Akbar is commonly known as the “Great Mughal”. He is regarded as one of the most influential rulers in Indian history due to his reign that spanned from 1556-1605 which marked an era of religious tolerance, administrative Mughal reforms, as well as noticeable cultural events occurred in this Empire. The significance of Akbar’s influence on modern-day Indian and Islamic history leads to his veneration as an important figure.
Early Childhood and Education
Born in Amarkot, Sindh, Pakistan in 1542, Akbar was the son of Humayun who reigned as the second Mughal emperor but had a volatile tenure punctuated by numerous uprisings. Consequently, there was much uncertainty during his formative years as a result.
Akbar became king at the age of thirteen following the sudden death of his father Humayun. His age was still very tender in age though he showed signs of exceptional maturity and acumen. Ridding himself of competing claimants, he quickly established control over the Mughal Empire there now.
However, Akbar was not educated conventionally. Unlike most sovereigns in his era, Akbar did not go through traditional Islamic teachings instead he had tutors with varying religious backgrounds including Hindus or Muslims as well Christian few contributors to mention but a few. It was this exposure to many religions and cultures at such an early age that encouraged tolerance and understanding about other peoples’ beliefs or ways of life.
Reign of Akbar
During Akbar’s rule, certain reforms were aimed at making the Mughal Empire a stronger and more religiously cohesive entity Peirce-based central administration was one of his most notable achievements which were meant to enhance efficiency for better governance throughout the empire.
Religious toleration was also championed by Akbar whereby numerous policies were implemented to enhance peaceful coexistence among different faiths One of the contentious decisions ever made by him was the creation of Din-i-Ilahi which was a new religion that contained elements of Islam and Hinduism and other religious concerns Despite the failure of Din-i-Ilahi in the end it was an expression of his commitment to the fact that several religious practices could exist together within a nation.
During Akbar’s reign significant cultural and intellectual progress was also attained. Among the many educational sectors that he established is Ibadat Khana a famous religious forum within which scholars from diverse religious backgrounds could meet and discourse this is as stated by one notable website Among some of its universities include Ibadat Khana, which was a conference hall or chamber for those who were non-Muslims, Badakhana, if truly Ibadat Khana was one for non-Muslims as defined by some and the university of science called Dar Ul Shafa Katra in Kashmir.
Legacy
Akbar’s influence remains relevant to the present day: he is praised for being a pragmatic leader who turned the Mughal Empire into a powerful and rich state. His emphasis on religious tolerance as well as cultural diversity provided a basis upon which more peaceful societies could exist freely within themselves. His region was one of the proofs that different religions and cultures could coexist harmoniously.
Death of Akbar
Akbar, aged sixty-three years, caught a severe dysentery attack in May 1605. Instead of getting better, he grew worse, and after three weeks of pain, he died at Fatehpur Sikri on the 27th day of October the same year. He was buried at Sikandra, Agra.
