CH: - 3 (AKBAR THE GREAT)

(1556-1605).

Q/A:-
Q1) Tell about the accession of Akbar.

A) Akbar was at Kalanur, a town in the Punjab when his father died. To ensure a peaceful succession his
guardian, Bairam Khan who proved a great asset to Akbar in the most critical period of his early life,
crowned him the king there on 14th of February, 1556. At the time of accession to the throne, he was a
boy of 13 and so Bairam Khan was appointed as his regent.

Q2) Tell about the Problems Akbar faced on the accession of his Throne.

A) On his accession Akbar found the Throne of Delhi in a state of disorder and confusion. Famine and
pestilence visited the provinces of Northern India including Delhi and Agra and carried away a large
number of people.

1) Blunders of Humayun:-

His father who had been able to recover only a small portion of his territory during
the last stage of his life left an unorganized and unconsolidated empire.

.) According to V.A Smith,

“He could not be said (to possess any kingdom) at the time of his accession”.

2) Claimants to the Throne:-

a) The 2 Sur princes Ibrahim Sur and Sikandar Sur were contesting for the Throne.

b) But the most prominent and powerful of all was Himu, the Hindu minister of Adil Shah. He was
powerful that he succeeded in occupying Delhi and Agra and ascended the throne under the title of
Vikramaditya.

3) Independent state:-

Kabul was under Akbar’s brother Muhammad Hakim.

While, many independent state were formed like: - Bengal, Malwa, Gujrat, Gondwana, Orissa, Kashmir,
Sind, Balochistan, and Deccan during Akbar’s accession time.

4) Threat from Rajputs:-

 The Rajputs had recovered from the shock inflicted on them by the first Mughal
emperor and they were now powerful in their castles.

5) Threat from Portuguese:-

The Portuguese had established themselves on the western sea-coast and their
supremacy in the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf caused trouble and danger to Muslims going on
pilgrimage to Mecca.

6) Financial crisis:-

During the early stage of Akbar’s rule, his government was suffering through financial crisis.
The government was financially weak and taxes by other state were not being given. Finally, the drought
made his government condition more critical because 1000 of farmers died or attempted suicide.

Due to emptiness of Budget, the army administration was affected and it became weak.
Due to the poor of condition of the state, many royal rulers raised insurgency against Akbar and formed
their independent state.

Q3) Write a note on the early life of Akbar.

A) Birth:-

After his defeat at the battle of Qanauj, Humayun was moving from place to place like a
homeless wanderer. He went to the Punjab and tried to win over his brothers. But when his brothers
whom he loved so dearly gave him no shelter, he withdrew to Sind. There he besieged Bhakkar; but
could no conquer it. It was at that time he married Hamida Banu Begum (Mother of Akbar), the
daughter Sheikh Ali Akbari Jami. Humayun next turned to Maldev of Jodhpur who had promised to help
him, but owing to pressure from Sher Shah he soon changed his mind. Humayun, finding that there was
no chance of help from Maldeve, sought shelter with Rana Prasad at Amarkot. It was here that the Great
Mughal Emperor Akbar was born on November 23, 1542 A.D.

.) Early life of Akbar:-

1) Abduction by Askari:-

When Humayun was under exile and took shelter in Iran, his brother Askari attacked
him. Humayun and his wife were able to save themselves, but Akbar was captured by Askari and was
taken to Qandahar. There Akbar was brought up well by Askari’s wife, because Askari could have gained
Akbar’s (Being a Mughal royal blood) support to ascend to the Throne of Hindustan.

After 3 years, Akbar was finally able to reunite with his family.

2) Abduction by Kamran:-

When Humayun was in War by his step brother Kamran, Akbar was again abducted.
Kamran even though had disputes with Humayun, but he was provided royal nourishment and care.
Once, Humayun attacked Kabul, during the attack Kamran placed Akbar on the wall of his fort.
Fortunately Akbar was saved from the shelling.

.) Education:-

Humayun always wanted to provide higher education to Akbar. Therefore, he appointed

teachers for Akbar from Iran. These teachers tried their best to teach Akbar, but because of his
negligence and dumbness, his teachers were unhappy as well as Humayun.

Humayun even strictly advised him to gain education, but he was interested in sports and other physical
activities. At last, Humayun got tired of Akbar behavior and left him on his own.

When Humayun defeated Sikandar Shah in 1555, he was replaced with Akbar, although he was only 13
years old. Humayun during his last days made Akbar his successor.

Q4) Tell about Akbar as an Administrator.

A) Akbar's major achievements were his administrative reforms, which laid the foundation for 150 years
of a multi-religious empire under Mughal rule. Always more interested in physical performance than
formal education he remained illiterate throughout his life but took an active interest in all matters of
intellect. His son Jahangir wrote of him that he was:-

"always associated with the learned of every creed and religion, ... and so
much became clear to him through constant intercourse with the learned and the wise ... that no one
knew him to be illiterate, and he was so well acquainted with the niceties of verse and prose
composition that this deficiency was not thought of."

First Era of Akbar’s reign.

(1556-1564)

Q5) Write a note on the Second battle of Panipat.

A) When Akbar came into power as a boy, he was fortunate enough to enjoy the support and confidence
of Bairam Khan who piloted the ship of the State in those stormy days and served his mater loyally and
faithfully till he reached the age of discretion (maturity).

.) Second Battle of Panipat 1556:-

When Himu marched against the Mughals after the capture of Delhi and
Agra, Bairam Khan met him at the historic field of Panipat on 5 November, 1556. Himu had initial
success against the Mughals, because he somehow laid him hands on Humayun’s cannon, but ultimately
the sun of victory rose in favor of Bairam Khan and Akbar. Himu, the hero and the hope of the Hindus,
fell into the hands of the Mughals and was beheaded by Bairam Khan. Thus, the most formidable enemy
of Akbar was safely removed.
.) Importance of the Battle:-

The battle of Panipat was a decisive one in the history of Mughal India. It brought to
a close the Afghan- Mughal struggle for supremacy in Indo-Pakistan and the hopes of the Hindus to
establish their rule were dashed to the ground. The Mughals soon captured Delhi and Agra and a large
booty fell into their hands. It also paved the way for expansion.

Q6) Tell about the end of Sur Dynasty.

A) After the battle of Panipat Akbar turned towards the Sur claimants to the throne. Sikandar Sur had
taken Shelter in the stronghold of Mankot in the Punjab, but he was reduced to such straits that he was
compelled to surrender the place after a siege of 8 month. Akbar gave him a fief (fee) in the eastern
provinces where he died in 1569. Muhammad Adil Shah met his death in a conflict with the king of
Bengal in 1557. It was during year of 1558-1560 that Akbar extended his dominion by the conquest of
Gwalior, Ajmer and Jaunpur.

Q7) Write a note on Bairam Khan and his dismissal.

A) Bairam Khan, a Turkoman by birth and a Shia by faith, was one of the most remarkable figure of his
time.

1) Bairam services to Humayun:-

He stood by the side of Humayun in the times of troubles and dangers and took
share with him in all the privations of a fugitive life.

>) Once Humayun said to Bairam Khan:-

“There is no lamp like thee in our family.”

He owed much to him and in appreciation of his merit and service he appointed him governor of
Qandahar when it was conquered. He was rewarded with the Jagir of Sirhind, and was given the title of
Khan-i-Khanum. He was also appointed guardian (Atga) to Akbar and was affectionately called Khan-
Baba.

2) Bairam services to Akbar:-

When Akbar came into power Bairam Khan placed all his energy and ability at his
disposal and by virtue of his intelligence and dexterity the empire was saved from the dangers. It was
due to him that the second battle of Panipat was won and the lost inheritance was recovered. The
Emperor had no better friend and benefactor to pilot him through the difficulties period ahead.

3) Dismissal of Bairam Khan:-

The regency of Bairam Khan lasted for 4 years, i.e. from 1556 to 1560. He was
dismissed from his office early in 1560 by Akbar and was ordered to proceed on pilgrimage to Mecca.
There were several factors that led to his fall.
1) Jealously from increasing influence of Bairam Khan on the emperor:-

Firstly, there grew up a powerful

party in the harem and the court which became highly jealous of the increasing power and influence of
Bairam Khan, started to plant conspiracies against him.

2) Difference because of his faith:-

Bairam Khan was a Persian and Shia by faith, while the Emperor’s household
and most of the nobles professed the Sunni faith. The old nobles could not stand the idea that a person
of foreign nation could not stand the idea that a person of foreign nation should exercise such an
immense influence on the Emperor.

3) Vanity and haughtiness (arrogance) of Bairam Khan:-

The absolute power exercised by Bairam Khan had

turned his head. His disposition became haughty and arbitrary. Many of his actions were based upon
personal considerations. This was not liked by the Emperor and the nobles.

4) Favoritism for co-religionist:-

Bairam Khan unduly favored his co-religionist and this proved a potent factor of
his ultimate fall.

The appointment of Sheikh Godai, a Shia to the important post of Sadr-us-Sudur (The head of all the law
officers and controllers of the grant of land for ecclesiastical and charitable purposes) stride the
orthodox (accepted creed) Sunni nobility to its depth.

