Video narration
Akbar, also called Akbar the Great, was one of the most important Mughal emperors of India. He became emperor as a teenager in 1556, and over time he expanded the empire across large parts of North and Central India. Akbar was known not only for victories in war, but for how he governed. He strengthened administration, improved the system of collecting revenue, and built a strong, loyal army. He also tried to reduce conflict between communities. Akbar welcomed scholars of different faiths to debates at his court and supported policies of tolerance. His capital at Fatehpur Sikri and the grand forts and palaces of the Mughal era still show the art and architecture of his time. Akbar ruled until 1605, and his ideas about stable government, culture, and cooperation helped shape the Mughal Empire for generations.