So far we have discussed the politicaly upheavals, events and the empirical ambitions of Jalaluddin Akbar. About time we took a look at Akbar the individual, his interests, preferences, food habits, dressing choices and innate habits. What was his own living style? Physical shape and dressingAccording to the details provided by historians of that period […]

On March 11, 1605 the 50th year Akbar of being in power began. By now he was getting old and had a poor health condition. The politics of empire and relentless campaigns had taken their toll on his mind and the body. Meanwhile, he received the news of the death of his third son Daniyal

Akbar loved his elder son very much. Compared to other princes he had been entrusted with higher positions. From time to time magnanimity shown to Saleem by the emperor, the rewards and titles awarded to him clearly showed Akbar had chosen him to succeed him.But Saleem was showing the traits of a spoilt royal brat

Just as Akbar began to lay siege around the Chittaur fort Rana Udai Singh left the fort and he retreated into the hills at the advice of his chieftains and commanders. He left behind 8,000 battlers under the command of Jaimal and Fatta Singh to defend the fort. There also were 1000 gunmen of Kalpi

Delhi or Agra had been the capital of Moghuls but Akbar chose Fatehpur Sikri. There could have been some reason.Before the birth of his son Saleem, Akbar had become an ardent devotee of Peer Saleem Chisti who had his abode at Sikri. So, he made Fatehpur Sikri his capital instead of Agra. In 1564 while

After taking over Ahmedabad, Akbar set his sights on Surat. The port of Khambhat was already in his control. But Surat was also no less in the importance. Akbar got the army strength of the Sultan of Surat assessed by Raja Todarmal. Soon he had all the information on the enemy he needed. On January

After taking control of Chittaur and Ranthambhor forts Akbar set his eyes on the third prestigious fort of north India considered as impregnable. And that was Kalinjar Fort. Once Shershah Suri had launched an attack on this fort. He got burnt in gun powder fire accident and died. In 1569, when Akbar turned his attention

After Gondwana the commanders of Akbar won several other small kingdoms to make them the part of the Moghul empire. Against some force was applied while the diplomatic approach also worked. Several of the small rulers meekly accepted the domination of Emperor Akbar out of fear of great military might of Moghuls and to save

Akbar was a very ambitious ruler.Moghul empire was expanding day by day. But still there were prize states that yet were not part of the empire. He worked out a plan and got down to implement it with farsightedness and patience. It paid dividends.By 1564 the empire of Akbar had spread upto Kabul in north,

Although Akbar had taken over the reins of the empire from Bairam Khan and latter was no more in the world yet he was not in full control of the situation. There were several other influences that were handicapping him. Maham Anaga had very cleverly removed Bairam Khan from the scene and increased her influence

By now Akbar had grown into a 18 year old youngman although in maturity he was decades ahead.Bairam Khan was appointed the guardian of Akbar when the latter was at a very raw age. The former guided him along and ruled on his behalf when Humayun had become history. He failed to gauge how fast

During his stay at Jallandhar Akbar received a shocking news. His future looked in peril. News was that Hemu, the commander/prime minister of Mohammad Shah Adil had captured Delhi.Infact, when Hemu learnt about the death of Humayun he was seized by a desire to conquer Delhi. On the very same day Hemu had set out

When Akbar descended on the throne the boundaries of the empire were not very far spread. It was limited to Kalpi in south, Pathankot in north, Haridwar in east and in west upto Hissar. About two lakh square km area was under its influence. The administration had no firm hold on the subjects or the

After the defeat of Kamran areas under the control of Humayun gained some stability and peace. So, when Akbar showed little interest in studying books his sire decided to train him in administrative works. First, Akbar was given the charge of running the affairs of a village called Charkh, situated in south-east to Kabul.Some time