- Mughal India developed a strong and stable economy, leading to
commercial expansion and greater patronage of culture. Akbar himself was
a patron of art and culture. He was fond of literature, and created a
library of over 24,000 volumes written in Sanskrit, Hindustani, Persian, Greek, Latin, Arabic and Kashmiri, staffed by many scholars, translators, artists, calligraphers,
scribes, bookbinders and readers. Holy men of many faiths, poets,
architects and artisans adorned his court from all over the world for
study and discussion. Akbar's courts at Delhi, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri
became centres of the arts, letters, and learning. Perso-Islamic
culture began to merge and blend with indigenous Indian elements, and a
distinct Indo-Persian culture emerged characterised by Mughal style arts, painting, and architecture. Disillusioned with orthodox Islam and perhaps hoping to bring about religious unity within his empire, Akbar promulgated Din-i-Ilahi,
a syncretic creed derived from Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and
Christianity. A simple, monotheistic cult, tolerant in outlook, it
centred on Akbar as a prophet, for which he drew the ire of the ulema and orthodox Muslims.
- 1 Early years
- 2 Military campaigns
Akbar's reign significantly influenced the course of Indian history. During his rule, the Mughal empire tripled in size and wealth. He created a powerful military system and instituted effective political and social reforms. By abolishing the sectarian tax on non-Muslims and appointing them to high civil and military posts, he was the first Mughal ruler to win the trust and loyalty of the native subjects. He had Sanskrit literature translated, participated in native festivals, realising that a stable empire depended on the co-operation and good-will of his subjects. Thus, the foundations for a multicultural empire under Mughal rule was laid during his reign. Akbar was succeeded as emperor by his son, Jahangir.
