Akbar the Great

Definition

Akbar the Great was one of the most effective and influential Mughal emperors in India. He ruled from 1556 to 1605, and is known for his policy of religious tolerance and efforts to unify his empire through administrative reforms.

Related terms

Din-i-Ilahi: A syncretic religion propounded by Akbar in 1582 AD, intending to merge some of the elements of the religions of his empire, and thereby reconcile the differences that divided his subjects.

Mughal Architecture: The architectural style developed by the Mughals in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries throughout their empire. It includes famous structures like Taj Mahal, Humayun's Tomb etc., which were built during or after Akbar's reign.

Navaratnas: Literally meaning 'nine gems', it refers to nine extraordinary people at Emperor Akbar's court who excelled in their respective fields.