Akbar was proclaimed emperor in February 1556. At that time the Mughal authority in India was in a state of tottering flux. At the time of his death in 1605, he had established a strong empire. This was due not only to his abilities as a military leader but also due to his enlightened religious policy. Born of a Shia mother and Sunni father under the roof of a Rajput ruler, he inherited a spirit of toleration and harmony. When he grew up to manhood, he learnt ...