Question

How come Akbar, a ruthless conqueror in his young days, grew tolerant and benevolent after some years? What could have led to such a change?

Answer 1

When Akbar became emperor at the young age of 13, he was a fierce and ruthless leader focused on conquest and military power. Early in his reign, he showed great brutality, such as during the long siege of Chittor, where many lives were lost and the survivors faced harsh treatment. However, over time, Akbar’s attitude began to change. Through his interactions with people of different faiths, his marriage alliances with Rajput princesses, and the influence of scholars in his court, he gradually adopted a more tolerant and inclusive approach.

Akbar abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims and followed the policy of sulh-i-kul, meaning “peace with all,” which promoted religious tolerance and harmony. He understood that respect, cooperation and fairness could bring greater stability and unity to his vast empire than ruling through fear. His change was also influenced by his personal reflections, recorded by his court historian Abul Fazl, in which Akbar recognised that forcing people to convert to Islam was wrong and would not be successful in the long run. Thus, Akbar gradually changed from a harsh conqueror into a wise and tolerant ruler who valued peace, unity and diversity.