Akbar, the Greatest Mughal | 1556CE - 1605CE | Al Muqaddimah

Summary

The video script narrates the life and reign of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor, who ascended the throne at the age of thirteen after his father Humayun's death. It details Akbar's early struggles against regents and rebellions, his strategic alliances with Rajput clans, and his expansion of the empire. The script highlights Akbar's innovative administrative reforms, such as the Mansabdari system, and his religious policies promoting tolerance and diversity. Akbar's embrace of various religious practices and his attempt to establish a universal faith, Din-i Ilahi, are also discussed. The video concludes by acknowledging Akbar's legacy as a great conqueror, administrator, and promoter of unity in the Indian Subcontinent.

Takeaways

• 👑 Shahanshah Humayun's death in 1556 left the Mughal Empire in a precarious state, with his 13-year-old son Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar succeeding him.
• 🛡️ Akbar's early reign saw power struggles with regents like Bairam Khan and Maham Anga, who sought to control the young king.
• 🏰 The Mughal Empire expanded under Akbar's rule, with strategic alliances and conquests, including the vital port of Gujarat and regions like Rajasthan.
• 🤝 Akbar's diplomacy with the Rajputs was key to the empire's growth, as he married into Rajput clans and integrated them into the Mughal court and administration.
• 📜 Akbar implemented the Mansabdari system to distribute land and military ranks, reducing the power of blood ties and promoting meritocracy.
• 🕉️ Akbar's religious policies evolved from early persecution to tolerance and inclusivity, as he abolished taxes on non-Muslims, sponsored Hindu temples, and fostered interfaith dialogue.
• 🌟 Akbar's spiritual journey led him to adopt various religious practices and titles, culminating in his declaration as Zil-e-Ilahi, the Shadow of God.
• 🏛️ The Ibadat-khana, or House of Worship, was established by Akbar as a forum for religious debate and scholarly discussion, reflecting his quest for a universal faith.
• 📚 Akbar's rule saw the promotion of Persian literature and culture, aiming to create a Persianized ethical framework that transcended ethnic and blood ties.
• 🎖️ Akbar's military strategies, including the use of mounted archers and Rajput troopers, were instrumental in the empire's territorial expansion.
• 🕊️ Akbar's legacy is marked by his administrative reforms, religious tolerance, and the creation of a diverse and inclusive empire that laid the foundation for the Mughal dynasty.

Q & A

What was the cause of Shahanshah Humayun's death?

Shahanshah Humayun of the Mughal Empire died from injuries sustained after falling from the stairs of his library in January 1556.

How did Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar's early reign appear to be influenced by powerful figures in the Mughal court?

Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar's early reign was influenced by powerful figures such as Bairam Khan, who installed himself as the regent and led the army, and Maham Anga, Akbar’s former wet-nurse, who promoted her son Adham Khan to high positions.

What was the significance of Akbar's marriage to a Rajput princess?

Akbar's marriage to a Rajput princess was significant as it marked the beginning of alliances with various Rajput clans, which helped in expanding the Mughal Empire and securing their southern border.

How did Akbar manage to secure the loyalty of the Rajputs?

Akbar secured the loyalty of the Rajputs by forming alliances, often involving marriage to his daughters, and integrating Rajput leaders into his court as advisors, ministers, and governors, while allowing them to retain rule over their own clans.

What was the Mansabdari system introduced by Akbar?

The Mansabdari system was a system introduced by Akbar where a numerical Mansab or rank was assigned to people, indicating how many troops that Mansabdaar was supposed to provide to Akbar. The land grant, or Jagir, associated with this rank was temporary and could not be inherited.

What was the impact of Akbar's religious policies on the Mughal Empire?

Akbar's religious policies had a profound impact on the Mughal Empire. He abolished taxes on non-Muslims, banned the killing of cows and peacocks, sponsored Hindu temples, and founded the Ibadat-khana for interfaith discussions. These policies promoted tolerance and unity among the diverse peoples of the Indian Subcontinent.

What was the significance of Akbar's title 'Zil-e-Ilahi'?

