Moghul: Ruler of the World

 This is the third book in Alex Rutherford's Empire of the Moghul series. A fictional adaptation of the early Moghul rulers. The first two covered Babur and Humayun, who established, lost and recovered the empire. This book covers Akbar, often described as 'the Great Moghul', who was the first to be born in India and greatly expanded it.

Akbar was born in 1542 to Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. He became emperor at 13 after his father's death in 1556. Akbar greatly expanded the Mughal Empire through military campaigns, diplomacy, and alliances. By the end of his reign, the empire covered much of northern and central India. He introduced important reforms to taxation and government. His administration divided the empire into provinces and established a more systematic system for collecting land revenue. He was known for religious tolerance. He abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims and encouraged discussions between Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jains, and other religious groups. Rather than relying solely on conquest, Akbar formed political and marital alliances with several Rajput rulers and incorporated many Rajputs into his administration and army.

The book reflects these developments, including his religious clashes with the Muslim Ulema and the newly arrived Europeans. The debate between the Jesuits and a British seaman was entertaining! The sheer wealth collected was enormous and allowed huge buildings to be developed and maintained cohesion. The magnificent complex at Fatehpur Sikri, which served as his capital for a period.

As was often the case, the book ends with the succession, with Akbar eventually choosing his eldest son. But not before plenty of internal manoeuvring. 

Despite his clever diplomacy, he still fought many wars. He conquered Rajput states, invaded Gujarat and the Deccan, and defeated rebels in Afghanistan and Bengal. The army still used elephants as well as traditional cavalry, artillery and musketeers. The Moghul army was as colourful as it was an effective blend of the old and the new.

My 28mm Moghul elephants