The Life of Akbar

Akbar the Great was the third Mughal Emperor, ascending the throne at the very young age of thirteen. During the time of Akbar’s reign he abolished military threats from some of the most powerful empires including the Second Battle of Panipat where he defeated the Hindu king Hemu. Aside from being a great military commander Akbar the Great was also a huge influence on India’s culture and art, even having the walls of his palaces covered in murals. He also took an interest in Sanskrit literature having several different works translated into Persian. Unlike many rulers of the time Akbar showed great respect for other cultures and their religions even granting money and land for mosques, Hindu Temples, and Christian churches. He was also remembered for hosting a series of religious debates where scholars would debate religious matters with members of many different religions including Roman Catholic Jesuits, Hindus, and Zoroastrians. This religious tolerance was very rare for an emperor of this time, Akbar not only allowed these religions to be practiced but he also studied them himself thus expanding his knowledge about the religions of the world. Muhammad Akbar was born at the Rajput Fortress in Sindh on October 14, 1542 originally being named Badru-d din, meaning ‘the Full Moon of Religion.’ Akbar belonged to a particular branch of the Turks known as the Chagatai or the Jagatai who originated in the regions beyond the Oxus forming part of the Chagatai heritage. Akbar greatly depended on his heredity class which classified him into the Turk, Mongol, and the Persian blood lines. Later in his life Akbar changed his name and birthday because his relatives were strong believers of the supernatural and they felt the need to protect him against sorcery by concealing his true identity. Akbar’s birthdate was moved back from November 23 to October 15, and his named was changed from his birth name of Badru-d din to Jalalu-d din Muhammad which ment ‘Splendour of