The title 'Zil-e-Ilahi', meaning 'Shadow of God', signified Akbar's claim to be the ultimate authority on religious matters within the Empire, further emphasizing his role as a universal ruler.

How did Akbar's religious views evolve over time?

Akbar's religious views evolved from being influenced by Shia, Sunni, and Sufi teachings to developing a more syncretic approach, culminating in the creation of Din-i Ilahi, a new religion that incorporated elements from various faiths.

What was the role of the Ibadat-khana in Akbar's reign?

The Ibadat-khana, or 'house of worship', was a place founded by Akbar where scholars of all religions were invited to discuss and argue over religious matters, promoting dialogue and understanding among different faiths.

How did Akbar's approach to governance and administration differ from previous Mughal rulers?

Akbar's approach to governance and administration was characterized by a more decentralized system where locals held significant power. He abolished the position of Vizier and replaced it with four different roles, each with specific responsibilities. He also emphasized achievements and skills over blood ties in his Mansabdari system.

What was the significance of Akbar's move to Fatehpur Sikri?

Akbar's move to Fatehpur Sikri, which he developed into a new town, signified a strategic relocation of the capital to better manage and expand the Mughal Empire. It was a city of victory that symbolized Akbar's successful consolidation and expansion of his rule.

Outlines

00:00

👑 The Ascension and Early Reign of Akbar

The script begins with the tragic death of Shahanshah Humayun, who fell from the stairs of his library in 1556, leaving the Mughal Empire in a precarious state. His young son, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar, was placed on the throne, with many expecting him to become a puppet king. However, Akbar would defy these expectations and emerge as one of India's greatest rulers. The video is sponsored by Magellan TV, a streaming service offering a wealth of documentaries. Akbar's early life is detailed, including his birth in 1542 and the political machinations of his father, Humayun, who had to navigate alliances and religious conversions to secure his rule. The narrative also touches on the challenges Akbar faced from regents like Bairam Khan and internal power struggles, which he eventually overcame to establish his own authority.

05:02

🤝 Akbar's Diplomacy and Expansion

This paragraph delves into Akbar's strategic alliances with the Rajput clans of Rajasthan, which were instrumental in his expansion and consolidation of power. The Kachwaha clan's alliance through marriage and material support is highlighted, setting a precedent for other Rajput clans to join the Mughal Empire. Akbar's diplomacy is praised for its complexity and effectiveness, as he integrated Rajput leaders into his court and managed to Indianize the Mughals while maintaining control over newly acquired territories. The Mansabdari system is introduced as a key administrative reform, which allocated ranks and land grants based on merit rather than blood ties, further strengthening Akbar's rule. The paragraph concludes with Akbar's successful military campaigns, including the annexation of Gujarat and the establishment of his capital in Fatehpur Sikri.

10:03

🏰 Consolidation of Power and Administrative Reforms

The script describes Akbar's efforts to consolidate his power and reform the administration of his empire. He replaced the Vizier with four distinct roles to distribute power and prevent any single individual from becoming too influential. Akbar also implemented a system where local traditions were respected in smaller towns and villages, with Qazis appointed to rule on judicial matters according to local customs. His efforts to fit into the classical Indian figure of Sarvabhauma, the Universal Ruler, are noted, as are his attempts to include locals in his government to foster a sense of unity and reduce the perception of foreign rule. Akbar's personal knowledge of his subjects and his ability to keep them in check is highlighted as a key aspect of his successful leadership.

15:04

🕉️ Akbar's Religious Policies and Spiritual Quest

Akbar's religious policies and spiritual journey are explored in this paragraph. Initially associated with the persecution of non-Muslims, Akbar later abolished taxes on non-Muslims and the Jizya, demonstrating a shift towards tolerance. He embraced various religious practices, including Hindu and Sufi traditions, and founded the Ibadat-khana, a house of worship for interfaith discussions. Akbar's spiritual transformation is detailed, including a hunting trip during which he had a profound experience that led to a vegetarian diet and a more ascetic appearance. His claim to ultimate religious authority as Zil-e-Ilahi, the Shadow of God, is mentioned, as is his experimentation with a new religion, Din-i Ilahi. The paragraph concludes with Akbar's complex relationship with Islam and his efforts to reconcile his role as a universal emperor with the diverse faiths of his subjects.

