THE YOUNG AKBAR

Akbar was born to Hamida Begum, whom humayun had married in Sind on 15th October, 1543. This was because his father Humayun had to run away from his kingdom after being defeated by sher Shah suri.

He was not born in the comforts of a rich and comfortable palace. And instead of a happy and carefree childhood, he got a tough life of living in the wilderness, travelling from one place to another.

He was not educated as all his time was taken by the travels he had to make with his father.

With Humayun, he moved from Sind to Iran and then to Afghanistan. So he saw more of life and become tough.

When Humayun came back to India and regained his throne, it was then that Akbar saw the refined court culture of Delhi and Agra.

After his father's death in 1556, Akbar was crowned the emperor. He was fourteen years old at that time.

As he was very young, he ruled under the able guidance of Bairam khan.

In the beginning, Akbar listened to Bairam Khan, but after sometimes Akbar wanted to be free of his Regent.

IN 1560, Akbar sent Bairam Khan away. On the way to Gujarat, Bairm Khn was murdered.

Akbar was a wise and good king, who efficiently managed his empire. His friendly attitude towards the Hindus was an important factor of his popularity.

He abolished the Jizya tax which had been exclusively livied on the Hindus. Moreover, he gave important posts to Hindus in his court.

He even married Hindu women. It is said that he had five hundred wives and many of them were Rajput princesses.

Akbar made friends with the Rajputs, but he had to keep fighting with Maharana Pratap.

Maharana Pratap often had to live away from his palace because of his constant wars with Akbar.

Akbar had wanted to marry a princess of Rana's family, but the proposal was rejected.

Akbar th3en attacked chittor and killed a number of Rajputs.

Maharana Pratap is said to have taken a vow that he would not sleep on a proper bed till he defeated Akbar.

So he always slept on dry grass spread on th ground. His wife and children also had to face a lot of troubles.

Akbar and Maharana Pratap met in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576.

Maharana Pratap lost the battle and was severely wounded. He slumped on his horse and rode away.

Chetak, his horse, is said to have possessed rare courage and intelligence, along with unwavering faithfulness to his master.

Chetak took him away from the battlefield into the hills, and thus he was saved.