Emperor · 1542 – 1605

Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar

Little-Known Facts

  • Akbar was reportedly illiterate, yet he assembled a vast library and was a great patron of learning.
  • He built the magnificent capital of Fatehpur Sikri, which was later largely abandoned, partly for lack of water.

Myths & Misconceptions

Did Akbar found a new religion that replaced Islam?

No. His Din-i Ilahi was a small syncretic spiritual movement centred on the court, not a state religion, and it did not survive him.