Emperor Akbar, also known as Akbar the Great or
Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar, was the third emperor of the Mughal Empire,
after Babur and Humayun. He was the son of Nasiruddin Humayun and
succeeded him as the emperor in the year 1556, when he was only 13 years
old. One of the most successful emperors of the Mughal Empire, Akbar
also made significant contribution in the field of art. Apart from
commencing a large collection of literature, he also commissioned a
number of splendid buildings during his reign. This biography of King
Akbar will provide you more information on his life history:
Early Life
Akbar was born on 15th October 1542, to Emperor Humayun and his
recently wedded wife, Hamida Banu Begum. The Rajput Fortress of Umarkot
in Sind, where Humayun and Hamida were taking refuge, became the
birthplace of this great emperor. In 1540, Humayun was forced into exile
by Afghan leader Sher Shah and Akbar spent his childhood in Afghanistan,
at his uncle Askari's place. His youth was spent in running and
fighting, rather than learning to read and write. However, this could
never impair his interest in art, architecture, music and literature.
Humayun recaptured Delhi in the year 1555, with the help of his Persian
ally Shah Tahmasp. However, a few months after his victory, he met with
an accident and died. On 14th February 1556, Akbar succeeded the throne,
in the midst of a war waged by Sikandar Shah for the Mughal throne.
Early Rule
The first battle fought by Akbar was against Sikandar Shah Suri of
Punjab. However, when Akbar was busy leading assault against Sikandar
Shah, Hemu, a Hindu warrior, launched an attack on Delhi, which was then
under the regency of Tardi Beg Khan. Tardi fled from the city and Hemu
claimed the capital. On the advice of his general, Bairam, Akbar
launched an attack on Delhi and reclaimed the city. On 5th November
1556, 'Akbar the Great' fought the Second Battle of Panipat against
General Hemu.
Following soon after was the battle with Sikandar Shah at Mankot. In
1557, Adil Shah, who was the brother of Sikandar, died in a battle in
Bengal. Along with fighting against the other rulers, Akbar also
solidified his support by revoking the jizya tax on non-Muslims. At the
same time, he started wooing the favor of the powerful Rajput caste, at
times by marrying Rajput princesses. He expanded the Mughal Empire by
including Malwa, Gujarat, Bengal, Kabul, Kashmir and Kandesh, amongst
others. In no time, the rule of Akbar was firmly established over the
entire Hindustan (India).
Final Years
Akbar was greatly troubled in the last few years of his life due to the
misdemeanors of his sons. Especially his third son, Salim, was
frequently in rebellion against his father. The last conquest of Akbar
comprised of Asirgarh, a fort in the Deccan. Thereafter, he faced the
rebellion of his son and breathed his last on 12th October 1605. His
body was entombed in a magnificent mausoleum at Sikandra city, near
Agra.
Navratnas
Akbar's court had Navaratnas (Nine Jewels), meaning a group of nine
extraordinary people. They included:
