AKBAR THE GREAT

AKBAR THE GREAT (1556 – 1605) 

INTRODUCTION: 

Jalal-Ud-din Mohammad Akbar, son of Humayun was born at Amarkot (in Sind) on 15 October, 1542 in the house of a Rajput chief. Akbar spent his childhood under conditions of adversity and un-centaintity as Humayun was in exile. Arrangements for his formal education were made by Humayun after his restoration to the throne of Kabul but Akbar was more interested in sports and martial exercises than in studies. In 1551 Akbar was made the governor of Ghazni and he remained its governor till November 1554 when Humayun embarked on an expedition for the conquest of Hindustan. Akbar was given nominal command of the army of Indian invasion and was given the credit of Humayun’s victory at Sirhind in January 1555. After his occupation of Delhi Humayun declared Akbar to be the heir apparent and assigned to him the governorship of the Punjab. Humayun died in January 1556 as a result of the fall from the staircase of his library. At that time Akbar was just a boy of 14. When the news of his father’s death reached Akbar he was at Kalanaur 15 miles west of Gurdaspur in the Punjab. His guardian Bairamkhan took immediate steps to enthrone him on brick-platform and performed the ceremony thereby proclaiming him the emperor on February 14, 1556. 

EARLY CONQUESTS OF AKBAR: 

Though Humayun had recovered Delhi in June 1555 he had not been able to consolidate his position in India therefore everything was in a chaos. Akbar’s position was very shaky, he was only a nominal ruler of a small part of the Punjab. India in 1556 presented a dark as well as a complex picture. In the North west Mirza Muhamed Hakim Akbar’s half brother governed Kabul independently. Kashmir, Sind, and Mutan were also free from imperial control after the death of Sher Shah. Orrisa, Malwa and Gujarat were independent of the control of any overlord. In the eastern provinces the Afghans were strong under their king Adil Shah. The Rajputs also possessed considerable strength. 

The important Rajput princes were those of Mewar. Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Gondwana was being ruled by Rani Durgavati in the name of her minor son. Beyond the Vindhayas lay the extensive Vijayanagar empire and the muslim sultanates of khandesh, Berar, Bidar, Ahmednagar, Golkunda and Bijapur which felt no interest in northern politics. By this time even the Portuguese had established their influence on the western coast of India and possessed Goa and Diu. Thus there was hardly any territory which Akbar could call as his own at the time of his accession. His heritage was of a precacious nature and his task of building up an empire was indeed a very difficult one. 

Second Battle of Panipat : (Nov 1556) :- 

The greatest rival of Akbar at this time was Hemu the Hindus Prime Minister of Muhammed Adil Shah who was bent upon expelling the Mughals from India. On hearing the news of the death of Humayun, Hemu marched towards Delhi and Agra and occupied the same by defeating Tardi Beg the Mughal governor of Delhi. Hemu assumed the title of Raja Vikramaditya. He thus became the first and the only Hindu to occupy the throne of Delhi during the medieval period of our history. 

Hemu was a man of extraordinary personality, and one cannot fail to admire his qualities of leadership and his prompt attempt to banish alien rule from the country. In fact being a real native of the soil his claims to the throne of Delhi were superior to that of the Mughals. 

The Mughals were alammed at the fall of Delhi and Agra. Some advised Akbar to retire to Kabul but Bairam Khan was in favour of recovering Delhi and Agra and Akbar accepted his advice. By this time Hemu had consolidated his position by winning over many Afghan officials and soldiers and he was preparing himself to meet the Mughal advance. The two armies viz the army of Hemu and of Akbar met on the historic battle field of Panipat in November, 1556. The Mughals fought valiantly but Hemu seemed to carry the day. However, he was struck by an arrow in the eye and he became un-conscience. This caused panic in his army as it began to disperse in confusion. It marked a turning point in the battle. Hemu was put to death and Mughal victory was complete. 

The Second battle of Panipat was a decisive battle. It brought to a close the Afghan-Mughal contest for supremacy in India by giving a verdict in favour of the latter. If Hemu had been victorious the Mughals would have been compelled to retreat to Kabul. His death doomed the Afghan cause and allowed time to the restored Mughal soverignity to take root. 

