Akbar is regarded as a great and illustrious ruler and emperor in Indian history. Some historians even call him a national figure. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru also referred to Akbar as the "Father of Indian Nationality" in his work, 'Discovery of India.' It is noteworthy that the concept of nationality is a product of the modern era and that such modern national consciousness did not develop in medieval India. However, Akbar is considered a national emperor because he encouraged and developed conditions through his policies that fostered national consciousness. A nation-builder can be defined as someone who brings political, social, and cultural unity to a group of people and binds them into administrative unity. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Europe witnessed the emergence of rulers known as national monarchs, such as Henry VII of England, Louis XIV of France, and Frederick the Great of Prussia. Their primary achievements were ending feudal and divisive powers in their countries and establishing geographical and administrative unity. Similarly, Akbar built a vast and organized state in India, which was based on the principles of unity and tolerance among various communities, and had a balanced and beautiful amalgamation of different cultures and traditions. The unity in diversity that Akbar successfully achieved is remarkable, and thus, he is known as a great ruler and nation-builder.
Akbar built a vast empire. After the fall of the Mauryan Empire, Akbar organized a pan-Indian empire after almost a thousand years, with a uniform system of governance. In the first two decades of his rule, Akbar expanded his empire in northern India. During this period, he conquered Malwa, Gondwana, various states in Rajputana, Gujarat, Bihar, and Bengal. In the second phase, Akbar expanded his empire in the northwest frontier, which resulted in the inclusion of Kashmir, Ladakh, Kabul, Kandahar, Sindh, and Makran into the Mughal Empire. In the final phase, Akbar extended his empire in southern India, which led to the annexation of large parts of Khandesh, Berar, and Ahmadnagar. Thus, Akbar established political unity over a region that stretched from Kashmir in the north to the Godavari in the south, from Sindh in the west to Bengal in the east. He also crossed the Hindu Kush mountains in the northwest and extended his empire up to Kabul.
The Distinctiveness of Akbar's Vast Empire:
The distinctiveness of the vast empire established by Akbar was that it had administrative uniformity. For the first time in the Indian subcontinent, an administrative system was developed that adopted the principle of central control and uniformity over local and regional sentiments and traditions. Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system, where Mansabdars were administrative and military officers whose salaries and service rules were uniform across the state. This system has been compared to the Indian Administrative Service. Thus, Akbar developed a mixed class of administrators and servants who were loyal to the government. To bring administrative uniformity, Akbar implemented the same administrative system in all provinces. Each province had a Subedar as the head of provincial administration, assisted by a Diwan (finance officer), Bakshi (paymaster of soldiers), Waqia-Navis (intelligence officer), Sadar (head of religious and judicial matters), Qazi (judge), and others. Provinces were divided into Sarkars and each Sarkar into Parganas, bringing uniformity at all administrative levels. Each Sarkar had three administrative officers: Faujdar (for imperial administration), Amalguzar (for revenue collection), and Qazi (for justice). Similarly, each Pargana had three officers responsible for administration, revenue collection, and justice.
Economic Integration:
Akbar took measures for economic integration. He brought uniformity to the revenue system and implemented a robust system. Uniformity was also brought in the currency system, weights, and measures, which established uniformity in northern India. Although measures for economic uniformity were initiated during Sher Shah's time, Akbar provided a stronger and more permanent foundation for this system. Economic integration helped in achieving national integration.
Cultural Integration:
Akbar also took measures for cultural integration during his reign. He followed a liberal religious policy. He exempted Hindus from the Jizya tax and pilgrimage tax and declared forced conversions illegal. Akbar practiced religious tolerance towards Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, and Buddhists, in addition to Hindus. He invited religious leaders of all these faiths to his capital at Fatehpur Sikri, where they held discussions in the Ibadat Khana. Akbar compiled teachings from various religions into 'Din-i-Ilahi,' a code of conduct that followers of all religions could adhere to with full devotion. Like Ashoka's Dhamma, Din-i-Ilahi was a commendable effort to bring unity and harmony among followers of different religions. Akbar got translations of texts from Hinduism and Islam done to bridge the gap between the two religions. He adopted Hindu festivals and traditions at the Mughal court to develop a potential tradition. Similarly, Akbar made efforts to bring unity in the fields of music, painting, and architecture, which allowed the development of a coordinated cultural tradition in India.
Development of a Coordinated Style in Architecture:
During his reign, Akbar developed a coordinated style in architecture that combined elements of Iranian and Rajput styles along with various Indian styles. Examples of this coordinated style can be seen in many buildings at Fatehpur Sikri. The style developed by Akbar was maintained by his successors, and this coordinated form of architecture continued during the reigns of Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, and later rulers. Akbar also developed a coordinated style in music and painting. The integrated style in painting developed at the Mughal court is said to have had an Indian form but an Iranian soul, with elements of European style included. Therefore, the Mughal style remained highly advanced and mature, reaching its peak during Jahangir's reign. In music, a new mixed tradition developed from the synthesis of Iranian and Indian singing styles, with Tansen's singing style being the most excellent representation. This integrated style came to be known as Hindustani style. Akbar developed such practices and customs in his court that led to the development of a coordinated cultural tradition. He made the Nowruz festival a national practice of the Mughals. He implemented the Rajput customs of Jharokha Darshan and Kaladan at the Mughal court. Akbar eradicated the social evils and vices prevalent in Hindu and Muslim societies.
Akbar Considered Himself a Well-Wisher of Both Hindus and Muslims:
The distinct feature of Akbar's policy was that he did not affiliate himself with any one religion or sect but provided equal rights and facilities to all classes, sects, and regions as his subjects, which was a significant event in Indian history.
Thus, Akbar's achievements and efforts were aimed at the objective of integration. He established political and geographical unity, brought administrative and economic uniformity, and sought to achieve the objective of unity in diversity by establishing unity among various religions and sects in the cultural sphere.
Conclusion:
Akbar's reign marks a pivotal chapter in Indian history, characterized by his visionary efforts to integrate the diverse political, social, and cultural landscapes of the Indian subcontinent. His policies of administrative uniformity, economic consolidation, and cultural integration laid the foundation for a unified and prosperous empire. Akbar's emphasis on religious tolerance and inclusivity fostered a sense of harmony among his subjects, transcending sectarian divides. By promoting a blend of architectural styles, artistic traditions, and administrative practices, Akbar created a legacy of unity in diversity that continued to influence his successors and the broader course of Indian history. His contributions as a nation-builder and a champion of cultural syncretism underscore his enduring legacy as one of India's greatest and most enlightened rulers.
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