Tapestry of the Past: Reshaping India’s Political Map (11th–19th Century)

Akbar's rule had elements of brutality for several reasons:

• Early Wars: When Akbar was 25, he attacked Chittorgarh Fort. After capturing it, he ordered the killing of around 30,000 people. This showed how harsh he could be in expanding his power.

• Fighting Rajputs: Akbar fought against Rajput kingdoms to unite the area. These battles were often violent, causing many injuries and deaths among soldiers and civilians.

• Curbing Rebellions: Akbar dealt with many revolts against his rule. When these happened, he acted strongly, sometimes punishing entire communities.

• Jauhar Practice: During sieges, some Rajput women would commit jauhar (mass suicide) to avoid capture. This happened because of the fear and violence surrounding war, highlighting the brutal nature of the conflicts Akbar led.

Despite this brutality, he later focused on policies of tolerance and inclusivity, especially towards non-Muslims, which makes his legacy complex.