The Mughals occupied Delhi and Agra. Sikander Sur also surrendered in May 1557. Muhammed Adil died in 1557 as a result of his conflict with the ruler of Bengal. Ibrahim Sur after wandering from place to place found asylum in Orrisa. Thus there was no Sur rival left to contest Akber’s claim to the soverignity of Hindustan. 

Regency of Bairam Khan (1556-1560) :- 

After the death of Humayun, Bairam Khan was guardian of Akbar from 1556 to 1560. The most important achievement of Bairam Khan during this period was the Mughal victory in the second battle of Panipat which marked the real beginning of Mughal empire in India. After the battle Bairam Kahn by virtue of his wisdom, age and experience was able to acquire a considerable influence over Akbar and became virtually the ruler of the country. He also made arrangements for Akbar’s education and appointed Abdul Latif as his tutor who was a distinguished scholar and liberal in his religious views. Besides this Bairam Khan looked after the administration and also conquered Gwalior and Jaunpur. Bairam Khan did not remain in power for long. He was dismissed by a Akbar in 1560 as Akbar was determined to take the reins of Government into his own hands. 

The removal of Bairam Khan did not atonce enable Akbar to assume fully the reins of Government into his own hands. For two more years from 1560 to 1562 his foster mother. Maham Anaga, her son Adam Khan and their relatives exercised great influence in the matters of the state. Akbar was able to emancipate himself from the harem influence in 1562 and became independent. 

Imperial Policy Of Akbar :- 

Akbar was a strong imperialist by instinct therefore soon after assuming the reins of government in his hands he decided to extend the boundaries of his kingdom. It was Akbar who first thought of founding an All India Empire. It was centainly inspired by a longing for fame and glory. But according to Abul Fazal his imperialism was also inspired by a philanthropic motive that is he desired to bring peace and prosperity to people suffering under the selfish misrule of petty princes. He wanted to establish a strong central government. Therefore the political unification of the country and the establishment of an all powerful Central Government with a uniform system of administration throughout the land became the ideals of his life. Akbar and later on his successors did not aim at mere extension of territory nor did they base their authority on mere force. Upto the time of Shah Jahan they wanted to broad-base their power on the consent of the governed. They tried to evoke loyalty and respect rather than fear and awe. Aurangzeb adopted a comparatively narrow outlook and he reaped its fruit in ruin and disintegration. 

Akbar’s career of military exploits which started with the expedition to Malwa in 1560 and culminated in the conquest of Asir Garh in 1601 forms a glorious chapter in the military history of India. Vincent Smith rightly describes him as a 'strong and stout annexationist before whose sun the modest star of Lord Dalhousie pales'. 

The important conquests of Akbar leading to the gradual expansion of his empire may be studied under the following heads : 

1. The conquests of Northern India. 

2. The conquest of the North Western region. 

3. The conquest of the Deccan. 

The conquests of Northern Indian:- 

1. MALWA (1561):- This was the first conquest of Akbar after the exit of Bairam Khan. The ruler of Malwa, Baz Bahadur was indifferent to politics and war as he was interested in music and pleasures. Rupmati was his famous mistress. The administration of Malwa was naturally weak. Adam Khan son of Maham Anaga accompanied by Pir Mohammad led the expedition against Malwa Baz Bahadur was defeated and he fled leaving the kingdom in the possession of the Mughals. Huge treasure and booty fell into the hands of the victors. Both Adam Khan and Pir Mohammad inflicted terrible misery on the people. The former was recalled by Akbar, the latter was drowned by crossing the river Narmada. Baz Bahadur returned to Malwa and reoccupied but his success was short lived. He was soon driven out by the Mughals. Baz Bahadur remained in exile and finally submitted to Akbar who enrolled as a mansabdar in the imperial court. 

2. Jaunpur and Chunar :- The Afghans of the Eastern provinces under the leadership of Sher Khan son of the Late Muhmmad Adil Shah collected a large army and made a bid to recover their lost power. But their attack on Jaunpur failed. At the same time the Mughals got the peaceful surrender of Chunar from the hands of the Afghans. The strong fortress of chunar thus became an important outpost of the empire in the East. 