.) Just like Sir Wolsely:-

“The appointment of a Shia to this office raised a storm of protest from the
orthodox and contributes more than any other measure of Bairam Khan to his downfall.”

5) Execution of Tardi Beg:-

The execution of Tardi Beg, the Governor of Delhi, made him very unpopular. He
had put Tardi Beg to death, simply because the latter had not offered resistance to the Afghans.

He had put Tardi Beg to death, simply because the latter had not offered resistance to the Afghans. The
nobles regarded the execution of Tardi as an act of high-handedness and considered their position at
the court highly precarious so long as Bairam Khan was in power. So they directed their efforts towards
the fall of Bairam Khan by exploiting the young King against him.

6) Bairam harsh attitude to royal servant:-

Bairam showed favor to his own servants and conferred upon

them the title of Sultan and Khan, while he treated the Royal Servants in a very harsh manner. For most
trivial misconduct they were severely punished. He even killed the Emperors elephant driver in a fit of
rage. This was very unjust and obliged Akbar to drop the Pilot.

7) Suspicion about Bairam Khan Loyalty:-

The suspicion of Akbar about Bairam Khan’s loyalty put the emperor on
his guard. There was rumor that his protector was trying to place Abul Qasem, son of Kamran on the
Throne, though it was not true the rumor was exploited by the enemies of Bairam Khan.

8) Akbar’s ambition:-

Akbar’s desire to assume the power himself was an important cause that led to
the fall of Bairam Khan. By 1560, he had come of age. He had grown tired of the galling yoke of Bairam
Khan who even desired him a private purse. Like others he disliked Bairam’s arrogance and unbridled
exercise of authority and wished to put an end to it.

9) Conspiracy of the royal household:-

Lastly, Akbar’ s foster mother and her relatives who wished to

share the growing prosperity of the empire knocked upon Bairam Khan as an obstacle in their way and
they poisoned Akbar’s ears against him.

A conspiracy was hatched in which the principles partners were his mother Hamida Banu Begum,
Maham Anaga (foster mother of Akbar). Adam Khan and other foster relatives. These people who are
usually referred to by Muslim historians “the foster father cohort” induced Akbar to throw off the
regency of his guardian. The palace intrigues contributed more than anything else to bring about the fall
of Bairam Khan.

.) Death of Bairam Khan:-

In 1560, Akbar informed Bairam Khan that he had decided to take charge of the
government in his own hand and he desired him to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca. The protector
obeyed the royal order, but later when he was treated in a manner unworthy of his position and dignity
raised the standard of revolt. He was defeated and captured and at last he threw himself on the mercy
of Akbar who pardoned him and permitted him to proceed to Mecca. On his way to Mecca he was
murdered by an Afghan at Patan in Gujrat.

After Bairam Khan’s death, Akbar financially supported Bairam Khan’s family and made his son (Abdul
Rahem) a great scholar of his era.

Q8) Write a note on the Petticoat Government.

A) The fall of Bairam Khan did not enable Akbar to take the charge of the government fully into his own
hands. He was for 4 years more under the influence of his foster-mother Maham Anaga, her son Adam
Khan and her relatives. This period (1560-1564) has been described by many historians as the period of
“Petticoat Government”.
>) Just like Dr. Smith has said:-

“Akbar shook off the tutelage of the Khan-i-Khanam only to bring himself
under the monstrous reign of an unscrupulous woman”

Some historians believe that the Emperor acted according to his own judgement.

.) Changes occurred during this period:-

1) The origin of strong relationship with Rajputs were established, when Akbar married the Daughter of
Raja Ambar.

2) The interference of the royal household was increasing in the royal matters.

3) He abolished the poll tax (jizya) on non-Muslims (especially Hindus) and the forced conversion of
prisoners of war to Islam.

4) At the early stage of this period, he was taking lack of interest in the royal affairs of the state; but at
the end he became active in royal affairs and imposed new policies.

.) Death of Adam Khan:-

At the age of 20, Akbar was aware of the conspiracies planted by the royal
household. In order to make their group weak, he dismissed Manum Khan and made Sham ud din Ataka,
the “Wakeel ul Sultanat”. When Adam Khan heard the news of the dismissal of Manum Khan, he plotted
the murder of Shams ul din Ataka, and succeeded. When Akbar heard the news he asked for the
presence of Adam khan in his court, Adam Khan failed to defend himself and tried to kill Akbar, Akbar
resisted and ordered his guards to whip and hung him on the fort.

.) End of Petticoat Government:-

Hence, Adam Khan was put to death at the instance of the emperor. Maham
Anaga died of grief at the death of her son.

Thus by the end of May, 1562 Akbar was feed from the influence of the Court Party and had taken upon
himself the task of administration.

.) Conclusion:-

Because of the negligence of Akbar towards the affairs of the Kingdom, the royal household
took advantage and started to run the kingdom; according to their will. The dismissal of Bairam Khan
was their biggest success. Because of the foolishness and immaturity of Akbar, the Petticoat
Government strengthened its influence. When Akbar realized his mistakes, he successfully diminished
the influence of this Government.

Q9) Write a note on the Rajput policy of Akbar.

A) Akbar was a great statesman. He fully realized that his empire would be very weak if it was not
broadly based upon the good-will and co-operation of all his subjects.

.) Just like K. Ali has said:-

“He also knew that of all the dynasties that had yet ruled in India, Taimur lung was
the most insecure in its foundation.”

1) Conciliatory policy towards the Rajputs:-

The idea of insecurity because of the rivalry of Hindus against his great
grandfather “Taimur Lung” and the desire of building up an Empire in India for his own people, led him
to enlist the support and sympathies of the Rajputs who constituted the military class of the Hindu
community.

In the view of this fact he tried to win the hearts of the Hindus in general and the Rajputs in particular by
adopting a conciliatory policy towards them. Though Pratap Singh, son of Udai Singh never submitted to
him and offered him stubborn resistance, Akbar by his wise and liberal policy secured the support of the
Rajputs to such an extent that they rendered valuable services to his empire and shed their blood for it
by policies like:-

a) In the civil courts Akbar abolished laws that discriminated against non-Muslims. He raised the Hindu
court system to official status side by side with Muslim law and reformed the legislation with the aim to
maximize common laws for Muslim and Hindu citizens.

b) Akbar established separation of state and religion and opened government positions to members of
all religions. He abolished the poll tax (jizya) on non-Muslims and the forced conversion of prisoners of
war to Islam. He converted the meetings of Muslim clerics into open discussions between Islam, Hindu,
Parsi and Christian scholars and in 1579 issued an edict that made him the highest authority in religious
matters.

c) Akbar appointed the Rajputs to the high posts of power and responsibility both in civil and military
departments. Raja Todar Mall, Raja Bihari Mall, Raja Baghwan Das and Raja Man Singh enjoyed the
confidence of the Emperor and held high offices in the States.

2) Matrimonial alliance with the Rajputs:-

Akbar to in order to strengthen his position in Hindustan he entered into

matrimonial alliances with the Rajputs. “Raja Bihari Mall of Ambar” was the first Rajput Raja who gave
his daughter in marriage to him.

.) According to Dr. Bani Prasad:-

“This marriage symbolized the dawn of the new era in Indian politics, it gave
the country a line of remarkable sovereigns; it secured for 4 Mughal generation, the services of some of
the greatest captains and diplomats that medieval India produced. For instance, “Bihari Mall and his son
Baghwan Das were appointed to high ranks in the army.

In 1570, the Emperor married the Rajput princess of Bikaner and Jasilmir. In 1584, his eldest son, Salim
(Jahangir) was married to the daughter of Raja Baghwan Das of Jaipur.

.) Conclusion:-

Although Akbar established good relationships with Rajput to strengthen his position in
Hindustan, but he did not tolerate their political independence and didn’t hesitate to wage war against
those of the Rajput State which refused to acknowledge his suzerainty.

Q10) Write a note on Conquest and annexation of Akbar.

A) It was Akbar who had built a vast empire in India whose boundary had touched the great Himalayas in
the north and Kanya Kumari in the south, the Hindu Kush in the west and the river Brahmaputra in the
east. It was possible due to his aggressive policy of expansion.

.) Commenting on his policy of imperialism, Mrs. A.S. Beveridge has written that: -

“Akbar was a strong and stout annexationist

before whose sun the modest star of Lord Dalhousie paves.”

The Conquest and annexations are in the following:-

1) Jaunpur:-

This area was ultimately annexed by the Mughals in 1516.

2) Malwa:-

Baz Bahadur was the ruler of Malwa. He refused to bend his knee towards Akbar.
Therefore, He was defeated by the imperial (royal) forces and Malwa was conquered in 1561.

3) Jaipur:-

Under the influence of Akbar’s Rajput policy, the Rajput ruler of Jaipur bent his knee
towards Akbar. Hence, this area was captured by Akbar in 1562.

4) Gondwana:-

After the conquest of Jaipur and Malwa, Akbar turned his attention towards the Rajput
state of Gondwana in the Central provinces. It was then ruled by Rani Durgabati as the regent (a person
appointed to administer a country because the monarch is a minor) of her minor son, Birr Narayan.

