Description
Book SynopsisThe greatest of the Mughal emperors, Jalal ad-Din Akbar (1542-1603) was a formidable military tactician and popular demagogue. Ascending to the throne at the age of thirteen, he ruled for half a century, expanded the Mughal empire, and left behind a legacy to rival his infamous ancestors Chinggis Khan and Timur. Renowned for his attempts to integrate the diverse religious heritage of India, he was a true polymath who although illiterate was widely active in a number of intellectual pursuits.
In this fascinating biography, Andre Wink provides glimpses into Akbar’s daily life and highlights his contribution to new methods of imperial control, surveillance and record-keeping. Contrasting his reign with those of his nomadic Mongol ancestors, this lucid study is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of India and South Asia.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
INTRODUCTION
1 DIVINE NURSLING OF THE GARDEN OF SOVEREIGNTY
Akbar’s birth
Separated from his parents
Akbar’s education
2 AN OLD WORLD GREW YOUNG
3 THE DAILY INCREASING DOMINION
The Mughal army
The conquest of Gujarat
Kabul, the North-West Frontier, and the “Great Game” of the sixteenth century
The conquest of Bengal
4 CLOUDS AND ELEPHANTS AND MUD
Episode one: 1564–1566
Episode two: 1574
Episode three: 1589
5 TAMING THE MONGOL BEASTS
The new court etiquette
From Chingis Khan to Akbar: the rise of Mughal civilization in the sixteenth century
Maxims of order
Hunting and government
Mongol vegetarians
The emperor never wastes his time
6 MAKER OF THE INDO-MUSLIM WORLD
Gunpowder empires
American silver
The imperial political system and its Indian foundations
Land revenue and the peasantry
7 SERENE CITY OF UNIVERSAL TOLERANCE
Akbar and Islam
The Religion of God
Peace for all
Allahu Akbar
After Akbar: the demise of the Religion of God
8 BEING AKBAR
Endnotes
Further Reading
Bibliography
Index