3. Gondwana (1564) :- In 1564 Akbar sent Asaf Khan the Governor of Kara to subdue Gondwana (in M.P.). The reigning king of this tract, Bir Narayan was a minor but it was ably governed by his mother Rani Durga vati a Rajput lady of superb beauty and great valour. The Mughal army consisted of 50,000 soliders while Rani commanded 20,000 soldiers and I,000 elephants. She checked the advance of the invaders and fought bravely till she was fatally wounded. She stabed herself to death to save her honour. The Mughals stormed Chauragarh the capital of the kingdom which was heroically defended by the young ruler Bir Narayan who also fell fighting. The battles of chauragarh decided the fate of Gondwana. It was annexed to Mughal dominion. The victors acquired huge booty consisting of gold, silver, jewels and elephants. Akbar’s attack on Gondwana was an act of pure imperialist aggression. As Smith remarks, Akbar’s attack on a princess of a character so noble was mere aggression, wholly un-provoked and devoid of all justification other than lust for conquest and plunder. 

4. Uzbeg rebellion (1564-1567):- The conquest of Gondwana synchronized with three important rebellion in Hindustan which were effectively suppressed. The first was led y Abdulla Khan Uzbeg (who had superceded Pir Mohammad ) rebelled in Malwa but was defeated and driven to Gujarat. The second rebellion was headed by Khan Zaman an other Uzbeg leader of Jaunpur. Akbar himself marched to East and drove towards Patna. The Uzbeg suspected that Akbar hated their entire race and was bent upon reducing them to a subordinate position. 

More serious than these was the revolt of Akber’s brother Mirza Hakim in the Punjab who was also encouraged by the Uzbegs. Akbar marched towards the Punjab which frightened Hakim and he retreated across the Indus. Akbar returned to Agra in May 1567 and dealt with the rebellion Uzbegs Khan Zaman was killed while other Uzbegs were severally punished. 

Akbar and the Rajputs :- The battle of Kanwah Fought by Babur against the Rajputs did not result in the total eclipse of Rajput influence in North. Gifted with the true insight of a statesman. Akbar followed a policy of reconciliation with the Rajputs. 

Causes for such a policy : - 

Akbar realized that there could be no effective political conquest of India without political subjugation of Rajpute. He could not see any state refusing to do away with the paramount power like his. 

More over Akbar had realized at an early age that his Muslim officials and followers could not be absolutely depended upon. The rebellion of the Uzbeg and the revolt of his brother Mirza Hakim had convinced Akbar that the only way to perpetuate his power and dynasty was to seek the support of the important political elements in the population of the country. 

No victory of arms could secure him the active support of the proud and sensitive Rajputs. Any political subjugation would have to be tempered by extending due respect and a treatment based on diplomatic equality. 

Akbar had realized the value of Rajput alliance in his task of building up an empire in India. He was impressed by their character and qualities. They were the some of the soil and were known for their bravery and faithfulness to their word. They could safely be depended upon. Their mental qualities were superior even to their military excellence. Their co-operation could help him to shake off the foreign nature of his monarchy and converted into a national one which in turn could win him popular support and strengthen the roots of his dynasty. 

Thus he tried to secure and ensure the active co-operation of Rajputs in almost all the activities. By his wise and liberal policy he won the hearts of most of them to such an extent that they rendered valuable services to his empire and even shed their blood for it. The empire of Akbar was in fact the outcome of the co-ordination of Mughal prowers and diplomacy and Rajput valour and service. 

Against this background Akbar adopted two fold policy towards the Rajputs. 

(a) To win them over as allies by establishing matrimonial alliance 

(b) Where the above policy proved un-workable as in the case of Chittor to indulge in warfare and ensure submission. 

In 1562 Akbar made his first pilgrimage to the shrine of Khwaja Shaikh Muin Ud Din chishti at Ajmer. On the way he was received by Raja Bihari Mal of Amber (Jaipur) who offered him submission to Akbar and also proposed his eldest daughter’s marriage with the emperor which took place at Sambar. The Rajput princess became the mother of Jahangir and exerted great influence on Akbar and his policy. Raja Bihari Mal with his son Bhagwan Das and grand son Man Singh proceeded to Agra. He was given a command of 5,000 and his son and grand son were also admitted to high ranking the army. Thus was opened the way through which the Mughal emperor was able to secure for four generations the services of some of the greatest Captains and diplomats that medieval India produce.” 

