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 dressing
According to the details provided by historians of that period the following physical shape of Akbar emerges.
His son Jehangir (Saleem) written in his biography :
“His body magnificient was of average height but he looked taller. His complexion was wheatish, eyes and eyebrows were black. Like a lion his body had broad chest and long arms. On the left side of his nose there was a black mole, half the size of a pea. The sooth- sayers who predicted by the physical features of a person said it was the sign of fortune and prosperity. His voice was forceful and very sharp. During a speech his voiced gained a special sweetness. He was different from common folk in conduct and activities. Manifest in him was a divine brilliance.”
Monsrett had seen Akbar in 1580 when he was 38 years old. About Akbar he noted—
“Befitting royal glory his stature and face was such that at once glance one felt he was a true ruler. Broad his chest is and the legs are a big bow shaped, very suitable for the horse riding. Light brown is his colour. He walks with his head leaned or bent towards his right shoulder. His forehead is broad and wide open. His sparkling eyes remind you of shimmering sea in sunlight. His brows are not very thick. Long are his eyelashes like Sarbhati, Sinai, Nipponese and other north Asian races have. He has small straight nose but not ineffective. Thre is a mole between his upper lip and left nostril. He does not sport a beard but does keep moustaches like young Turks do. He does not cut his hair or wear crested Turra headgear contrary to the tradition of his race. He wears a turban that tucks in his hair. It is said that he does so to please the native subjects who have tradition of turbans. He walks like he were lame by left leg although he never got left leg injured. His body is solid, not very fat or too thin. He is powerful, cheerful and healthy. While laughing his face gets distorted. Normally he look peaceful, serene and natural but when he gets angry he becomes grotesquely fearsome.”
Another historian writes about his dress in the following words :
“Akbar used to wear gold embroidered silk dress and a coat above knee long. His head would be adorned with a gem studded turban. Akbar besides embellished turban used to wear lot of adornments of pearls, gems, gold and precious items.”
“Akbar was fond of European dress as well. In his waist belt he always kept his royal dagger as his royal symbol of power.”
Nature
Writer and historian Abul Fazal who was very close to Emperor Akbar and who knew his personal habits traits at one place wrote :
“The emperor has so many good habits that they can’t be enumerated. To detail them I will have to create a dictionary and that even won’t help me.”
(But it appears that he wrote the words in the sentiment of a loyal courtier. It does not have the ring of a fair assessment worthy of historic record.)
Jehangir, writing about the attributions of his father says :
“The noble qualities of my revered father were beyond any words of praise. Had a book written on the nobilities of my father without viewing him as my father, the bulk would remain and only a small part will go (related to me).
By nature Akbar was very graceful and controlled. He was cheerful, polite speaker and jolly. Often in anger he used to blow his top but that mood would not last long. He had amazing power to regain control.”
According to Polo—
“By nature he was human, kind and gentleman.”
Barentoli wrote about his self control—
“With practice and will power he had such control over emotions that he looked cheerful and serene state of mind all the time.”
Monsrett says—”With foreigners his behaviour was polite and affectionate. Because of his good behaviour he was very popular everywhere and he commanded respect from all.”
