Akbar was a brilliant ruler

Akbar, Humayun's son, is considered to be the greatest ruler of the Mughal dynasty.

As Akbar's Wakil (Prime Minister) and regent, Bairam Khan defended the mughal throne by defeating Hemu, an Afghan noble, in the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556. Between 156 and 1576, Akbar conquered major parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Bengal. A memorable event of this period was his fight against Rana Pratap of Mewar. This was is said to have begun because Rana Pratap refused to fight his daughter in marriage to Akbar. It is called the Battle of Chittor in 1567. Between 1576 and 1605, Akbar made himself the master of northern and north – western India as well as the northern part of the Deccan. He extended his sway over the entire territory lying between Kashmir and Ahmednagar and Kabul and Bengal.

Akbar instituted a new policy towards the Rajputs. He tried to maintain cordial relations with them as he valued their friendship and also appreciated their courage and conviction.

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