21:46

🏛️ Akbar's Legacy and the Transformation of the Mughal Empire

The final paragraph reflects on Akbar's legacy and the transformation of the Mughal Empire under his rule. Akbar's death in 1605 is noted, and his son, Shahanshah Noor ad-Din Muhammad Jahangir, is acknowledged as his successor. The empire that Akbar left behind is described as having a strong institutional, structural, and bureaucratic foundation, a stark contrast to the empire he inherited. Akbar is remembered for his tolerance towards the diverse peoples of the Indian Subcontinent, his prowess as a conqueror and administrator, and his attempts to establish a universal rule with divine claims. His portrayal in romantic stories and his role as a father in the narrative of Prince Saleem and Anarkali add a humanizing touch to his legacy. The paragraph concludes by affirming Akbar's status as Mughal-E-Azam, the greatest Mughal.

Keywords

💡Shahanshah Humayun

Shahanshah Humayun was the second Mughal emperor who ruled briefly before his death in 1556. His fall from the stairs of his library and subsequent death left the Mughal Empire in a precarious state, as it had only been under his control for six months. The term 'Shahanshah' means 'King of Kings' and signifies the grandeur and authority of his rule. In the video, his death sets the stage for the ascension of his son, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar, who would become one of India's greatest rulers.

💡Mughal Empire

The Mughal Empire was a significant Islamic empire in the Indian subcontinent, known for its cultural, political, and economic influence. Founded by Babur in 1526, it faced instability and constant rebellions, as mentioned in the script. The video discusses the early struggles of the empire under Humayun and its transformation under his son, Akbar, who expanded its territories and solidified its power.

💡Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar

Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar, also known simply as Akbar, was the third Mughal emperor and is a central figure in the video. Born in 1542, he ascended the throne at the age of thirteen after his father's death. Akbar is celebrated for his military conquests, administrative reforms, and religious tolerance, which collectively contributed to the empire's stability and prosperity. His reign marked a significant period of growth for the Mughal Empire.

💡Bairam Khan

Bairam Khan was a loyal general to Humayun and later served as regent to the young Akbar. He played a crucial role in maintaining the Mughal Empire's stability by leading the army against rebels and securing the empire's borders. The script mentions his efforts in defeating Hemu in the Second Battle of Panipat and his eventual dismissal by Akbar, which signifies the transition of power from regents to Akbar himself.

💡Rajputs

The Rajputs were a warrior caste from the region of Rajasthan in India. Historically, they sought to dominate North India but were thwarted by the Mughals. In the video, Akbar's strategic alliances with various Rajput clans, such as the Kachwaha, are highlighted as a key aspect of his diplomacy. These alliances, often sealed through marriage, helped integrate the Rajputs into the Mughal court and contributed to the empire's Indianization.

💡Mansabdari system

The Mansabdari system was an administrative reform introduced by Akbar. It assigned a numerical rank, or Mansab, to officials, indicating the number of troops they were responsible for providing. This system was designed to prevent the accumulation of power in one place, as the land grants (Jagir) were temporary and non-hereditary. It reflects Akbar's efforts to reduce the importance of blood ties and promote meritocracy within his empire.

💡Din-i Ilahi

Din-i Ilahi was a syncretic religious movement initiated by Akbar, which aimed to integrate various religious beliefs into a single framework. The video describes Akbar's spiritual journey, including his abolition of the pilgrimage tax and Jizya, sponsoring Hindu temples, and founding the Ibadat-khana, or 'house of worship,' for interfaith discussions. Din-i Ilahi represents Akbar's attempt to establish a universal faith and his own role as a divine figure, Zil-e-Ilahi, the 'Shadow of God'.

💡Sarvabhauma

Sarvabhauma, meaning 'Universal Ruler,' is a term that encapsulates Akbar's ambition to rule inclusively over his diverse subjects. The video explains how Akbar attempted to embody this role by adopting Hindu practices, sponsoring religious institutions of various faiths, and positioning himself as the ultimate authority in religious matters. This approach helped him gain acceptance from his subjects and solidify his rule.