The strong fortress of Merta in Marwar was captured by the Mughals after a brief siege in 1562. 

The siege and capture of Chittor (1567-1568):- 

Rana Uday Singh of Mewar was the greatest prince in Rajputana. He was the younger son of Sangram Singh and was not prepared to submit to Akbar. Akbar rightly felt that if he could bring about the reduction of Chittor then other Rajput states in Rajstan would submit without fighting. Also Mewar was important as it lay on the route to Gujarat which could not be conquered and the line of communication between Ahmednagar and Delhi could not be a safe without conquering Chittor. The Rana also had publically denounced the Mughals as un-clean foreigners and looked down upon the matrimonial alliance between Raja Bihari Mal of Ambar and Akbar. Akbar had therefore reasons to conquer Mewar. 

Akbar made huge preparations for the conquest of Mewar and personally commanded a huge army for its invasion. The fort of Chittor was besieged in October 1567. Uday Singh sought safety in the Aravalli hills leaving the defense of the fort to two gallant chiefe – Jai Mal and Patta who heroically defended the post for about four months repulsing all the attacks of the Mughals. But in February 1568 the great fort fell. Jai Mal was killed by a musket shot fired by Akbar himself. Patta also fell dead later. The worriers perished fighting, the ladies committed jauhar. Akbar entered the fort the next day and ordered general massacre in which 30,000 persons lost their memory. Uday Singh retained his independence though he lost his ancestral capital. He continued his struggle against the Mughals till his death in 1572. 

CONQUEST OF RANTHAMBHOR (1569): 

The fall of Chittor struck terror in the hearts of other Rajput Chiefs. In 1569 Akbar besieged the fort of Ranthambhor held by Rai Surjan Hara who was a vassal of a Mewar. Realising that the Mughal army was superior and further resistance was futile Rai Surjan Hara agreed to open negotiations with Akbar and surrendered to the Mughals. He handed over the keys of the fort so Akbar and entered the Mughal service. 

Submission of Kalinjar, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer 

(1569-70):- 

The fall of chittor and Ranthambhor in quick succession added to the prestige of the emperor. He now decided to attack the historic fort of Kalinjar in Bundelkhand. It was held by Raja Ram Chandra of Rewa. The Mughal army besieged the fort in August 1569 and after a mild resistance the Raja offered submission. In November 1570 Rajput ruler Raja Chandra Sen of Jodhpur also Sumitted while in the same year the ruler of Bikaner kalyan Mal and Jaisalmer’s ruler Rawal har Rai not only submitted to akbar but also gave their doughters in marriage to him. Thus by the end of 1570 the whole of rajputana with the exception of mewar came into the fold of the Mughal empire. 

Battle of Haldighati (June 1576):- 

Although chittor the capital of mewar had been occupied by the mughal in february 1568 a major portion of the kingdom still remained independent under Rana Uday Singh. After his death in 1572 Mewar found a true patriot in Raja Pratap son of Rana Uday Singh. The ideal before Pratap was to secure the freeedom of Mewar and re-occupy Chittor. Soon after securing the reins of office he started strengthening his military resources. The magnitude of his task can be well understood when we know that without a capital and with only limited resources he had to oppose the organised strength of the mughal emperor. His other Rajput chiefs had allied themselves with Akbar . But pratap did not recognise any obstacle. On his part Akbar also was determined to conquer entire mewar. And a furious hattle was fought at the pass of haldighat. Pratap was defeated and barely escaped with his life which was saved by the selfless devotion of the chief of jhala who drew upon himself the attack of the imperialists by declaring himself to be the Rana. But it was a barren victory for the Mughals. The Rana was not killed or cap ured and Mewar not subjugated. For some time after his defeat Rana had to suffer innumerable difficullties but did not give up. He re-conquered a large part of his territory except chittor and mandalgarh. After his death in 1597 his son Amar Singh continued the struggle against the Mughals even in the reign of Jahangir it is to be noted that in his fight against mewar Akbar was helped by Mansingh and other Rajput princes and generals. 