Akbar sent Asaf Khan, governor of Kara to conquest the kingdom of the minor prince. The heroic Rani
offered a stub-born resistance to the imperial army but was defeated. Preferring death in dishonor she
stabbed herself to death on the battlefield. The young a Raja also fought against the enemy and died a
heroic death.

5) Chittor:-

The siege of Chittor was one of the famous military enterprises of Akbar. The strategic
importance of the fortress demanded the immediate attention of the Mughal emperor. The Rana had
also given offence to Akbar by giving shelter to Baz Bahadur, the fugitive ruler of Malwa and by helping
the rebellious Mirza.

The proud Rana not only refused to enter into matrimonial alliances with the Mughal emperor but also
defied his authority. In 1567, Akbar marched against Rana Udai Singh with a large army. At his approach
Udai Singh fled to hills, leaving a capital in charge of Jayamal and Patta who offered a strong opposition
to the imperialists for 4 months.

The Rajputs fought bravely till they perished to a man. Akbar then captured the fort of Chittor.

6) Bihar:-.

The rule of Bihar accepted to bend his knee towards Akbar in 1568.However, after his death his
son came into power in Bihar and raised insurgency against Akbar. Hence, Akbar sent a large army and
successfully conquered Bihar in 1572.

7) Ranthumbor:-

With the fall of Chittor, the other Rajputs chiefs submitted to him. The chief of Ranthambor
and Kalinjer in Bundelkhand soon surrendered to Akbar. Therefore, Akbar successfully captured it in
1569.

8) Mewar:-

One by one, the Rajputs chiefs acknowledged the supremacy of the Mughal emperor, but the
Rana of Mewar refused to accept his suzerainty. After the death of Udai Singh his son Rana Pratap
became the ruler of Mewar. Though he was “without a capital and without resources”, he was not ready
to bow down his head to the Mughals. Akbar sent a vast army under Man Singh and Asaf Khan against
the Rana.

In the battle of Haldighat Rana Pratap was defeated and he retired to the mountains. But he never lost
heart.

Later in life, he was able to recover the greater part of his kingdom, except Chittor, Ajmer and
Mandalgarh.

His son Amar Singh tried to carry on the struggle with the Mughal emperor, but was defeated after a
gallant resistance. Hence, Mewar was conquered by Akbar in 1570.

9) Gujrat:-
 Gujrat was conquered by Humayun and it remained under the possession of the Mughals
only for a short period. After the subjugation of Rajputana, Akbar decided to recover the lost provinces
of the Mughal Empire.

Gujrat was famous for its wealth and plenty of the place, its flourishing trade and thriving maritime
commerce, and lastly its anarchical condition attracted the attention of the Great Mughal.

Fortunately, the country was passing through chaos and confusion due to the struggles between their
royal rulers (Muzaffar Shah 2 and Mirza’s).

Hence Akbar took advantage of the situation and personally marched against Gujrat in 1572 and
captured Gujrat.

But no sooner had he reached the capital, Mirza’s raised insurgency against Akbar. Therefore, Akbar at
one fitted out an expedition, met the insurgent in a battle near Ahmadabad in September, 1573 and
inflicted a crushing defeat on them.

Hence Gujrat was conquered and annexed in 1573.

10) Bengal:-

Due to Geographical factors, Bengal was always difficult to rule for one ruler. When the royal
rulers of Bengal raised insurgencies, Akbar took it up as a challenge and successfully annexed Bengal in
1576.

11) Kabul:-

Kabul was conquered and annexed by Akbar in 1585.

.) Conclusion:-

Akbar also occupied Berar and Khandesh and captured the fort of Sirgarh in 1601. It was the last victory
of Akbar. He died in 1605. Akbar’s Deccan policy was continued by his successors throughout the
Mughal period.

Q11) Write a note on the Deccan Campaign of Akbar.

A) Having consolidated his authority over the Northern India, Akbar turned towards the Deccan. His
Deccan policy was purely imperialistic outlook.

He was led to send expeditions to the south by two considerations:-

1) To bring the Deccan States under his control.

2) The other to utilize his control over the Deccan as a means of pushing back the Portuguese to the Sea.
His idea was facilitated by the distracted state of the Deccan. With the destruction of the Hindu kingdom
of Vijayanagar, the motives of co-operation disappeared and the dynastic hostilities were renewed
between Ahmadnagar, Bijapur and other states of the Deccan.

The Emperor first wanted to bring the Deccan states under his control by diplomatic methods and sent
ambassadors to their respective courts, requesting the Sultans to acknowledge his suzerainty and to pay
him regular tributes.

All the Sultans of: - Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Golkunda, Bidar; except Khandesh returned a flat refusal. Thus
when the diplomatic mission failed, Akbar resorted to arms.

Ahmadnagar was the first to feel the weight of Akbar’s arms. The throne of Ahmadnagar became a bone
of contention between 2 rivals, each of whom sought the help of Akbar.

The Mughal Emperor sent a vast army under the command of prince Murad and Khan-i-Khanan Abdur
Rahim who besieged Ahmadnagar in 1593. Chand Sultana, a princess of the royal house and daughter of
Hussain Nizam Shah offered a stout and heroic defense. When the imperialists failed to storm the city
and Chand Sultana was reduced to great straits, a treaty was concluded by which the Sultana agreed to
cede Berar to the Mughals and the boy king.

Bahadur Shah promised to acknowledge the over lordship of Akbar. But the court intrigues and the
boundary disputes soon led to the violation of the treaty and war was again declared against
Ahmadnagar. Prince Danyal was sent to conduct the war. Chand Sultana disliked continuing the war in
violation of the treaty and so she entered into negotiations with the Mughals. She was soon murdered
by her own officers and the city was annexed to the Mughal Empire in August, 1600 A.D.

Q12) Write a note on Religion of Akbar or write a note on Din e Ilahi.

A) Religion of Akbar:-

If Akbar is remembered today, it is due to his famous religious policy. His real fame
rests on his liberal religious policy. His knowledge on the essence of different religious philosophies at a
later stage made him to promulgate a new religion famous in history as Din-i-Ilahi under whose banner
Akbar had tried to unite Hindus and Muslims. For the vast Mughal empire to be enduring Din-e-Ilahi was
probably the only alternative. However time, proved it as Akbar’s ‘Monument of Folly’.

1) A child of his time:

Akbar was born and brought up at a comparatively liberal religious society. Indian society by then had
witnessed the Sufi and the Bhakti movement. As a result of which the religious animosity between the
Hindus and Muslims in India had been reduced to a very lower point. They had come nearer as a result
of better religious understanding. The intellectuals of both the communities realized that the inner
essence of all religions was the same.
The Hindu and Muslim saints created a peaceful spiritual atmosphere in the country in contrast to the
hatred and violence of the earlier days. When Akbar ascended the throne, the influence of the Sufi and
Bhakti movement was at its height. Akbar was greatly influenced by that liberal spirit of the time. Not
merely he was the child of his time, but also he became the representative as well as the leader of that
time.

2) Mughal legacies:

Akbar inherited Mughal legacies in the matters of religion. His father Humayun and his grandfather
Babur were not fanatics. They had not conquered India with a religious motive. Their motive was purely
political. Though Babur had declared Jihad on the eve of certain important wars, his motive was only to
unite and encourage the Muslim soldiers. Babur and Humayun were no doubt men of learning and
liberal outlook.

Akbar’s mother Hamida Banu Begum was a Shia Muslim and the daughter of a Persian scholar. She
taught her son Akbar the fundamentals of religious toleration. As the descendant of liberal ancestors,
Akbar maintained the religious toleration and Akbar maintained the family legacies of liberal outlooks.
Further his tutor Abdul Latif was a man of broad ideas who taught him sublime conceptions of divine
and spiritual realities.

3) Hindu influence:

Akbar’s father Humayun during his extreme distress as a homeless wanderer had kept his pregnant wife
Hamida Banu Begum under the protection of the Hindu king of Amarkot. The Hindu king being
sympathetic at his misfortune had given shelter to Hamida Banu Begum in his own house where Akbar
was born. The gesture of that Hindu king even at the dangerous hours during the rule of Sher Shah was
really an unforgettable memory of Akbar. This incident might have inspired the future emperor to adopt
some liberal policy to Hindus.

4) Influence of Sufi friends:

Akbar had come in close contact with two of his Sufi friends known as Faizi and Abul Fazal who were
highly cultured and thoroughly liberal in their outlook. They influenced Akbar to show respect towards
different faiths and cults.

5) Influence of Rajput Queens:

Akbar married the Hindu princess of Ambar, Bikaner, and Jasilmir and established matrimonial and
cordial relations with Rajput’s. Though this matrimonial alliance was for a political motive, yet it had its
religious results. With the presence of the Hindu women in the Mughal harem, Hindu religious
ceremonies and festivals entered into the Mughal Palace. Almost all the great Hindu festivals like Diwali,
Dussehara, and Holi were observed in the Mughal Palace. The emperor used to participate in all the
festivals wearing the Hindu dresses. This also made the emperor Akbar liberal towards Hindu religion.