💡Zil-e-Ilahi

Zil-e-Ilahi, translating to 'Shadow of God,' is a title Akbar assumed, signifying his divine authority and ultimate control over religious matters within the empire. The video describes how Akbar declared himself as Zil-e-Ilahi, centralizing religious authority and further establishing his image as a universal ruler. This title reflects Akbar's complex relationship with religion and his innovative approach to governance.

💡Jizya

Jizya is a tax historically levied on non-Muslims under Islamic rule. In the context of the video, Akbar's abolition of the Jizya tax in 1564 is highlighted as a significant act of religious tolerance and inclusivity. This move was part of a broader policy shift that aimed to reduce religious discrimination and promote harmony within the diverse Mughal Empire.

💡Ibadat-khana

The Ibadat-khana, or 'house of worship,' was an assembly founded by Akbar for interfaith religious discussions. The video mentions it as a place where scholars of various religions, including Christians who had arrived in India since the time of Vasco da Gama, were invited to debate and discuss religious matters. The Ibadat-khana symbolizes Akbar's commitment to religious dialogue and his quest for a universal understanding of faith.

Highlights

Shahanshah Humayun of the Mughal Empire died from injuries sustained in a fall, leaving the empire's future uncertain after only six months of control.

Humayun had reclaimed the empire from the Afghan Suri dynasty after 15 years in exile.

Humayun's son, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar, ascended the throne at the age of thirteen, facing the potential of becoming a puppet king.

Magellan TV is a streaming service offering over 3,000 documentaries and shows across various genres.

Akbar's early life involved an alliance with the Safavids of Iran and a temporary conversion to Shi’ism for military support.

Bairam Khan, a loyal general, acted as regent and secured Mughal borders by defeating rebels and Suri claimants.

Maham Anga, Akbar's wet-nurse, became a powerful figure in the Mughal court, promoting her son Adham Khan.

Akbar took control of his empire from his regents and began expanding it, starting with Gujarat, a vital port and refuge for rebels.

Akbar formed alliances with Rajput clans, integrating them into the Mughal court and harem, and expanding his control over Rajasthan.

The Mansabdari system was introduced by Akbar, assigning ranks to individuals based on their ability to provide troops, reducing the importance of blood ties.

Akbar moved his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and expanded the empire, including the conquest of Gujarat.

Akbar's religious policies evolved from persecution to tolerance, abolishing taxes on non-Muslims and sponsoring Hindu temples.

Akbar founded the Ibadat-khana, a house of worship, inviting scholars of all religions for discussions.

Akbar claimed the title Zil-e-Ilahi, the Shadow of God, asserting his authority over religious matters in the empire.

Akbar experimented with a new religion, Din-i Ilahi, while also adopting Hindu practices and distancing himself from Islam.

Akbar's reign is remembered for his tolerance, conquests, administration, and attempts to become a universal ruler.

Akbar's empire, upon his death, was a blend of Turko-Mongol and Indian elements, with a strong institutional and bureaucratic structure.

Transcripts

In January 1556, Shahanshah Humayun of the Mughal Empire fell from the stairs of his

library and injured himself.

He died of those injuries, a while later.

With his death, the future of the Mughal Empire seemed dire.

The empire had barely been in his control for six months.

Before this, he had wrested it from the Afghan Suri dynasty after having spent some 15 years

in exile.

From the time of his father, Babur’s invasion of India in 1526, the empire had never truly

seemed stable.

There was always a rebellion, always a war.

Now, after Humayun, his young son, Jalal ad-Din was put on the throne.

Who could easily have become a puppet king, would eventually become the greatest ruler

of India.

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high-tech telescopes that scientists are using to study the universe and our place in it.

Again, you can take advantage of a month-long free trial by clicking the link in the description.

It would also help support the channel.

Back to the video.

Jalal ad-Din Muhammad was born in 1542 in Sindh in modern-day Pakistan.

His father, Humayun, had no realm to rule at the time and was going around India looking

for allies.

