Introduction

• Babur and Humayun had strained relations with the Rajputs, but Akbar recognized their valiant and courageous nature.
• Akbar decided that Rajputs could not be easily defeated by warfare and focused on winning them over.
• He entered into matrimonial alliances with the Rajputs and gave them high positions in the Mughal service.
• Rajputs were treated at par with Mughal nobility and granted freedom of worship and conscience.
• Rajput rulers who allied with Akbar were allowed to remain in charge of their kingdoms.
• Where conciliation failed, Akbar resorted to warfare, balancing carrot and stick to win over the Rajputs.
• The Rajputs became an integral part of the Mughal empire.
• Before Muslim rule, Rajputs had been the dominant rulers of India and continued to resist Muslim dominance, aspiring to establish a Hindu empire.
• Babur, Akbar’s great-grandfather, waged a bloody war against the Rajputs to establish his rule in India.
• Despite the Muslim rule lasting over 300 years, the Rajputs’ spirit of independence remained strong.
• Babur and Humayun were unable to adopt a specific policy towards the Rajputs due to time constraints and instability.
• Akbar, being a farsighted and great politician, focused on winning over the Rajputs, recognizing their importance for establishing a permanent empire in India.
• Akbar’s success lay not only in military power but in his tolerant policies.
• Unlike previous rulers, Akbar treated Hindus and Muslims equally, adopting a policy of peace and conciliation.
• Akbar refused to see Hindus as inferior due to their idol worship.
• Although he fought battles against the Rajputs, he established cordial relations with those who surrendered or accepted Mughal suzerainty.
• Akbar befriended the vanquished Rajput rulers, strengthening his empire.