AKBAR- THE GREAT

After Psychology, the second most interesting subject to me is Indian History. Of all the emperors who ruled our country, Akbar impressed me the most. This article is a tribute to him. I would like to share some aspects about the ruler in this blog.

Abu-ul-Fath Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar was born on October 15th 1542. He was born when Humayun and his first wife, Hamida Bano, were fugitives escaping towards Iran. Akbar, widely considered the greatest of the Mughal emperors, was only 14 when he became emperor, due to the death of his father Humayun. He ruled under the guidance of Bairam Khan who was later ostracized.



Nava rathna or the nine gems of Akbar’s court:

Though he didn’t know how to read or write, he was a patron of art and literature. His court had the nine jewels.
1.Abul Fazal: He authored Akbarnama the biography of Akbar. This book throws light on the administrative abilities of the monarch.
2.Faizi: He was Fazal’s brother and was a Persian poet. He wrote Lilabati, a book on mathematics.
3.Mian Tansen: Was a court musician. Mian was the title which was conferrred on him by Akbar. There are legendaries which say that Tansen had lit lamps and caused rain by his divine singing!!!!!
4.Birbal: He was the most trusted minister of Akbar. Was originally called Maheshdas. He was named Raja Birbal by Emperor Akbar. He is known for his wit and wisdom.
5.Raja Todar Mal: Was the finance minister. He was responsible for bringing in changes in the revenue system. He introduced weights and measurements!!!
6.Raja Man Singh: Was a trusted lieutenant and assisted Akbar in many fronts.
7.Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khan: Was a poet and the son of Bairam Khan, his caretaker.
8.Fagir Aziao & 9.Mullan Do Piaza: These two were advisors to Akbar.


Some achievements :

1.Mansabdari system: It is a system of ranking introduced by Akbar. The concept is borrowed from Persia. It was applicable to both Civil and Military departments. Though it was applicable to Civil department, this system was introduced to strengthen the Army. Under this system, every officer was assigned a rank (mansab). The lowest rank was 10, and the highest was 5000 for the nobles. Princes of the blood received higher ranks. Towards the end of Akbar’s reign, the highest rank a noble could attain was raised from 5000 to 7000.. The appointment, suspension and promotion of the Jagirdars were the sole authority of the emperor. The Jagirdars were awarded Jagirs instead of salary. The property earned by them was not hereditary. When masabdari system was introduced in the country it didn’t have any parallels elsewhere thus, the system became the basis of Mughal military organization and civil administration.

2.Literature: If ever there was an influential Muslim ruler who was remembered for his great works rather than his military conquests, that Muslim ruler was Akbar "The Great". The reign of Akbar was a period of renaissance of Persian literature. The Ain-i-Akbari gives the names of 59 great Persian poets of Akbar's court. Abul Fazl's Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari were complementary works.

3.Abolition of taxes for Hindus: The Muslim rulers taxed the Hindu pilgrims (Jizya). This was mainly used as a weapon to convert poor Hindus to Islam on failing to pay the tax. Akbar later abolished this system of taxation.

4.Architecture: Architecture flourished during the reign of Akbar (1555-1605). The chief feature of the architecture of Akbar's time was the use of red sandstone. Some of the buildings during Akbar’s reign :
a) Fatehpur Sikri:Akbar constructed the Royal city of Fatehpur Sikri 42 kms west of Agra. It was Akbar’s greatest architectural achievement. The buildings are the rare combination of Hindu and Islamic features. The numerous structures at Fatehpur Sikri best illustrate the style of his works.
b) Agra Fort: A greater part of the fort at Agra was constructed by Akbar starting in 1565 AD and completed it in 1574 A.D. Situated on the bank of the river Jamuna, it is a massive and grand structure.
c) Buland Darwaza: A magnificent gateway was added later in 1571-72 to commemorate his conquest of Gujarat. Built of red sand stone and marble it is said to be the “most perfect architectural achievement in the whole of India". The beautiful perforated parapet and the row of kiosks with cupolas add to the dignity of the monument. An inscription on the gateway testifies to Akbar’s religious toleration.

5.Din-I-llahi: Or the Divine Faith was propounded by Akbar with a view to merge the best elements of both the religions. Akbar was tolerant of religions other than Islam. In fact, not only did he tolerate them, he encouraged debate on philosophical and religious issues. This led to the creation of the Ibādat Khāna ("House of Worship") at Fatehpur Sikri. This religious doctrine had few followers; the only person other than Akbar who was a Dīn-i Ilāhī believer until death was Birbal. Din-i-Ilahi was more of an ethical system. It prohibits lust, sensuality, slander and pride, considering them sins. Piety, prudence, abstinence and kindness are the core virtues. The soul is encouraged to purify itself through yearning of God. Celibacy and the slaughter of animals is forbidden. There is no sacred scriptures or a priestly hierarchy in this religion



Did you know?

ü Akbar was an illiterate.
ü Akbar was dyslexic.
ü Akbar’s marriage with the Rajput princess marked the beginning of Royal matrimony between Hindu and Islamic monarchs in India.
ü Akbar was the only Mughal king to ascend the throne without the customary war of succession.
ü Akbar was raised in the rugged country of Afghanistan rather than amongst the splendor of the Delhi court.
ü Akbar built the largest army ever in the history of Mughals.
ü Din-I-llahi had only 19 adherents.
ü Akbar was a great patron of architecture, art, and literature. Its fame persuaded Queen Elizabeth I of England to send out her ambassador, Sir Thomas Roe.
ü Akbar extended Mughal power over most of the Indian subcontinent.