6) Influence of Contemporary Religious thinkers:

Akbar constructed a House of worship or Ibadatkhana at his capital city of Fatehpur Sikri and invited
religious thinkers and preachers of different religions and faiths to that house for religious discussions.
Religious leaders of various religions such as Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Parsi and Christian were invited for
learned discourses. Akbar acquired knowledge by associating himself with the wise men of the country
with the result he was far away from orthodox beliefs.

7) Akbar’s personal convictions:-

Akbar, though illiterate, was a genius. He had possessed a tremendous spiritual insight to know the
divine matters. Though he acquired knowledge by listening to others, he had his own way of thinking of
the divine matters. His mystic experiences made him to realize that no single religion contained the
absolute truth of everything. Out of all these factors he developed his religious policy which had
universal values and which helped to remove religious hatred from the minds of various people of our
country.

.) Results:

1) Akbar’s liberal religious policy brought the people of divergent communities into the fold of one
nation. He made it possible by paying respect to all religions and by accepting to the sameness of their
inner meanings.

2) Secondly he gave the Mughal government a secular color by bringing a change in the traditional
Muslim administration.

3) Thirdly, Akbar abolished the pilgrim tax and Jizya imposed earlier on his Hindu subjects. It pleased the
Hindus everywhere. As a result of mass support of Hindus, the foundation of the Mughal Empire got
strengthened. He also gave full freedom to the Hindus to observe their festivals.

4) At last in a spiritual mission to assimilate the substance of all religions he invented a new cult known
as Din-i-Ilahi.

Q13) Write a note on Din-i-Ilahi.

A) Akbar promulgated a new religion known as Din-i-Ilahi in 1582. It means divine faith. It was a
collection of the finest principles of all the religions. Being an amalgamation of all religions the new
religion aimed at uniting people of all religious sects. It aimed to establish the oneness of God. Instead of
superstitions, men were asked to follow a code of moral conduct. To lead a pure and principled life and
the worship of the Lord were the cardinal tenets of the new religion. The religion was simple and its
principles were easily intelligible. Din-i-Ilahi was also known as Tohid-o-Ilahi.

.) Principles of Din-i-llahi:

1) The members of Din-i-Ilahi were to follow a new mode of greeting each other. One member while
meeting the other was to greet him with “Allah- u-Akber” and the other was to respond with Jaila
Jallalhu.
2) The members were to celebrate their birthday and invite their co-religionists to a feast.

3) As far as possible the members of Din-i-llahi were to abstain from meat-eating but were not to hate
the meat-eaters. In the month of their birth, they were not to take meat at all.

4) The members were to give dinner during their life-time instead of the dinner usually given after the
death.

5) The members were to regard fire as very sacred and they were to respect all the religions.

.) Propagation of Din-i-Ilahi and its analysis:

Din-i-Ilahi was not propagated properly. Akbar did not move any efforts for its propagation. He did not
even force anyone to accept this religion. Among the Hindus only Raja Birbal accepted this religion. Raja
Bhagwan Das and Man Singh refused to accept this religion. Muslims also did not take any interest in
Din-i-Ilahi.

Among the Muslims the Din-i-Ilahi was extremely unpopular. The women also secretly incited the
people not to accept this religion. During Akbar’s lifetime this religion never gets any popular
acceptance. It was totally eclipsed after the death of Akbar.

.) Criticism:-

Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi has been criticized by different historians.

1) V.A. Smith says,

“Din-i-Ilahi was a monument of Akbar’s folly and not of his wisdom.

2) According to Professor S.R. Sharma:-

“Din-i-Ilahi was a vivid manifestation of Emperor Akbar’s nationalist

spirit.”

3) Prof. Ishwari Prasad Summarizes the Din-i-Ilahi as a unique combination of mysticism, philosophy and
nature worship.

However, the religion was an exposition of Akbar’s liberal trait. In order to preserve the unity of India
and to maintain religious harmony between Hindus and Muslims, Akbar promulgated the Din-i-Ilahi.

Q14) Write a note on the Revenue system of Akbar.

A) The crowning achievement of the Great Mughal was the re-organization of the land revenue system.
No government is possible without the proper management of finance which is the life blood of a state.

The major sources of finance were land revenue, customs, mint, inheritance, plunder and indemnities,
presents, and the poll-tax.
Of these, land revenue formed the most important source of income.

The steps which were taken by Akbar for the improvement of revenue system are following:-

1) Systematic survey of land:-

In land revenue Sher Shah must have a due share and may rightly be called the
great fore-runner of Akbar. He made a systematic survey of the land under cultivation and laid the
foundation on which Akbar raised the superstructure.

When Akbar ascended the throne, he resumed the work of Sher Shah and with the help of able Diwan’s
like Muzaffar Khan Turbati and Raja Todar Mall in 1571, improved upon this legacy till 1580.

Todar Mall was the outstanding figure in revenue department who had worked under Sher Shah and
acquired considerable experience in this line. The merit of the new settlement lay in its scientific and
just assessment based upon systematic and accurate survey.

For this purpose, a stiff pole was substituted to measure lands while Sher Shah used the loose rope.

2) Division of land into 4 classes:-

To ascertain the average produce per Bigha, which was classified into 4 sorts:-

a) “Polaj”:-

The land which is constantly cultivated and is never allowed to remain fallow.

b) “Parauti:-

The land which is left fallow, sometimes during a year for recuperation (recovery).

c) “Chachar”:-

A land which is lying fallow for 3 or 4 years at a stretch.

d) “Banjar”:-

A land which remained uncultivated for 5 years or more.

Of the first 2 kinds of land, there were 3 classes; good, middling and bad. The average of these 3 classes
of land was to be estimated produce per “Bigha”, and this was to serve as the basis of these
assessments. The other 2 classes of land were dealt separately.

3) Taxes levied on lands:-

Initially Raja Todar Mall suffered through many difficulties because of some policies by
Sher Shah, which were a flop but then he amended some policies and taxes were levied only on lands
actually under cultivation and not on land merely occupied. The state demand was (1/4 which later
became1/3) of the gross produces and cultivators were given the option of paying the State share either
in money or in kind, but the emperor preferred the former.

Because of the brilliantness of Raja Todar Mall, the Empire became financially strong.

4) Zabti system of assessment:-

Cash rates were different for different crops. For example, the taxes for
barley and wheat were different the rates for indigo and sugarcane. This settle was first made by Raja
Todar Mall in Gujrat and it served as a model for the rest of the Mughal Empire in subsequent years.
This is called Zabti system of assessment.

This system prevailed very largely in Bihar, Allahabad, Oudh, Agra, Delhi, Malwa, Multan and parts of
Gujrat.

Among the other systems of assessment the names of Ghallabaksha Nasaq may be mentioned here.

5) Direct connection with the agriculturists:-

In this new revenue system, the government dealt directly with agriculturists
it was made decennial. A number of obnoxious taxes were abolished and the cultivators were assured
easy access to the Emperor in case, if undue rents were expected form them. In many remissions were
made to the subjects ‘especially when the land suffered from droughts and flood”.

If necessary Taqavi loans were granted to them for the purchase of oxen, seeds and agriculture
implements were recovered in easy installments.

.) Dr. Smith writes:-

“In short the system was an admirable one. The principles were sound and the practical
instructions to officials were all that could be desired.

.) Result of revenue system:-

The revenue settlement of Akbar produced important results.

1) Firstly, it benefited the state as well as the peasantry.

2) Secondly, the share of the State being fixed fluctuation in the land revenue and fraud on the part of
the revenue officers were stopped. The system enriched the Imperial treasury and enhanced the
prosperity of the peasants.

Q15) Write a note on the Administration of Akbar.

A) When Akbar ascended the throne the condition of the army was hopelessly bad. The soldiers were
mostly inefficient and unfit for active service. The corrupt feudal lords were corrupting the Empire and
were sending farmers in the form of Soldier, due to which the army became weak.
The horses which were being branded for war were incompetent or weak, sent by the feudal lords.

The state was generally deceived by its own officers.

Under the circumstances, Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system in the Empire.

1) Mansabdari:-

The word “Mansab” means “rank, dignity of officer” and Mansabdari means one who holds
the rank.

The Mansabdari system implies that every rank holder was bound to render military service to the State
when he is called upon to do so.
>) According to Abdul Fazal: -

“There were 66 grades of Mansabdars, but in actual field there were 33

grades ranging from commanders of 10 to commanders of 10,000.

The highest 3 grades, ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 were reserved for the members of the Royal family,
but an exception was made in the case of certain officers like Man Singh, Todar Mall, Mirza Shah Rukh
and Qulich Khan, who were admitted to the rank of 7,000.

The Mansabdars were paid a regular salary from the imperial Treasury and out of this salary they were
required to maintain a certain number of horses, elephants, beasts of burden and carts according to
their rank.

The appointment, promotion and dismissal rested with the Emperor.

2) Zat and Sawar:-

The Mansab was not hereditary and it was granted for personal ability and military
merits. Every Mansabdar above the rank of 3000 in time of Akbar and Above 500 in later times had a
double rank, e.g., 750 “Zat” and 500 “Sawar”.

>) Regarding the distinction between Zat and the Sawar, Dr. Ishwari Prasad says:-,

“The Zat was the personal rank of

Mansabdar, but to this was added a number of extra horsemen for which an officer was allowed to draw
extra allowance and this was called his Sawar rank”.

