Akbar, often referred to as "Akbar the Great," was the third Mughal emperor of India and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Indian history. His reign from 1556 to 1605 marked the zenith of the Mughal Empire, both in terms of territorial expansion and administrative sophistication. For aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), the life and legacy of Akbar is a crucial topic under Medieval History.
This article provides a detailed overview of Akbar’s rule, his policies, and his impact on India, which will be helpful for UPSC CSE aspirants.
.jpg)
Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
Born in 1542, Akbar was the son of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. His early years were spent in exile after Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri. However, following Humayun’s return to power, Akbar was groomed to inherit the throne. In 1556, at the tender age of 13, Akbar ascended the Mughal throne after his father’s untimely death.
The early years of his reign were dominated by his regent, Bairam Khan, who played a key role in securing Akbar’s hold on power. One of the most significant events during this period was the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556, where Akbar's forces defeated the Afghan king Hemu, ensuring Mughal control over northern India.
Akbar's Expansive Empire
Under Akbar's leadership, the Mughal Empire expanded significantly. He embarked on military campaigns that brought much of the Indian subcontinent under his control. His empire stretched from Afghanistan in the northwest to the Deccan plateau in the south, and from Bengal in the east to Gujarat in the west.
Akbar’s military prowess and strategic diplomacy were key to this expansion. His Rajput policy was one of the cornerstones of his success. Unlike his predecessors, Akbar sought alliances with the Rajputs, a powerful warrior class in northern and western India. He married several Rajput princesses, which helped forge alliances that strengthened his rule and minimized rebellion.
Administrative Reforms
Akbar's administrative genius is one of the key reasons he is remembered as "Akbar the Great." He implemented a series of reforms that solidified the Mughal Empire’s structure and made it one of the most powerful and efficient empires of its time.
Centralized Administration: Akbar established a centralized government with a well-structured bureaucracy. The empire was divided into provinces known as subahs, each governed by a subedar. The subahs were further divided into districts for easier administration.
Mansabdari System: One of Akbar's most important contributions was the introduction of the Mansabdari system. This hierarchical structure assigned ranks (mansabs) to military and civil officers, determining their responsibilities, salaries, and the number of troops they were required to maintain. The mansabdars were directly accountable to the emperor.
Revenue System: Akbar, with the help of his finance minister Raja Todar Mal, introduced an efficient revenue system known as the Dahsala system. It assessed land revenue based on the average yield of crops over ten years and set fixed rates for tax collection. This brought stability to the empire’s finances and ensured fair taxation for peasants.
Religious Tolerance: Akbar is celebrated for his policy of Sulh-i-Kul, or "universal tolerance." Unlike many rulers of his time, Akbar sought to foster unity among his subjects, regardless of their religion. He abolished the Jizya tax on non-Muslims and encouraged debates among scholars of different faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians, and Sikhs.
Akbar’s establishment of the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) in Fatehpur Sikri symbolized his commitment to religious tolerance. In 1582, he even introduced the Din-i-Ilahi (Religion of God), a syncretic faith that incorporated elements of various religions. Although it did not gain many followers, it reflected Akbar's visionary approach to governance.
Akbar’s Contributions to Art, Culture, and Architecture
Akbar’s reign is also known for its immense contributions to Indian art, culture, and architecture. He was a patron of the arts and invited artists, poets, and scholars from across the world to his court.
Art and Literature: The Mughal court under Akbar witnessed the flourishing of Persian and Indian literature. Akbar commissioned the translation of several important Sanskrit texts into Persian, the language of the court, including the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. His court was adorned with scholars like Abul Fazl, the author of the Akbarnama, a detailed chronicle of Akbar's reign, and Faizi, a renowned poet.
Miniature Paintings: Akbar played a crucial role in the development of Mughal miniature painting, a unique blend of Persian, Indian, and European styles. Artists like Daswanth and Basawan were prominent figures in Akbar's atelier.
Architecture: Akbar was also a great builder. His architectural projects, including the construction of Fatehpur Sikri, reflect a blend of Persian and Indian elements. Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent city built in red sandstone, served as his capital for over a decade. Notable structures in the city include the Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, and Jama Masjid.
Additionally, Akbar built the Agra Fort, another masterpiece of Mughal architecture. His patronage of architecture was continued by his successors, particularly Shah Jahan, who is credited with building the Taj Mahal.
Akbar's Legacy
Akbar's legacy is profound. His reign marked the golden era of the Mughal Empire, not only in terms of territorial expansion but also in the establishment of a cohesive administrative structure that endured for centuries. His policies of religious tolerance, efficient governance, and cultural patronage created a legacy that transcended his time.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding Akbar’s reign provides insights into the governance models and challenges faced by medieval rulers in India. His administrative reforms, particularly the Mansabdari system, are often compared with other historical governance models, making them relevant for comparative analysis in the UPSC General Studies papers.
Moreover, Akbar’s emphasis on secularism and unity amidst diversity is often discussed in the context of modern-day issues in Indian society, which adds relevance to the Ethics paper (GS-IV).
Akbar and the UPSC Syllabus
For UPSC candidates, the study of Akbar and the Mughal Empire is essential for several reasons:
General Studies Paper-I: Akbar’s reign is a key topic under the Medieval History section. His administrative policies, religious tolerance, and military campaigns are frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains exams.
Art and Culture: Akbar’s contributions to Mughal art, architecture, and literature are important topics in the Indian Art and Culture section. The development of miniature painting and the construction of iconic structures like Fatehpur Sikri can be highlighted in questions related to Mughal architecture.
Ethics and Governance: Akbar’s policies, especially his inclusive governance and religious tolerance, are often used as examples in the Ethics and Integrity paper (GS-IV).
Essay: Topics related to Indian rulers, governance models, and secularism can be expected in the essay paper. Akbar's reign provides valuable insights into the governance of a diverse society.
Conclusion
Akbar’s reign marked a turning point in Indian history. His innovative administrative reforms, progressive policies, and cultural patronage made him one of the most significant figures of the Mughal era. For UPSC CSE aspirants, Akbar’s contributions to Medieval History and Indian culture are vital to understanding the larger narrative of India's historical development.
By studying Akbar’s rule, candidates can gain a comprehensive understanding of governance, leadership, and the challenges of uniting a diverse society—topics that remain relevant to this day.