While he didn’t find many in India, he did get help from the Safavids of Iran who lent

him an army if he converted to Shi’ism, which, at least on surface, he did.

Humayun invaded India, reestablished the Mughal Empire and six months later, died in 1556,

leaving the empire to his thirteen year old son, Jalal who would be known to history as

Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar.

Immediately, courtly powers started circling the boy king in the hopes of turning him into

a puppet.

One of those powers was Humayun’s loyal general, Bairam Khan.

Bairam Khan installed himself as the regent and led the army.

However, his loyalty ensured that he would do his best to help the Empire.

Sensing weakness, one general named Hemu raised his flags in rebellions and seized Delhi.

Bairam Khan led the army against him and defeated him in the second battle of Panipat.

Bairam Khan then defeated the remaining Suri claimants and secured Mughal borders.

As the empire became stable, another powerful figure in the Mughal court emerged.

This one was named Maham Anga, Akbar’s former wet-nurse.

She became Akbar’s regent when he was at court while Bairam Khan was his regent when

he was on the battlefield.

Maham Anga promoted her son Adham Khan to high positions but he, in 1562, assassinated

one of Akbar’s highest ranking ministers.

As a result, Akbar had him thrown from a palace balcony, immediately killing him.

Grief-stricken Maham Anga herself died shortly after.

Akbar commissioned a tomb built over both their graves out of guilt.

Around the same time, Akbar dismissed Bairam Khan claiming he was old and should retire

to Mecca.

Later, he was assassinated, either by Akbar or by the Afghans whom Bairam Khan had defeated.

Akbar married one of his widows and adopted his four-year-old son.

This son Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan would eventually become one of Akbar's most important ministers.

Akbar had now wrestled the control of his empire from his regents and he was starting

to come into his own.

Immediately, he became eyeing Gujarat.

Gujarat served as a vital port for all the goods from North India.

It was also a refuge for the rebels and exiles from the Mughals.

Along with the hostile Sultan, Afghan elements were found there.

Taking it would not only secure a vital port for the Mughals but also secure their southern

border and prove to the world the Jalal, or majesty, of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar.

Although, between Agra and Gujarat are the lands of Rajasthan, which were controlled

at the time by Rajputs.

Before the arrival of the Mughals, the Rajputs were seeking to dominate North India but the

Mughals had foiled that plan.

Hence, there was a lot of hostility between the Rajputs and the Mughals.

However, luck it seems was on Akbar’s side.

Out of the many Rajput clans in Rajasthan, the Kachwaha clan was the first to ally with

the Mughals due to internal power struggle between the ruler, Raja Bharmal and his nephew.

Bharmal approached Akbar with an offer of alliance.

In exchange for material support, he would give his daughter in marriage to Akbar.

With Akbar’s support the Kachwaha became a powerful clan.

Hence, more and more Rajput clans saw the benefits of allying with the Mughals and did

so.

It usually had the same conditions.

Alliance and support in return for a daughter in marriage.

Hence, as the Mughal Empire grew larger, so did the Imperial Harem.

By 1568, most of Rajasthan was under the control of Akbar.

The relationship between the Mughals and the Rajputs was a bit complicated but quite brilliant.

Rajput leaders would join the Mughal court as advisors, ministers and even governors

while staying the rulers of their own clan.

The entry of so many Rajput into the court and the Harem sped up the process of Indianization

of the Mughals.

At the same time, the Mughals circulated their own coinage in Rajput lands and the Rajput

had to ensure safety of merchants and pilgrims making their way across Rajasthan to Gujarat.

Akbar even regulated the succession of allied Rajput clans.

Rather than fighting and annexing all those clans, Akbar had, through diplomacy, tamed

Rajasthan.

An interesting figure who appeared from the Mughal-Rajput relationship was Man Singh,

the grandson of Raja Bharmal.

While he ruled his own land, he also led the military for Akbar in many conquests and was

made the governor of various regions such as Bengal.

The only clan that didn’t ally was the Sisodiyas whom Babur had first defeated around four

decades earlier.

In 1568, their major fort of Chittor was besieged which fell but only after 30,000 soldiers

made a last stand while their women committed Jauhar.