3) Branding of horses:-

Steps were taken by Akbar for the prevention of abuses of the system and the
improvement of the army. On many occasion the officers brought false muster rolls for interview and
got it passed for efficient soldiers. Allowances were drawn and thereby they defrauded the government.
In order to check this evil practice, the Emperor reviewed the system of branding the horses introduced
by Allauddin Khalji and muster rolls were kept both for men and animals, and copies of such muster-rolls
were deposited in the Imperial Treasury.

A separate department of branding was created and placed in charge of a Bakshi and Darogah.

Akbar reviewed many of the Jagirs which Sher Shah abolished and converted them into Khana or Crown
lands but he paid his Mansabdars in cash and not by grants of land. This measure curtailed the influence
of the local magnates and increased the revenue of the State.

4) Merits of the system:-

The Mansabdari system helped to maintain a big army without a Central administration. If
a trouble broke out in any part of the empire it could be easily put down by a big army collected on the
spot without waiting for the dispatches of the Centre. Besides that, every Mansabdar recruited his
troops from his own tribe and as such the system ensured loyalty of the soldiers to their commanders
and developed unity and uniformity in the regiment.

As promotion depended upon the merit and ability, each tribe heart and soul to win victory in the battle
and the fighting efficiency was thus increased.

5) Demerits and Jealousy between the different groups led to disintegration.

As the Mansabdar system was generally organized on

tribal basis, jealousy and rivalry between the different groups of soldiers began to grow and it ultimately
contributed to the fall of the Mughal Empire. Since the Mansabdars were posted all over the empire and
were responsible for the equipment and discipline of the forces under them, the system secured a large
degree of decentralization.

With the weakness of the central authority, the powerful Mansabdars with their army often sided the
rival claimants to the throne.

.) Conclusion:-

In-order to take all of the power into his own hand, he had to destroy or weakened these
Feudal lords, which he did through his policies.

Q16) Tell about the death of Akbar the Great.

A) The last days of Akbar’s life were embittered by a series of misfortunes and troubles. His 2 sons
Murad and Danyal died as a result of excessive drinking. His eldest son Salim revolted and proved a
source of trouble to him. In 1601, Salim assumed the royal title and founded an independent kingdom at
Allahabad.

In 1602, he gave a terrible shock to his father by engaging a robber chief, Bir Singh Bundela who
murdered Abul Fazl, the most trusted friend and counselor of Akbar.
Before Akbar’s death, a re-conciliation was made between father and son. Prince Salim was nominated
as his successor, but a part of the Rajputs headed by Man Singh attempted to secure the succession in
favor of Prince Khusrau. Though the intrigue failed in the end, it disturbed the peace of mind of the aged
Emperor.

Ultimately he died of diarrhea in the autumn of 1605, leaving behind a solid and compact Empire to his
successor.

TEXTBOOK:-
Q1) “The initial period of Akbar’s Reign in fact was its training period”.
Analyze.
A) Akbar was at Kalanur, a town in the Punjab when his father died. To ensure a peaceful succession his
guardian, Bairam Khan who proved a great asset to Akbar in the most critical period of his early life,
crowned him the king there on 14th of February, 1556. At the time of accession to the throne, he was a
boy of 13 and so Bairam Khan was appointed as his regent.

.) Initial periods of Akbar’s Reign:-

1) Fall of Bairam Khan:-

When Akbar came into power Bairam Khan placed all his energy and ability at his disposal and by virtue
of his intelligence and dexterity the empire was saved from the dangers. It was due to him that the
second battle of Panipat was won and the lost inheritance was recovered. The Emperor had no better
friend and benefactor to pilot him through the difficulties period ahead.

The regency of Bairam Khan lasted for 4 years, i.e. from 1556 to 1560. He was
dismissed from his office early in 1560 by Akbar and was ordered to proceed on pilgrimage to Mecca.
There were several factors that led to his fall.

1) Jealously from increasing influence of Bairam Khan on the emperor:-

Firstly, there grew up a powerful

party in the harem and the court which became highly jealous of the increasing power and influence of
Bairam Khan, started to plant conspiracies against him.

.) Death of Bairam Khan:-

In 1560, Akbar informed Bairam Khan that he had decided to take charge of the
government in his own hand and he desired him to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca. The protector
obeyed the royal order, but later when he was treated in a manner unworthy of his position and dignity
raised the standard of revolt. He was defeated and captured and at last he threw himself on the mercy
of Akbar who pardoned him and permitted him to proceed to Mecca. On his way to Mecca he was
murdered by an Afghan at Patan in Gujrat.

After Bairam Khan’s death, Akbar financially supported Bairam Khan’s family and made his son (Abdul
Rahem) a great scholar of his era.

.) Petticoat Government:-

The fall of Bairam Khan did not enable Akbar to take the charge of the
government fully into his own hands. He was for 4 years more under the influence of his foster-mother
Maham Anaga, her son Adam Khan and her relatives. This period (1560-1564) has been described by
many historians as the period of “Petticoat Government”.

>) Just like Dr. Smith has said:-

“Akbar shook off the tutelage of the Khan-i-Khanam only to bring himself
under the monstrous reign of an unscrupulous woman”

Some historians believe that the Emperor acted according to his own judgement.

.) Changes occurred during this period:-

1) The origin of strong relationship with Rajputs were established, when Akbar married the Daughter of
Raja Ambar.

2) The interference of the royal household was increasing in the royal matters.

3) He abolished the poll tax (jizya) on non-Muslims (especially Hindus) and the forced conversion of
prisoners of war to Islam.

4) At the early stage of this period, he was taking lack of interest in the royal affairs of the state; but at
the end he became active in royal affairs and imposed new policies.

.) Death of Adam Khan:-

At the age of 20, Akbar was aware of the conspiracies planted by the royal
household. In order to make their group weak, he dismissed Manum Khan and made Sham ud din Ataka,
the “Wakeel ul Sultanat”. When Adam Khan heard the news of the dismissal of Manum Khan, he plotted
the murder of Shams ul din Ataka, and succeeded. When Akbar heard the news he asked for the
presence of Adam khan in his court, Adam Khan failed to defend himself and tried to kill Akbar, Akbar
resisted and ordered his guards to whip and hung him on the fort.

.) End of Petticoat Government:-

Hence, Adam Khan was put to death at the instance of the emperor. Maham
Anaga died of grief at the death of her son.
Thus by the end of May, 1562 Akbar was feed from the influence of the Court Party and had taken upon
himself the task of administration.

.) Conclusion:-

Because of the negligence of Akbar towards the affairs of the Kingdom, the royal household
took advantage and started to run the kingdom; according to their will. The dismissal of Bairam Khan
was their biggest success. Because of the foolishness and immaturity of Akbar, the Petticoat
Government strengthened its influence. When Akbar realized his mistakes, he successfully diminished
the influence of this Government.

Hence, we can say that initial period of Akbar’s Reign in fact was its training period, which was initial for
him; in-order to build a strong and long-lasting Empire.

Q2) Akbar made all of his policies in-order to obtain power. Discuss.
A) Akbar's major achievements were his administrative reforms, which laid the foundation for 150 years
of a multi-religious empire under Mughal rule. Always more interested in physical performance than
formal education he remained illiterate throughout his life but took an active interest in all matters of
intellect. His son Jahangir wrote of him that he was:-

"always associated with the learned of every creed and religion, ... and so
much became clear to him through constant intercourse with the learned and the wise ... that no one
knew him to be illiterate, and he was so well acquainted with the niceties of verse and prose
composition that this deficiency was not thought of."

.) Rajput Policy:-

Akbar was a great statesman. He fully realized that his empire would be very weak if it was not broadly
based upon the good-will and co-operation of all his subjects.

.) Just like K. Ali has said:-

“He also knew that of all the dynasties that had yet ruled in India, Taimur lung was
the most insecure in its foundation.”

1) Conciliatory policy towards the Rajputs:-

The idea of insecurity because of the rivalry of Hindus against his great
grandfather “Taimur Lung” and the desire of building up an Empire in India for his own people, led him
to enlist the support and sympathies of the Rajputs who constituted the military class of the Hindu
community.

In the view of this fact he tried to win the hearts of the Hindus in general and the Rajputs in particular by
adopting a conciliatory policy towards them. Though Pratap Singh, son of Udai Singh never submitted to
him and offered him stubborn resistance, Akbar by his wise and liberal policy secured the support of the
Rajputs to such an extent that they rendered valuable services to his empire and shed their blood for it
by policies like:-

a) In the civil courts Akbar abolished laws that discriminated against non-Muslims. He raised the Hindu
court system to official status side by side with Muslim law and reformed the legislation with the aim to
maximize common laws for Muslim and Hindu citizens.

b) Akbar established separation of state and religion and opened government positions to members of
all religions. He abolished the poll tax (jizya) on non-Muslims and the forced conversion of prisoners of
war to Islam. He converted the meetings of Muslim clerics into open discussions between Islam, Hindu,
Parsi and Christian scholars and in 1579 issued an edict that made him the highest authority in religious
matters.

c) Akbar appointed the Rajputs to the high posts of power and responsibility both in civil and military
departments. Raja Todar Mall, Raja Bihari Mall, Raja Baghwan Das and Raja Man Singh enjoyed the
confidence of the Emperor and held high offices in the States.