Conquest of Gujarat (1572 – 1573) :- 

After subduing Rajputana Akbar headed towards Gujarat. A number of factors led to its subjugation. It was large and fertile province and its possession was essential if the country wa to be unifield under Akbar. Under Humayun Gujarat had once formed a part of the Mughal empire hence he felt obliged to retrive lost dominion. Gujarat was important from commercial point of view as trade between India, Turkey, Syria, Persia and countries of Europe was carried on through its ports – Surat and Cambay. From Gujarat Ports the Haj Pilgrims proceeded to Mecca and other holy places. Akbar desired to check the Potugueee who in the recent past had increasingly mis-appropriated the custom revenue and harrassed theHaj pilgrims. 

The immediate cause however was provided by the internal anarchy prevelent in Gujarat. After the death of its able ruler Bahadur shah Gujarat had no Sultan of marked ability. In 1572 Gujarat was divided into seven warring principalities under the nominal king muzaffar shah III. In this distracted kingdom some anti-mughal elements-the Uzbegs and Mirzas had found shelter. One of the nobles of Gujarat Itimad Khan appealed to Akbar for inervention who personally led an expedition to Gujarat and reached Ahmedabad in November 1572. Muzaffar Shah did not offer any resistance and submited. After making arrangements for the adiministration of the new province he went to Cambay. There he had the first sight of the sea and come into contact with portuguese, Turkish, Arabian, Persian and Central Asian merchants. Mean while the Mirzas seized a considerable part of Gujarat. From Cambay Akbar set out against them defeated them in a battle and liberated the towns of Baroda, Champaner and surat and after making arrangements for the civil administration of gujarat he returned to Fatehpur sikri in March 1573. 

Within six months of Akbar’s return from Gujarat a fresh rebellion broke out there. Akbar marched to Gujarat at hurrican speed covering the distance of 600 miles in II days. After gaining complete victory and restoring law and order in Gujarat he returned to fatehpur sikri. The whole compaign look fortythree days. It has been described as the quickest campaingn on record. 

Conquest of Bihar and Bengal (1574-1576):- 

Sulaiman Karani an afghan had estableshed an independent kingdom comprising of Bengal, Bihar and Orrisa. He acknowledged the suzerainty of akbar. After his death in 1572 his son daud incurred the emperors’’ resent ment by proclaiming his independence and by attaching the mughal fort of zamaniya ( U.P.). in 1574 Akbar personally marched against him and secured the occupation of Bihar. He returned to Fatehpur Sikri leaving Munim Khan incharge of Bengal campaign. Daud retreated to orrisa and was defeated by the mughals in battle in March 1575 but the battle had no decisive results owing to the leniency of Munim Khan towards Daud who Consequently was able to strike once more to recover Bengal in October 1575, He was however, finally defeated and killed in a battle near rajmahal in july, 1576. Bengal henceforth become the part of mughal empire. Man singh of Ambar who as Subedar of Bihar conquered Orrisa in 1592 was rewarded for his success by being appoinded subahdar of bengal also. 

The conquest of North Western Region:- 

The region between Afghanistan and India is know as North West Frontier Province. This region has all along Occupied a very important position. Firstly this region had strategic importance. Since early history all invaders of northern India had come by the passes on the North Western Frontier. Hence for the security of India it was necessary to safeguard the entrances of these passes by strong fortifications. 

Secondly Kandhar which lay in this regions was important from economic point of view. It was a great centre of trade where merchants from different parts of Asia flocked together and exchanged their commodities. 

Thirdly there were a number of Afghan tribes inhabiting this region. They were turbulent and freedom loving people and used to loot and plunder the settled human Habitations in the region. These tribes such as Uzbegs and the Yusufzais were far from friendly in their attitude towards the Mughal Empire. Akbar was the first monarch in the medieval times who made a serious attempt to curb their un-ruly habits. 