Jauhar was a tradition where women of besieged forts and cities would burn themselves to

avoid being dishonored by the enemy because you know, a man’s honor sits in the genitalia

of his family’s women.

The Sisodiyas, however, would continue coming back.

Akbar also brought reforms to the way land was distributed among his vassals.

He started the Mansabdari system where a numerical Mansab or rank was assigned to people.

This could go from 10 to 10,000 which was an indication of how many troops that Mansabdaar

is supposed to provide to Akbar.

This land grant, or Jagir, was temporary and could not be inherited.

Akbar moved people around a lot so they weren’t able to build support and power in one place.

Akbar was seeking to reduce the importance of blood ties in his empire.

No one ethnicity was given preference in Mansabdari but rather achievements and skills were what

mattered.

He also circulated Persian classics like al-Ghazali’s theology and Rumi’s poetry among his vassals

to create a Persianized ethical framework that transcended blood and ethnic ties.

In the 1560s and 1570s, Akbar led his army all over India, expanding the empire greatly.

In 1571, he moved his capital from Agra to Sikri which he developed into a new town called

Fatehpur, the city of victory.

By 1584, the Mughals were able to finally sweep away the Sultanate of Gujarat and take

it under their control.

In the late 1570s and early 1580s, there were various rebellions in Mughal territories.

This was inspired, if not supported, by the rise of Mirza Hakim, Akbar’s younger half-brother.

In 1581, Akbar led an army all the way to Kabul in pursuit of his rebellious brother.

Hakim left Kabul and fled to nearby mountains.

Akbar stayed in Kabul, on the ancient throne his father and grandfather had once occupied

and then declared his sister, Bakht al-Nissa as the governor of Kabul.

Mirza Hakim was defeated the next year and he died a few years later of Alcohol Poisoning,

apparently.

Mirza Hakim’s rise showed Akbar his north-western weakness.

The trade route that went from Central Asia to Delhi, through Kabul, was a vital one,

not in the least because it brought war horses.

So, Akbar had to move closer to it to keep it stable.

Hence, in 1586, he moved his capital for a third time to Lahore.

Meanwhile, his trusted Raja Maan Singh was sent to Kabul as its governor and Akbar himself

made a second visit in 1586.

In 1586, Akbar also annexed Kashmir and then Sindh, the land of his birth, in 1590.

During his years of conquest, Akbar showed brilliance in both diplomacy and warfare.

He employed mounted archers from Central Asia and Rajput troopers from India.

These two, together, made a devastating force that no one in India could stand up to.

After conquest, though, Akbar didn’t vanquish his enemies.

He enrolled them into his own ranks and made them part of the Mughal Empire.

He even sent his own robes to conquered vassals to make them feel what it’s like to be a

Mughal.

Akbar replaced the powerful position of the Vizier with four different roles: Chief Diwan

(the Finance Minister), Mir Bakhshi (the commander of the military), Khan-i Saman (the royal

chamberlain) and Qazi al-Quzat (the chief Judge).

This system was replicated on smaller levels as well.

Qazis were appointed to rule on judicial matters.

An interesting thing is that in smaller towns and villages, the village council or Panchayat

decided on judiciary matters.

However, Akbar also appointed Qazis there although they ruled according to local tradition

and not Islamic Law.

Akbar still decided on the most important cases and was the only one who could hand

out capital punishment.

To get the commoner to accept his rule, Akbar tried to fit into the classical Indian figure

of Sarvabhauma meaning Universal Ruler.

He also employed, on both higher and lower levels of his government, locals so they wouldn’t

feel left out and see him as an alien foreigner.

While Akbar, in his propaganda and even his autobiography, claimed to be a Universal all-powerful

ruler with none above him but God, the truth was that the state was very decentralized

and locals held a lot of power.

Akbar’s brilliance comes from the fact that he knew everyone personally and kept them

in check.

He knew who could become powerful under what conditions, so he moved them around.

Okay, now, to the most interesting part of Akbar’s reign, his religious policies.

During the early years of his reign, Akbar wasn’t really in control and the state wasn’t

all that tolerant.