2) Matrimonial alliance with the Rajputs:-

Akbar to in order to strengthen his position in Hindustan he entered into

matrimonial alliances with the Rajputs. “Raja Bihari Mall of Ambar” was the first Rajput Raja who gave
his daughter in marriage to him.

.) According to Dr. Bani Prasad:-

“This marriage symbolized the dawn of the new era in Indian politics, it gave
the country a line of remarkable sovereigns; it secured for 4 Mughal generation, the services of some of
the greatest captains and diplomats that medieval India produced. For instance, “Bihari Mall and his son
Baghwan Das were appointed to high ranks in the army.

In 1570, the Emperor married the Rajput princess of Bikaner and Jasilmir. In 1584, his eldest son, Salim
(Jahangir) was married to the daughter of Raja Baghwan Das of Jaipur.

.) Conclusion:-

Although Akbar established good relationships with Rajput to strengthen his position in
Hindustan, but he did not tolerate their political independence and didn’t hesitate to wage war against
those of the Rajput State which refused to acknowledge his suzerainty.

Q3) Bairam Khan was very close to Akbar tell the reasons, why he was
discharged from his post.
A) Bairam Khan, a Turkoman by birth and a Shia by faith, was one of the most remarkable figure of his
time.
1) Bairam services to Humayun:-

He stood by the side of Humayun in the times of troubles and dangers and took
share with him in all the privations of a fugitive life.

>) Once Humayun said to Bairam Khan:-

“There is no lamp like thee in our family.”

He owed much to him and in appreciation of his merit and service he appointed him governor of
Qandahar when it was conquered. He was rewarded with the Jagir of Sirhind, and was given the title of
Khan-i-Khanum. He was also appointed guardian (Atga) to Akbar and was affectionately called Khan-
Baba.

2) Bairam services to Akbar:-

When Akbar came into power Bairam Khan placed all his energy and ability at his
disposal and by virtue of his intelligence and dexterity the empire was saved from the dangers. It was
due to him that the second battle of Panipat was won and the lost inheritance was recovered. The
Emperor had no better friend and benefactor to pilot him through the difficulties period ahead.

3) Dismissal of Bairam Khan:-

The regency of Bairam Khan lasted for 4 years, i.e. from 1556 to 1560. He was
dismissed from his office early in 1560 by Akbar and was ordered to proceed on pilgrimage to Mecca.
There were several factors that led to his fall.

1) Jealously from increasing influence of Bairam Khan on the emperor:-

Firstly, there grew up a powerful

party in the harem and the court which became highly jealous of the increasing power and influence of
Bairam Khan, started to plant conspiracies against him.

2) Difference because of his faith:-

Bairam Khan was a Persian and Shia by faith, while the Emperor’s household
and most of the nobles professed the Sunni faith. The old nobles could not stand the idea that a person
of foreign nation could not stand the idea that a person of foreign nation should exercise such an
immense influence on the Emperor.

3) Vanity and haughtiness (arrogance) of Bairam Khan:-

The absolute power exercised by Bairam Khan had

turned his head. His disposition became haughty and arbitrary. Many of his actions were based upon
personal considerations. This was not liked by the Emperor and the nobles.

4) Favoritism for co-religionist:-

 Bairam Khan unduly favored his co-religionist and this proved a potent factor of
his ultimate fall.

The appointment of Sheikh Godai, a Shia to the important post of Sadr-us-Sudur (The head of all the law
officers and controllers of the grant of land for ecclesiastical and charitable purposes) stride the
orthodox (accepted creed) Sunni nobility to its depth.

.) Just like Sir Wolsely:-

“The appointment of a Shia to this office raised a storm of protest from the
orthodox and contributes more than any other measure of Bairam Khan to his downfall.”

5) Execution of Tardi Beg:-

The execution of Tardi Beg, the Governor of Delhi, made him very unpopular. He
had put Tardi Beg to death, simply because the latter had not offered resistance to the Afghans.

He had put Tardi Beg to death, simply because the latter had not offered resistance to the Afghans. The
nobles regarded the execution of Tardi as an act of high-handedness and considered their position at
the court highly precarious so long as Bairam Khan was in power. So they directed their efforts towards
the fall of Bairam Khan by exploiting the young King against him.

6) Bairam harsh attitude to royal servant:-

Bairam showed favor to his own servants and conferred upon

them the title of Sultan and Khan, while he treated the Royal Servants in a very harsh manner. For most
trivial misconduct they were severely punished. He even killed the Emperors elephant driver in a fit of
rage. This was very unjust and obliged Akbar to drop the Pilot.

7) Suspicion about Bairam Khan Loyalty:-

The suspicion of Akbar about Bairam Khan’s loyalty put the emperor on
his guard. There was rumor that his protector was trying to place Abul Qasem, son of Kamran on the
Throne, though it was not true the rumor was exploited by the enemies of Bairam Khan.

8) Akbar’s ambition:-

Akbar’s desire to assume the power himself was an important cause that led to
the fall of Bairam Khan. By 1560, he had come of age. He had grown tired of the galling yoke of Bairam
Khan who even desired him a private purse. Like others he disliked Bairam’s arrogance and unbridled
exercise of authority and wished to put an end to it.

9) Conspiracy of the royal household:-

Lastly, Akbar’ s foster mother and her relatives who wished to

share the growing prosperity of the empire knocked upon Bairam Khan as an obstacle in their way and
they poisoned Akbar’s ears against him.
A conspiracy was hatched in which the principles partners were his mother Hamida Banu Begum,
Maham Anaga (foster mother of Akbar). Adam Khan and other foster relatives. These people who are
usually referred to by Muslim historians “the foster father cohort” induced Akbar to throw off the
regency of his guardian. The palace intrigues contributed more than anything else to bring about the fall
of Bairam Khan.

.) Death of Bairam Khan:-

In 1560, Akbar informed Bairam Khan that he had decided to take charge of the
government in his own hand and he desired him to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca. The protector
obeyed the royal order, but later when he was treated in a manner unworthy of his position and dignity
raised the standard of revolt. He was defeated and captured and at last he threw himself on the mercy
of Akbar who pardoned him and permitted him to proceed to Mecca. On his way to Mecca he was
murdered by an Afghan at Patan in Gujrat.

After Bairam Khan’s death, Akbar financially supported Bairam Khan’s family and made his son (Abdul
Rahem) a great scholar of his era.

Q4) Write a note on the Petticoat government.

A) The fall of Bairam Khan did not enable Akbar to take the charge of the government fully into his own
hands. He was for 4 years more under the influence of his foster-mother Maham Anaga, her son Adam
Khan and her relatives. This period (1560-1564) has been described by many historians as the period of
“Petticoat Government”.

>) Just like Dr. Smith has said:-

“Akbar shook off the tutelage of the Khan-i-Khanam only to bring himself
under the monstrous reign of an unscrupulous woman”

Some historians believe that the Emperor acted according to his own judgement.

.) Changes occurred during this period:-

1) The origin of strong relationship with Rajputs were established, when Akbar married the Daughter of
Raja Ambar.

2) The interference of the royal household was increasing in the royal matters.

3) He abolished the poll tax (jizya) on non-Muslims (especially Hindus) and the forced conversion of
prisoners of war to Islam.

4) At the early stage of this period, he was taking lack of interest in the royal affairs of the state; but at
the end he became active in royal affairs and imposed new policies.

.) Death of Adam Khan:-

 At the age of 20, Akbar was aware of the conspiracies planted by the royal
household. In order to make their group weak, he dismissed Manum Khan and made Sham ud din Ataka,
the “Wakeel ul Sultanat”. When Adam Khan heard the news of the dismissal of Manum Khan, he plotted
the murder of Shams ul din Ataka, and succeeded. When Akbar heard the news he asked for the
presence of Adam khan in his court, Adam Khan failed to defend himself and tried to kill Akbar, Akbar
resisted and ordered his guards to whip and hung him on the fort.

.) End of Petticoat Government:-

Hence, Adam Khan was put to death at the instance of the emperor. Maham
Anaga died of grief at the death of her son.

Thus by the end of May, 1562 Akbar was feed from the influence of the Court Party and had taken upon
himself the task of administration.

.) Conclusion:-

Because of the negligence of Akbar towards the affairs of the Kingdom, the royal household
took advantage and started to run the kingdom; according to their will. The dismissal of Bairam Khan
was their biggest success. Because of the foolishness and immaturity of Akbar, the Petticoat
Government strengthened its influence. When Akbar realized his mistakes, he successfully diminished
the influence of this Government.

Q5) What measures did Akbar take, in-order to take all the authorities of
the Empire, into his own hand.
A) When Akbar ascended the throne the condition of the army was hopelessly bad. The soldiers were
mostly inefficient and unfit for active service. The corrupt feudal lords were corrupting the Empire and
were sending farmers in the form of Soldier, due to which the army became weak.

The horses which were being branded for war were incompetent or weak, sent by the feudal lords.

The state was generally deceived by its own officers.

Under the circumstances, Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system in the Empire.

