Akbar (1556-1605)

Akbar (1556–1605)

Accession to Throne

After the death of Humayun in 1556, his 14-year-old Son Akbar was crowned the King. Humayun’s trusted general Bairam Khan became the regent and ruled on behalf of Akbar, as the latter was a minor.

Hemu, a general of Sur dynasty, soon captured Agra and Delhi I 1556. In the same year, Bairam Khan defeated and killed Hemu in the battle at Panipat (Second Battle of Panipat, 1556). As Bairam Khan was murdered in Gujarat, allegedly at the instance of Akbar who could not tolerate his dominance in day-to-day governance of the kingdom, Akbar assumed full control of the government. Akbar brought most of India under his control through conquests and alliances.

Conquests of Women Rulers

Akbar conquered Malwa and parts of Central India. His defeat of Rani Durgavati, a ruler in the Central Province, is not appreciated,since the brave Rani did him no harm. Yet urged by his ambition to build an empire, Akbar hadno consideration for the good nature of the ruler. Similarly, another woman ruler Akbarhad to confront in South India was the famous Rani Chand Bibi, regent of Ahmednagar. Thefight this woman put up impressed the Mughal army so much that they gave her favourable terms of peace.

Battle of Haldighati

Akbar defeated Rana Uday Singh of Mewar and captured the fort of Chittoor in 1568 and then Ranthambore in 1569. In 1576, he won over Uday Singh’s son Rana Pratap at the Battle of Haldighati. Though defeated, Rana Pratap escaped on his horse, Chetak, and continued his fight, leading a life in the jungle. The memory of this gallant Rajput is treasured in Rajputana, and many a legend has grown around him.

Commercial Access to Arabia, Southeast Asia and China

Akbar’s conquest of Gujarat helped him to establish control over Gujarat’s overseas trade with the Arabs and the Europeans. Akbar’s military campaigns in East Bihar and Odisha and victory over Bengal facilitated access to Southeast Asia and China.