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Muslim, Indian and Western Historians all see Akbar as the greatest ruler throughout Indian history. He became emperor at the age of thirteen in 1556. He immediately began seizing land in Hindustan. He conquered more lands than any of his ancestors before him had. He was very wise in his rulings and tried to govern all his people equally and fairly. Since his conquered lands were so many he assigned governors to each region called mansabars.

The broad features of administration were laid down by Akbar. The empire was divided into provinces called subas, governed by a subedar who carried out both political and military functions. Subedar was supported by other officers.

Akbar’s nobles commanded large armies and had access to large amounts of revenue. While they were loyal the empire functioned efficiently.

Babur’s Grandson• Babur died shortly after conquest of India, task of organizing what

he conquered fell to descendants

• Most done by grandson, Akbar the Great

Expanding Rule• Akbar married daughter of local noble to win noble’s support

• Brought sons of other nobles to live at court

• Did not hesitate to fight to prevent rebellion

• 1605, Akbar died; at time, Mughals ruled most of north India, much of interior

Diverse Population• Akbar took throne at age 13, but became greatest of all Mughal

rulers

• Realized India had diverse population, which could lead to breakdown of empire; did everything he could to win people’s loyalty

Akbar the Great

Religious Tolerance• Akbar worked to unify diverse empire by promoting religious

tolerance• Held that no one religion could provide all answers to life’s

problems• Did not want to discourage people from practicing any religion,

discriminate against anyone for their beliefs

• Abolished taxes placed on non-Muslims by earlier rulers

• Appointed Hindus to several influential positions in government

• Encouraged discussions, debates among Muslims, Hindus, Christians, people of other religions

Reforms • Established centralized

government that gave him supreme civil, military authority over his empire

• Reformed tax system, appointed officials to oversee it

• Majority of officials from outside Mughal Empire

Firm Grip on Finances

Akbar’s Achievements

Akbar's exceptionally capable guardian, Bahram Khan