1) Mansabdari:-

The word “Mansab” means “rank, dignity of officer” and Mansabdari means one who holds
the rank.

The Mansabdari system implies that every rank holder was bound to render military service to the State
when he is called upon to do so.
>) According to Abdul Fazal: -
 “There were 66 grades of Mansabdars, but in actual field there were 33
grades ranging from commanders of 10 to commanders of 10,000.

The highest 3 grades, ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 were reserved for the members of the Royal family,
but an exception was made in the case of certain officers like Man Singh, Todar Mall, Mirza Shah Rukh
and Qulich Khan, who were admitted to the rank of 7,000.

The Mansabdars were paid a regular salary from the imperial Treasury and out of this salary they were
required to maintain a certain number of horses, elephants, beasts of burden and carts according to
their rank.

The appointment, promotion and dismissal rested with the Emperor.

2) Zat and Sawar:-

The Mansab was not hereditary and it was granted for personal ability and military
merits. Every Mansabdar above the rank of 3000 in time of Akbar and Above 500 in later times had a
double rank, e.g., 750 “Zat” and 500 “Sawar”.

>) Regarding the distinction between Zat and the Sawar, Dr. Ishwari Prasad says:-,

“The Zat was the personal rank of

Mansabdar, but to this was added a number of extra horsemen for which an officer was allowed to draw
extra allowance and this was called his Sawar rank”.

3) Branding of horses:-

Steps were taken by Akbar for the prevention of abuses of the system and the
improvement of the army. On many occasion the officers brought false muster rolls for interview and
got it passed for efficient soldiers. Allowances were drawn and thereby they defrauded the government.
In order to check this evil practice, the Emperor reviewed the system of branding the horses introduced
by Allauddin Khalji and muster rolls were kept both for men and animals, and copies of such muster-rolls
were deposited in the Imperial Treasury.

A separate department of branding was created and placed in charge of a Bakshi and Darogah.

Akbar reviewed many of the Jagirs which Sher Shah abolished and converted them into Khana or Crown
lands but he paid his Mansabdars in cash and not by grants of land. This measure curtailed the influence
of the local magnates and increased the revenue of the State.

4) Merits of the system:-

The Mansabdari system helped to maintain a big army without a Central administration. If
a trouble broke out in any part of the empire it could be easily put down by a big army collected on the
spot without waiting for the dispatches of the Centre. Besides that, every Mansabdar recruited his
troops from his own tribe and as such the system ensured loyalty of the soldiers to their commanders
and developed unity and uniformity in the regiment.

As promotion depended upon the merit and ability, each tribe heart and soul to win victory in the battle
and the fighting efficiency was thus increased.

5) Demerits and Jealousy between the different groups led to disintegration.

As the Mansabdar system was generally organized on

tribal basis, jealousy and rivalry between the different groups of soldiers began to grow and it ultimately
contributed to the fall of the Mughal Empire. Since the Mansabdars were posted all over the empire and
were responsible for the equipment and discipline of the forces under them, the system secured a large
degree of decentralization.

With the weakness of the central authority, the powerful Mansabdars with their army often sided the
rival claimants to the throne.

.) Conclusion:-

In-order to take all of the power into his own hand, he had to destroy or weakened these
Feudal lords, which he did through his policies.

Q6) Write a note on Religious policies of Akbar.

A) Religion of Akbar:-

If Akbar is remembered today, it is due to his famous religious policy. His real fame
rests on his liberal religious policy. His knowledge on the essence of different religious philosophies at a
later stage made him to promulgate a new religion famous in history as Din-i-Ilahi under whose banner
Akbar had tried to unite Hindus and Muslims. For the vast Mughal empire to be enduring Din-e-Ilahi was
probably the only alternative. However time, proved it as Akbar’s ‘Monument of Folly’.

1) A child of his time:

Akbar was born and brought up at a comparatively liberal religious society. Indian society by then had
witnessed the Sufi and the Bhakti movement. As a result of which the religious animosity between the
Hindus and Muslims in India had been reduced to a very lower point. They had come nearer as a result
of better religious understanding. The intellectuals of both the communities realized that the inner
essence of all religions was the same.

The Hindu and Muslim saints created a peaceful spiritual atmosphere in the country in contrast to the
hatred and violence of the earlier days. When Akbar ascended the throne, the influence of the Sufi and
Bhakti movement was at its height. Akbar was greatly influenced by that liberal spirit of the time. Not
merely he was the child of his time, but also he became the representative as well as the leader of that
time.
2) Influence of Rajput Queens:

Akbar married the Hindu princess of Ambar, Bikaner, and Jasilmir and established matrimonial and
cordial relations with Rajput’s. Though this matrimonial alliance was for a political motive, yet it had its
religious results. With the presence of the Hindu women in the Mughal harem, Hindu religious
ceremonies and festivals entered into the Mughal Palace. Almost all the great Hindu festivals like Diwali,
Dussehara, and Holi were observed in the Mughal Palace. The emperor used to participate in all the
festivals wearing the Hindu dresses. This also made the emperor Akbar liberal towards Hindu religion.

3) Akbar’s personal convictions:-

Akbar, though illiterate, was a genius. He had possessed a tremendous spiritual insight to know the
divine matters. Though he acquired knowledge by listening to others, he had his own way of thinking of
the divine matters. His mystic experiences made him to realize that no single religion contained the
absolute truth of everything. Out of all these factors he developed his religious policy which had
universal values and which helped to remove religious hatred from the minds of various people of our
country.

.) Din-i-Ilahi:-

A) Akbar promulgated a new religion known as Din-i-Ilahi in 1582. It means divine faith. It was a
collection of the finest principles of all the religions. Being an amalgamation of all religions the new
religion aimed at uniting people of all religious sects. It aimed to establish the oneness of God. Instead of
superstitions, men were asked to follow a code of moral conduct. To lead a pure and principled life and
the worship of the Lord were the cardinal tenets of the new religion. The religion was simple and its
principles were easily intelligible. Din-i-Ilahi was also known as Tahid-o-Ilahi.

.) Principles of Din-i-llahi:

1) The members of Din-i-Ilahi were to follow a new mode of greeting each other. One member while
meeting the other was to greet him with “Allah- u-Akber” and the other was to respond with Jaila
Jallalhu.

2) The members were to celebrate their birthday and invite their co-religionists to a feast.

3) As far as possible the members of Din-i-llahi were to abstain from meat-eating but were not to hate
the meat-eaters. In the month of their birth, they were not to take meat at all.

4) The members were to give dinner during their life-time instead of the dinner usually given after the
death.

5) The members were to regard fire as very sacred and they were to respect all the religions.

.) Propagation of Din-i-Ilahi and its analysis:

Din-i-Ilahi was not propagated properly. Akbar did not move any efforts for its propagation. He did not
even force anyone to accept this religion. Among the Hindus only Raja Birbal accepted this religion. Raja
Bhagwan Das and Man Singh refused to accept this religion. Muslims also did not take any interest in
Din-i-Ilahi.

Among the Muslims the Din-i-Ilahi was extremely unpopular. The women also secretly incited the
people not to accept this religion. During Akbar’s lifetime this religion never gets any popular
acceptance. It was totally eclipsed after the death of Akbar.

.) Criticism:-

Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi has been criticized by different historians.

1) V.A. Smith says,

“Din-i-Ilahi was a monument of Akbar’s folly and not of his wisdom.

2) According to Professor S.R. Sharma:-

“Din-i-Ilahi was a vivid manifestation of Emperor Akbar’s nationalist

spirit.”

3) Prof. Ishwari Prasad Summarizes the Din-i-Ilahi as a unique combination of mysticism, philosophy and
nature worship.

However, the religion was an exposition of Akbar’s liberal trait. In order to preserve the unity of India
and to maintain religious harmony between Hindus and Muslims, Akbar promulgated the Din-i-Ilahi.

Q7) Was Akbar a good ruler? Discuss with proofs.

A) Akbar was at Kalanur, a town in the Punjab when his father died. To ensure a peaceful succession his
guardian, Bairam Khan who proved a great asset to Akbar in the most critical period of his early life,
crowned him the king there on 14th of February, 1556. At the time of accession to the throne, he was a
boy of 13 and so Bairam Khan was appointed as his regent.

1) Early life of Akbar:-

Birth:-

After his defeat at the battle of Qanauj, Humayun was moving from place to place like a
homeless wanderer. He went to the Punjab and tried to win over his brothers. But when his brothers
whom he loved so dearly gave him no shelter, he withdrew to Sind. There he besieged Bhakkar; but
could no conquer it. It was at that time he married Hamida Banu Begum (Mother of Akbar), the
daughter Sheikh Ali Akbari Jami. Humayun next turned to Maldev of Jodhpur who had promised to help
him, but owing to pressure from Sher Shah he soon changed his mind. Humayun, finding that there was
no chance of help from Maldeve, sought shelter with Rana Prasad at Amarkot. It was here that the Great
Mughal Emperor Akbar was born on November 23, 1542 A.D.

.) Education:-

Humayun always wanted to provide higher education to Akbar. Therefore, he appointed

teachers for Akbar from Iran. These teachers tried their best to teach Akbar, but because of his
negligence and dumbness, his teachers were unhappy as well as Humayun.