Akbar formulated a policy which comprised of (a) direct control over the civil and military admistation of kabul (b) suppression of the Afghan tribes (c) annexation of kashmir (d) conquest of Sind and Baluchistan (e) an attempt to conquer kandhar, 

(a) Reduction of Kabul:- the year 1581 has been regarded as the most critical time in the reign or Akbar. He had to face a critical situation due to the sinistar motives of Mirza Hakim his half brother who was incharge of the province of Kabul. In conspiracy with some nobles he charished to seize the throne of Hindustan for himself. The plan was to replace the heterodox Akbar on the throne by the orthodox Hakim. In 1581 Hakim invaded the punjab. Considering it inadvisable to ignore his movements Akbar marched from his capital in february 1581 to wards afghanistan at the head of a large army. Mirza hakim on hearing of the advance fled to kabul without offering any opposition. Akbar entered Kabul. Terrified Mirza Hakim offered sumission and was pardoned by Akbar who reinstated him in the government of the province. The victory at Kabul brought immence relief to Akbar and may be regarded as the climax of his career. Kabul was incorporated in the empire after the death of Mirza Hakim in 1586. 

(b) Suppession of the Afghan Tribes :- Akbar was able to suppress the risings of the Uzbegs and their leader Abdulla Khan was obliged to remain friendly with the Mughal emperor. The Yusufzais were also crushingly defeated by the Mughal army commanded by Raja Todar Mal and Prince Murad. 

(c) Annexation of Kashmir :- Yusuf Khan was the ruler of Kashmir and though he had sent his son to wait on akbar he had evaded appearing in person. An expedition was sent against him led by Raja Bhagwan Das Who Forced Yusuf Khan to surrender and Make peace. A treaty was made recognising him the vassal ruler of Kashmir. Akbar rejected this arrangment and sent another expedition Kashmir was annexed to empire in 1586 and became a sarkar of the province of Kabul. 

(d) Conquest of Sind and Balushistan :- Akbar now coveted sind. He wanted to use sind as a base of operations against kandhar then in possesion of the Persians. In 1590 Akbar appointed Abdur Rahim for the conquest of sind. After two battles in defence of his country Mirza Jani Beg the ruler of sind was defeated and forced to surrender in 1591. He entered into imperial service. In 1595 Akbar deputed Mir Masum to conquer Baluchistan then held by pani afghans. The fortress of sibi was attacked and the Pani Afghans were forced to deliver whole of Baluchistan including Makran. 

(e) Aquisition of Kandhar :- the road to Kandhar had now been opened. It was with the Persians. The Persian Shah had appointed Muzaffar Hussain Mirzas its Governor. Fortunately for the Mughals Muzaffar Hussain Mirza was not on good terms with the authorities at Tehran. He negotiated with the Mughals and peacefully delivered the fortress into the hands of Shah Beg who was deputed by akbar to take charge of the fort in 1595. The acquisition of kandhar completed Akbar’s conquest of Northern India. As a result of Akbar’s policy in the North west Important terriotories were added to his empire, its position was made secure on that frontier and its prestige was immensely enhaced. 

The conquest of the Deccan :- 

At the beginning of the 16th Century there were seven principal states in the Deccan Khandesh , Berar, Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Golkunda, Bidar, and Vijaynagar. Among these Ahmednagar, Bijapur and Vijaynagar were relatively more powerful while among these Vijaynagar was the strongest and most prosperous. But within ten years of Akbar’s accession vijaynagar suffered a terrible defeat in the battle of Talikota (1565) and could never regain its former glory. Later Berar was seized by ahmednagar while Bidar by Bijapur. Thus at the time of Akbar’s invation of the Deccan there were only four states each ruled by a muslim dynasty. 

Having secured his conquest in the north it was but logical for Akbar to attempt conquest of the Deccan. He had some definate objects in view. Firstly with the ideal of an all India Empire he naturally sought to bring the Deccan sultanates under his rule. Secondly as a shrewd statesman he wanted to utilize his control over the deccan as a means pushing back the portuguese to the sea. At the close of the 15th century a fresh complication arose in the politics of the region on account of the establishment of the potuguese on the western coast of India and their mastery over the Arabian sea. They harrassed the muslim pilgrims to Arabia. Thay were alternately at war and peace with the Deccan Kingdoms. Though Akbar himself was having good relations with the portuguese he did not think it wise to allow them to interfere in the politics of Deccan and enjoy its economic resources as well. His Deccan policy was purely imperialistic in origin and outlook and was not influenced by religious considerations as was the case with Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. 

