Question

Divide Akbar’s reign into three periods and give details about them.

Answer 1

Hint: Akbar, the third ruler of the Mughal Empire, ruled from 1556 to 1570. Bairam Khan controlled the Empire for a few years. The expansion of the empire was taking place when Akbar approached the age of maturity.

Complete answer: The third ruler of the Mughal Empire, Akbar, was popularly known as Akbar the Great. He ruled from 1556 to 1605. Akbar was crowned at Kalanaur in 1556 at the very young age of thirteen years and four months. The reign of Akbar can be divided into three periods.

1. 1556 to 1570:- Akbar became independent of Bairam Khan, his regent, a person who governs the empire in the presence of a minor. It was said that Bairam Khan was appointing his people and Shias to high posts. During this time, Mughal came into conflict with the Suris, Afghans, and other neighbouring kingdoms of Malwa and Gondwana, military campaigns were launched against them. Mirza Hakim, Akbar's half brother, and Uzbeks also revolted against the empire. In 1568 and 1569, the capital of Sisodiya, Chittor, and Ranthambore was seized respectively.

2. 1570 to 1585:- During these years, military campaigns were taking place from west to east. Campaigns took place in Gujarat in the west, Bengal, Orissa, and Bihar in the east.

3. 1585 to 1605:- The Mughal Empire under Akbar was expanding. Military campaigns and operations were launched. The Safavids lost control over Qandahar. After the death of Mirza Hakim, Kabul and Kashmir were annexed. The Mughal Empire also began to launch campaigns in the southern regions like Deccan, Berar, and parts of Ahmadnagar and Khandesh came under the control of the empire.

Note: Akbar succeeded his father, Humayun. Bairam Khan, the military commander of the Mughal army played a very significant role in Akbar’s reign and also helped the empire to expand.