Humayun even strictly advised him to gain education, but he was interested in sports and other physical
activities. At last, Humayun got tired of Akbar behavior and left him on his own.

When Humayun defeated Sikandar Shah in 1555, he was replaced with Akbar, although he was only 13
years old. Humayun during his last days made Akbar his successor.

2) Weak Empire in Heritage:-

His father who had been able to recover only a small portion of his territory during the last stage of his
life left an unorganized and unconsolidated empire.

.) According to V.A Smith,

“He could not be said (to possess any kingdom) at the time of his accession”.

3) As an Administrator:-

Akbar's major achievements were his administrative reforms, which laid the foundation for 150 years
of a multi-religious empire under Mughal rule. Always more interested in physical performance than
formal education he remained illiterate throughout his life but took an active interest in all matters of
intellect. His son Jahangir wrote of him that he was:-

"always associated with the learned of every creed and religion, ... and so
much became clear to him through constant intercourse with the learned and the wise ... that no one
knew him to be illiterate, and he was so well acquainted with the niceties of verse and prose
composition that this deficiency was not thought of."

4) Weak government at Initial Stage of his rule:-

His father who had been able to recover only a small portion of his territory
during the last stage of his life left an unorganized and unconsolidated empire.

.) According to V.A Smith,

“He could not be said (to possess any kingdom) at the time of his accession”.

5) As a Religious ruler:-
Akbar promulgated a new religion known as Din-i-Ilahi in 1582. It means divine faith. It was a collection
of the finest principles of all the religions. Being an amalgamation of all religions the new religion aimed
at uniting people of all religious sects. It aimed to establish the oneness of God. Instead of superstitions,
men were asked to follow a code of moral conduct. To lead a pure and principled life and the worship of
the Lord were the cardinal tenets of the new religion. The religion was simple and its principles were
easily intelligible. Din-i-Ilahi was also known as Tohid-o-Ilahi.

.) Failure:-

Din-e-Ilahi was similar to Bhakti Movement, which aimed to form a fraternity among Hindus
and Muslims.

.) Criticism:-

Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi has been criticized by different historians.

1) V.A. Smith says,

“Din-i-Ilahi was a monument of Akbar’s folly and not of his wisdom.

2) According to Professor S.R. Sharma:-

“Din-i-Ilahi was a vivid manifestation of Emperor Akbar’s nationalist

spirit.”

3) Prof. Ishwari Prasad Summarizes the Din-i-Ilahi as:-

“A unique combination of mysticism, philosophy and nature worship”.

6) Expeditions:-

It was Akbar who had built a vast empire in India whose boundary had touched the great Himalayas in
the north and Kanya Kumari in the south, the Hindu Kush in the west and the river Brahmaputra in the
east. It was possible due to his aggressive policy of expansion.

.) Commenting on his policy of imperialism, Mrs. A.S. Beveridge has written that: -

“Akbar was a strong and stout annexationist

before whose sun the modest star of Lord Dalhousie paves.”

The Conquest and annexations are in the following:-

1) Jaunpur:-

This area was ultimately annexed by the Mughals in 1516.

2) Malwa:-
 Baz Bahadur was the ruler of Malwa. He refused to bend his knee towards Akbar.
Therefore, He was defeated by the imperial (royal) forces and Malwa was conquered in 1561.

3) Jaipur:-

Under the influence of Akbar’s Rajput policy, the Rajput ruler of Jaipur bent his knee
towards Akbar. Hence, this area was captured by Akbar in 1562.

4) Gondwana:-

After the conquest of Jaipur and Malwa, Akbar turned his attention towards the Rajput
state of Gondwana in the Central provinces. It was then ruled by Rani Durgabati as the regent (a person
appointed to administer a country because the monarch is a minor) of her minor son, Birr Narayan.

Akbar sent Asaf Khan, governor of Kara to conquest the kingdom of the minor prince. The heroic Rani
offered a stub-born resistance to the imperial army but was defeated. Preferring death in dishonor she
stabbed herself to death on the battlefield. The young a Raja also fought against the enemy and died a
heroic death.

5) Chittor:-

In 1567, Akbar marched against Rana Udai Singh with a large army. At his approach Udai Singh fled
to hills, leaving a capital in charge of Jayamal and Patta who offered a strong opposition to the
imperialists for 4 months.

The Rajputs fought bravely till they perished to a man. Akbar then captured the fort of Chittor.

6) Bihar:-.

Akbar sent a large army and successfully conquered Bihar in 1572.

7) Ranthumbor:-

Akbar successfully captured it in 1569.

8) Mewar:-

Mewar was conquered by Akbar in 1570.

9) Gujrat:-

Gujrat was conquered and annexed in 1573.

10) Bengal:-

Due to Geographical factors, Bengal was always difficult to rule for one ruler. When the royal
rulers of Bengal raised insurgencies, Akbar took it up as a challenge and successfully annexed Bengal in
1576.
11) Kabul:-

Kabul was conquered and annexed by Akbar in 1585.

7) Overall Analysis:-

The Mughal Empire under Akbar was successful for several reasons. Notably, Akbar had a policy of
religious tolerance and flexibility, reducing internal conflict between Muslims and Hindus.

Akbar kept the support of military generals by giving them land grants (Mansab), the empire was well-
supported by the trade of cotton cloth, and there were few external threats.

He was also able to reduce internal stress through religious toleration. Hindus and Muslims were
allowed to use their own court customs. Akbar, a Muslim, married a Hindu Rajput princess and formed a
syncretic religion incorporating several beliefs, including Hinduism and Islam. His efforts to get the two
groups to get along are a large part of what allowed the empire to flourish.

SHORT Q/A:-
Q1) Write a note on early life of Akbar.

A) After his defeat at the battle of Qanauj, Humayun was moving from place to place like a homeless
wanderer. He went to the Punjab and tried to win over his brothers. But when his brothers whom he
loved so dearly gave him no shelter, he withdrew to Sind. There he besieged Bhakkar; but could no
conquer it. It was at that time he married Hamida Banu Begum (Mother of Akbar), the daughter Sheikh
Ali Akbari Jami. Humayun next turned to Maldev of Jodhpur who had promised to help him, but owing
to pressure from Sher Shah he soon changed his mind. Humayun, finding that there was no chance of
help from Maldeve, sought shelter with Rana Prasad at Amarkot. It was here that the Great Mughal
Emperor Akbar was born on November 23, 1542 A.D.

Q2) Why Akbar didn’t like Studying.

A) Humayun always wanted to provide higher education to Akbar. Therefore, he appointed teachers for
Akbar from Iran. These teachers tried their best to teach Akbar, but because of his negligence and
dumbness, his teachers were unhappy as well as Humayun.

Humayun even strictly advised him to gain education, but he was interested in sports and other physical
activities. At last, Humayun got tired of Akbar behavior and left him on his own.

When Humayun defeated Sikandar Shah in 1555, he was replaced with Akbar, although he was only 13
years old. Humayun during his last days made Akbar his successor.

Q3) who was Behram Khan and how he proved his loyalty to Akbar.
A) Bairam Khan, a Turkoman by birth and a Shia by faith, was one of the most remarkable figure of his
time.

.) Bairam services to Humayun:-

He stood by the side of Humayun in the times of troubles and dangers and took
share with him in all the privations of a fugitive life.

>) Once Humayun said to Bairam Khan:-

“There is no lamp like thee in our family.”

.) Bairam Khan Service to Akbar:-

When Akbar came into power as a boy, he was fortunate enough to enjoy the support
and confidence of Bairam Khan who piloted the ship of the State in those stormy days and served his
mater loyally and faithfully till he reached the age of discretion (maturity).

Q4) Problems Akbar faced during his accession to the Throne.

A) Akbar faced many problems 3 of them are following:-

1) Blunders of Humayun:-

His father who had been able to recover only a small portion of his territory during
the last stage of his life left an unorganized and unconsolidated empire.

.) According to V.A Smith,

“He could not be said (to possess any kingdom) at the time of his accession”.

2) Claimants to the Throne:-

a) The 2 Sur princes Ibrahim Sur and Sikandar Sur were contesting for the Throne.

b) But the most prominent and powerful of all was Himu, the Hindu minister of Adil Shah. He was
powerful that he succeeded in occupying Delhi and Agra and ascended the throne under the title of
Vikramaditya.

3) Threat from Rajputs:-

The Rajputs had recovered from the shock inflicted on them by the first Mughal
emperor and they were now powerful in their castles.

Q5) Who was Raja Hemu.

A) There were many claimants to the Throne, but the most prominent and powerful of all was Himu, the
Hindu minister of Adil Shah. He was powerful that he succeeded in occupying Delhi and Agra and
ascended the throne under the title of Vikramaditya.

When Himu marched against the Mughals after the capture of Delhi and Agra, Bairam Khan met him at
the historic field of Panipat on 5 November, 1556. Himu had initial success against the Mughals, because
he somehow laid him hands on Humayun’s cannon, but ultimately the sun of victory rose in favor of
Bairam Khan and Akbar. Himu, the hero and the hope of the Hindus, fell into the hands of the Mughals
and was beheaded by Bairam Khan. Thus, the most formidable enemy of Akbar was safely removed.