal throne.
Expanded control over Delhi, Agra, and Punjab.
Bairam Khan removed in 1560 due to court rivalries; Akbar took direct control.

Military Expansion

Rajput Policy: Alliance through diplomacy and marriage; most Rajput states accepted Mughal suzerainty except Mewar.
Battle of Haldighati (1576 CE): Against Maharana Pratap; Mughals won but Mewar resistance continued.
Annexed Gujarat (1572), Bengal (1576), Kashmir (1586), Sindh (1591), and parts of Deccan (Ahmadnagar in 1600).

Administration & Reforms

Central Administration

Emperor at the top; assisted by Council of Ministers.
Wazir/Diwan-i-Ala: In charge of revenue and finance.
Mir Bakshi: Military pay and recruitment.
Sadr-us-Sudur: Religious and judicial appointments.

Provincial Administration

Empire divided into Subahs (provinces) → Sarkars → Parganas → Villages.
Each Subah headed by a Subahdar.

Mansabdari System

Introduced to organise military and civil duties.
Officers given mansabs (ranks) indicating number of soldiers to maintain.
Dual rank: Zat (personal rank) and Sawar (cavalry rank).

Land Revenue System

Todar Mal’s Bandobast (Ain-i-Dahsala system).
Based on average produce over 10 years; fixed revenue demand at 1/3 of average produce.

Religious & Cultural Policies

Initially followed orthodox Islam but later adopted a policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace).
Abolished Jizya tax (1564 CE) and pilgrimage tax.
Founded Din-i-Ilahi (1582 CE) to promote ethical conduct and tolerance (never a mass religion).
Patronised art, architecture, literature, and translation of Sanskrit texts into Persian.

Architecture under Akbar

Blend of Persian and Indian styles.
Fatehpur Sikri built as capital (later abandoned due to water scarcity).
Notable works: Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Agra Fort expansions.

Bihar Relevance

Bihar integrated firmly into Mughal control after Akbar’s Bengal campaigns.
Mughal administration established in Bihar with Todar Mal’s revenue reforms.
Bihar served as a key supply route in eastern military expeditions.

Death

Died in 1605 CE at Agra.
Succeeded by his son Jahangir.

Current Affairs (till Aug 2025)

Fatehpur Sikri included in ASI’s digital conservation project.
Bihar State Archives digitising Akbar-era farmans (royal orders).

PYQs (BPSC)

📝 PYQ (BPSC 2018): Who introduced the Mansabdari system? → Akbar
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2014): In which year was Jizya abolished by Akbar? → 1564 CE

Expected MCQs

📝 Who was Akbar’s revenue minister? → Raja Todar Mal
📝 Which battle secured Akbar’s throne in 1556 CE? → Second Battle of Panipat
📝 What was the capital built by Akbar? → Fatehpur Sikri

Quick Revision Points

Reigned: 1556–1605 CE.
Battles: Second Panipat (1556), Haldighati (1576).
Mansabdari system; Todar Mal’s revenue reforms.
Religious tolerance: Sulh-i-Kul, abolition of Jizya.
Architecture: Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort.

One-Page Rapid Revision Summary

Akbar’s nearly 50-year reign was transformative for the Mughal Empire. Through military conquests, administrative innovations like the Mansabdari system, and a policy of religious tolerance, he established a stable, centralised state. Bihar was integrated into the empire with Mughal governance and revenue reforms. His cultural patronage left lasting architectural and artistic legacies.