Akbar vs. Babar

Attribute	Akbar	Babar
Reign	1556-1605	1526-1530
Empire	Mughal Empire	Mughal Empire
Religion	Tolerant of all religions	Muslim
Conquests	Expanded empire significantly	Established Mughal rule in India
Administration	Introduced administrative reforms	Established administrative structure

Background

Akbar and Babar are two of the most prominent Mughal emperors in Indian history. Akbar, also known as Akbar the Great, ruled from 1556 to 1605, while Babar, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, ruled from 1526 to 1530. Both rulers played significant roles in shaping the history and culture of India during their respective reigns.

Early Life

Babar was born in 1483 in present-day Uzbekistan and was a descendant of Timur on his father's side and Genghis Khan on his mother's side. He inherited the throne of Fergana at a young age but faced numerous challenges in consolidating his power. On the other hand, Akbar was born in 1542 in Umerkot, Sindh, and was the son of Humayun and Hamida Banu Begum. He ascended to the throne at the age of 13 after his father's death.

Conquests

Babar is best known for his victory over Ibrahim Lodhi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, which established the Mughal Empire in India. He went on to conquer Delhi and Agra, laying the foundation for future Mughal rulers. Akbar, on the other hand, expanded the empire to its greatest extent through a series of military campaigns. He conquered territories in present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, establishing a vast and diverse empire.

Religious Policies

Babar was a Sunni Muslim and followed a policy of religious tolerance towards his subjects, allowing Hindus to practice their faith freely. He also built the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, which later became a source of controversy. Akbar, on the other hand, implemented a policy of religious syncretism known as Din-i Ilahi, which sought to blend elements of Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. He abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims and promoted religious harmony in his empire.

Administrative Reforms

Babar introduced several administrative reforms in the Mughal Empire, including a centralized system of governance and a revenue system based on land surveys. He also established a strong military and diplomatic network to maintain control over his vast empire. Akbar, on the other hand, implemented a system of efficient bureaucracy known as the Mansabdari system, which ranked officials based on their military and administrative skills. He also introduced a uniform currency system and standardized weights and measures.

Cultural Contributions

Babar was a patron of the arts and literature, and his court in Agra became a center of cultural exchange. He commissioned the famous Baburnama, an autobiography that provides valuable insights into his life and reign. Akbar, on the other hand, was a great patron of the arts and architecture, commissioning the construction of several iconic buildings such as the Fatehpur Sikri complex and the Buland Darwaza. He also promoted the development of Persian and Sanskrit literature in his court.

Legacy

Babar's legacy as the founder of the Mughal Empire in India is undeniable, as he laid the groundwork for future Mughal rulers to build upon. His military conquests and administrative reforms set the stage for the empire's expansion and consolidation. Akbar, on the other hand, is remembered as one of the greatest rulers in Indian history, known for his religious tolerance, administrative acumen, and cultural contributions. His reign is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of the Mughal Empire.