Who was Akbar?
Akbar was the 3rd Mughal Emperor who is also known as the greatest of all Mughal Emperors by most of the historians. He reigned from 1556 to 1605 CE (49 years) and extended Mughal power over most of the Indian subcontinent. He was the first Mughal ruler who introduced policies (such as abolishing the jizya tax) to win the loyalties of non-Muslim populations.
What is jizyah (جزیہ)?
Jizya (jizyah) is a tax which in an Islamic state is levied on non-Muslim subjects (known as dhimmis) for their protection as a duty of the state. It is no more effective in the modern world.
How important was Bairam Khan to Akbar?
When Humayun died in 1556, Akbar was only thirteen years old and could not ascend to the throne on his own. At that critical moment, it was the loyalist, Bairam Khan who not only defeated Hemu, the biggest immediate threat to the Mughal rule; but in the next four years, he effectively handled other challenges to Akbar’s power. The actual credit of victory in the Second Battle of Panipat undoubtedly goes to Bairam Khan. This success made Akbar the undisputed ruler of Hindustan.
Why did Akbar get Bairam Khan killed?
As Akbar was too young in the beginning of his rein to defend and control his empire, he was aided by his loyalist, Bairam Khan throughout his rule until he turned eighteen years of age. It was when he came into conflict with Bairam Khan as probably his nature and position did not allow him to take dictations from Bairam. He was eager to take over the reins of government into his own hands. Unfortunately, some ladies in the royal family encouraged him to get rid of Bairam Khan who was then deviously assassinated near Gujarat.
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