Akbar’s name was attached to persecution of non-Muslims.

However, when he came into power himself, he changed these policies.

He had been raised under both Shia and Sunni influences and also, Sufis.

At the age of 21, in 1563, Akbar abolished the pilgrimage tax that was taken from all

non-Muslims.

The next year he also abolished the Jizya.

It should be kept in mind that while Jizya was technically the law, it was hardly ever

enforced.

He also banned the killing of cows and peacocks.

In 1565, he went a step further and started sponsoring Hindu temples.

He also made an annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Sufi saint, Muin ad-Din Chishti.

By 1577, he was seen participating in physical rituals of the Chishti order.

It was around this time that he founded the Ibadat-khana meaning the house of Worship.

He invited scholars of all religions including Christians who had arrived in India regularly

since Vasco da Gama.

All these scholars discussed and argued over religious matters.

Sounds like fun.

Around this time, Akbar seems to have developed the opinion that all religions were either

equally true or equally false.

During a hunting trip in 1578, Akbar seems to have had a spiritual experience.

When he recovered, he ended the hunt, he adopted a mostly vegetarian diet and shortened his

hair.

Akbar was trying to reconcile his leadership as the universal emperor and the many many

faiths of his subjects.

He began taking control of religious leadership as well, starting with Islam.

He began delivering the Friday sermon himself, from time to time.

He also issued a declaration in 1579 that he was the ultimate authority of religious

matters in the Empire, styling himself as Zil-e-Ilahi, the Shadow of God.

However, this is also when Akbar began moving farther from Islam.

During his expedition to Afghanistan in 1581, a Christian priest in his entourage claims

that he confided in him that he wasn’t a Muslim anymore and he wanted his sons to follow

whatever faith they wanted.

Though, just because he might’ve been Muslim anymore doesn’t mean he was a Hindu or a

Christian.

He was trying something new.

Here’s Filip from Let’s Talk Religion to talk more about Akbar’s Din-i Ilahi.

Thank you, Filip.

Over on Let’s Talk Religion, Filip has made an entire video about Akbar’s religious

views, be sure to check it out.

Link’s in the description.

While Akbar was trying a new religion, he was also trying to fit into the role of the

classical Muslim soveirgn.

The year 1591 of the Common Era was the year 1000 of the Islamic Hijri calendar.

Akbar saw himself as the one ushering in the second millennium of Islam.

But again, he also saw himself as the ultimate authority.

In 1585, he issued coins that read, “Allah Akbar, Jalla Jalaluhu''.

Allah Akbar means “God is great” but can also mean “God is Akbar” or “Akbar is

God”.

Also, his given name, Jalal also makes an appearance in this statement.

He also started greeting the sun every morning from the highest point in the palace and even

memorized the 1,001 Sanskrit names of the Sun.

In fact, he adopted so many Hindu practices that the Christians who were hoping to convert

him abandoned their attempts thinking he’d never become Christians.

Around the year 1601, just four years before his death, Akbar became Muslim in practice

again, even if it might’ve been to silence his critics.

The great Mughal Shahanshah Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Akbar died on 27th of October, 1605.

He left behind an India that was secured and united under the control of his son, Shahanshah

Noor ad-Din Muhammad Jahangir.

His empire now had institutions, structure and bureaucracy.

It looked very different than the empire Akbar had inherited.

It was a proper Turko-Mongol state but at the

same time, it was equally Indian.

Akbar is remembered in many ways today.

First, for his tolerance and embrace of the greatly diverse peoples of the Indian Subcontinent.

Secondly, he’s remembered as the great conqueror and administrator he was.

While Din-i Ilahi wouldn’t prove to be a permanent fixture in the Mughal throne, he

is also remembered for his attempts to become a universal ruler and his divine claims.

In romantic stories such as Mughal-E-Azam, he’s remembered as the strict father who

between his son, Prince Saleem, and Anarkali, the

courtier Saleem so dearly loved, whom Akbar eventually walled up alive.

Whatever aspect of this emperor you choose to look at, he does come out to indeed be

Mughal-E-Azam, the greatest Mughal.

See you next time.

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