The Death of Akbar

Akbar, the most illustrious king of Mughal dynasty died on 29 October, 1605. He was succeeded by his son Nur-ud-din Salim Jahangir as the new emperor of India. Akbar had conquered almost the while India barring deccan. Kashmir was won in 1587 while Kandhar was made part of the empire in 1594.

In 1595, Akbar’s poet friend Faizi died while he lost his close aid Birbal in 1585 during Afghan revolt.

Akbar himself marched to Deccan to win Ahamednagar despite the valiant efforts put up by Chand Bibi. When he was in Deccan, his son Salim revolted against him and out of enviousness got Abul Fazal assassinated. This cased deep sorrow and anguish to Akabr and his health deteriorated fast.

With Akbar's death, an important chapter closed in Indian hisotory. He was not only the real founder but a master strategist who led a very solid foundation of Mughal empire which made the job of his successors easy.

Fatehpur Sikri (founded by Akbar)

It was the capital of Akbar from 1571 to 1585 which was declared a world heritage site in 1986. It is located 37 km from Agra. Akbar, who at 26 years did not have a child visited a saint, Shaikh Salim Chishti who lived in a city called Sikri. With his blessings, Akbar had 3 sons. Nur-ud-din Salim Jahangir was one of them. As a gesture, Akbar built a whole new city in Sikri. Akbar named his new capital, Fatehpur Sikri or the City of Victory.

Let’s have a look at the important monuments in Fatehpur Sikri.

1. Buland Darwaja: it was built in the year 1576-77 to commemorate Akbar’s Gujarat victory.
2. Tomb of Salim Chisti
3. Jama Masjid
4. Diwan-i-Khas: It was the hall of private audience.
5. Diwan-i-aam: It was the hall of public audience.
6. Panch Mahal: The court for ladies
7. Birbal’s house, Anup Talao and Naubat Khana( drum house).

The major facts related to Fatehpur Sikri are as following;

1. It was a first planned city of the Mughals.
2. It was a combination of Hindu and Persian architecture.
3. It was the capital of Akbar from 1571 to 1585.

Find Information on:

Navratnas of Akbar

Abul Fazal: Author of Akbarnama

Din-i-Illahi

Jahangir (1605-1627)