Akbar AD 1542to 1605 was a great Mughal ruler. He was the grand son of Babar, the first Mughal ruler of India. Akbar’s full name was Jalal-ud-din-Akbar. He ruled about four hundred years ago. When he became the emperor of India he was only thirteen.

He fought several battles and built a large empire covering almost the whole of India.

He loved both the Hindus and the Muslims. He respected all the religions. He abolished Jizia tax and pilgrim tax. Jizia was a tax that a Muslim king imposed on his non- Muslims subjects.

Akbar was a great builder. He built many beautiful buildings in Agra, Lahore, Ajmer and other places. He built the fort of Agra and a host of buildings at Fatehpur sikri. Some of the best buildings in this city care Buland Darwaza, Panch, Mahal and Ibadatkhana. He promoted art, music, literature and culture. He had many poets, writers and singers in his court.

Brinbal was one of the nine Jewels in Akbar’s court. Some of the other Jewels of his court were Mansinsh, Tadarmal, and Tansen. Ramcharimanasa was written by Tulisidas during in his period.

The famous emperor Akbar had a close friend called Birbal. Birbal had a sharp and intelligent mind. In addition, he was always ready with a witty remark. Akbar was so amused by his wit and his cleverness that he insisted Birbal stay at the palace. Wherever Akbar went, Birbal went too. There are consequently many stories made up about Birbal.

Darbar was held

Akbar laughed heartily when he read the letter sent to him by the king of Burma. Even the nobles were amused. They readily granted the fact that Birbal was extremely intelligent and that Akbar was wise to have him as a close friend. ``I knew that he would find a way out’’ said Akbar, ``else I would not have sent him. But now, my dear Birbal, you will have to help me draft a long letter in which I shall have to reassure my brother, the king of Burma. I don’t want him to believe that I am really so greedy that I want his kingdom as well’’.