Akbar

Reign: 1556 – 1605
Life: 1542–1605

He is generally considered one of the greatest Mughal emperors. Akbar gradually enlarged the Mughal Empire to include much of the Indian subcontinent through Mughal military, political, cultural, and economic dominance. To unify the vast Mughal state, Akbar established a centralised system of administration and adopted a policy of conciliating conquered rulers through marriage and diplomacy. To preserve peace and order in a religiously and culturally diverse empire, he adopted policies that won him the support of his non-Muslim subjects, including abolishing the sectarian tax and appointing them to high civil and military posts. Under Akbar, Mughal India developed a strong and stable economy, which tripled in size and wealth, leading to commercial expansion and greater patronage of an Indo-Persian culture. Akbar's courts at Delhi, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri attracted holy men of many faiths, poets, architects, and artisans, and became known as centres of the arts, letters, and learning.

During Akbar's reign, Elizabeth I of England ruled England, John III of Sweden ruled Sweden, and Murad III ruled Ottoman Empire.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Akbar by Ira Mukhoty

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.

From the library

Go deeper on Akbar

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Akbar

Ira Mukhoty

A recent, accessible biography of the emperor who fused Hindu and Muslim India into one polity.

Find this book on Amazon

The Mughal Empire
John F. Richards
The scholarly standard on Akbar's administrative and religious innovations.
Find on Amazon

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

Akbar

The World During Their Reign

Meanwhile in history

Go deeper on Akbar

Akbar

The Mughal Empire