In 1591 Akbar despatched four diplomatic missions to khandesh, Ahmednagar, Bijapur and Golkunda calling upon their rulers to recognise his suzerainty and pay him tributes. Raja Ali khan the ruler of khandesh whose terriotory lay immediately South of Akbar’s empire offered to acknowledge his authority but the rulers of the other theree states sent diplomatic replies politely rejecting the offer. The failure of the diplomatic missions led him to resort to arms. 

Ahmednagar :- 

Ahmednagar ruled by Nizam Shahi dynasty was situated to the South of Khandesh and North of Bijapur. The ruler of Ahmednagar Burhan-ul-Mulk died in 1594 and there followed disputes about succession. Chand Bibi daughter of the former Sultan and widow of the Sultan of Bijapur acqured Political control over Ahmednagar and supported the cause of the lawful heir to the throne Bahadur who was an infant but a group of nobles imprisoned him and raised another candidate to the throne. These dissessions offered Akbar an excellent opportunity for the conqust of Ahmednagar. Accordingly in 1593 he sent two armies to subjugate Ahmednagar by force one was led by Abdur Rahim Khan-I-khana and the other by prince Murad. The Mughal expedition was paralysed by dissenssions between the two generals from the very beginnging, however, Ahmednagar was besieged in 1595. Chand Bibi defended the city with splendid courage and made the surrender of the fort difficult if not impossible ultimately a peace treaty was signed in 1596 according to which Berar was ceded to the Mughals, though reluctantly, and the Nizam Shah is recognised the Mughal suzerainty. 

Soon after the departure of the Mughals the treaty was violated by the ahmednagar government and war with the Mughals renewed, in 1597. Ahmednagar was besieged and once again the Mughals suffered badly on account of the dissenssions between Murad and Abdur Rahim. Akbar recalled both of them and appointed abul Fazal in their place and prepared himself to march to the Deccan in 1599. Daulatabad fell before his arrival in 1599 and ahmednagar was captured in August 1600. Chand Bibi who advised peace with the Mughals was Murdered by a faction which was opposed to her policy. The minor sultan Bahadur was sent gwalior as a prisoner. The Mughals placed the capital city and the adjoining territories under their administrative control but a large part of the kingdom remained in the possession of the Nizam Shahi nobles. Ahmednagar Continued to resist the Mughal arms and the entire kingdom was not annexed to the empire till the reign of Shah Jahan. 

Khandesh :- 

Raja Ali Khan of khandesh had acknowledged the autority of Akbar but after his death his son Mian Bahadur shah repudiated the Mughal authority and prepared to defend himself in his strong fortrers of Asirgarh. Akbar took Burhanpur its capital and laid siege to the mighty fort of Asirgarh which was well provided with artillery and war like stores and provisions (1600). The siege continued for a long time and akbar was unwilling to prolong it as his son salim had rebelled against him. Akbar resorted to bribery and conceit for the fulfilment of his object. He called Main Bahadur Shah into his camp and forced him to write a letter to the garrison with instructions to surrender the fort. The garrison still held out. Akbar then seduced the Khandesh officers by lavish distribution of money and the gates of Asirgarh were opened by golden keys in January 1601. Khandesh was annexed to the empire. Mian Bahadur was taken Prisoner to Gwalior. 

The capture of asirgarh was an event of great signigicance. This was the last conquest of Akbar. Prince daniyal was appointed vicrory of the Deccan. Akbar in view of Salim’s rebellion at Allahabad had to give up his intention of staying and conquering other states in the Deccan. He left for Agra and arrived at fatehpur sikri and ordered the errection of the famous Buland Darwaza as a memorial of his victory over Arisrgarh. 

The result of Akbar’s policy in the Deccan was that he conquered Khandesh, Berar and part of Ahmedanagar. He also aquired a number of valuable forts and further expansion of the empire by his successors was facilitated. He set the ball rolling for the inerferance in the Deccan and henceforth the mughals became increasingly involved in the Deccan politics. 

Thus in a career of conquests spread over forty years beginning with the expedition to Malwa in 1560 to the conquest of Asirgarh in 1601 Akbar successfully brought the whole of North-Western including kabul, Kandhar and Kashmir ) Eastern and central and parts of southern India within his empire. The victories, in sheer magnitude were far more extensive than any of his predecessors or successors could venture forth.