Akbar – Theory of Kingship

Abu’l Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar or simply, Akbar the Great, was one of the greatest rulers in the history of India. He was the greatest ruler of Mughal dynasty. Although Akbar was illiterate but he highly successful as a ruler and as an administrator as well. He ascended the throne of Mughal Empire in c. 1556 when Humayun died suddenly as he fell from the top floor of his library. It was him who provided a strong foundation to Mughal Empire and because of that Empire survived until c. 1857.

The theory of kingship of Akbar played a significant in strengthening the foundation of empire. This theory of kingship was written in detail by Abul Fazal in his book Ain-i-Akbari.

Also Read : Sher Shah Suri – Foundation of Sur Empire and Reforms

Humayun – Struggle for Empire in North India

Babur – The Founder of Mughal Dynasty

Akbar’s Theory of Kingship

Divine monarchy constituted the most important element of the Akbar’ theory of Kingship because the emperor was considered as the representative of God on Earth. The title of Zill-i-Ilahi was adopted by Akbar which emphasis the same theory. The Monarchial despotism was very high and was the important element of the kingship theory. During his reign, no noble and Ulemas dare to challenge the authority of emperor and the words of Emperor was the law of land.

The succession was hereditary in nature. This authority of Mughals was so powerful that even during the reign and struggle of weak rulers, no noble dare to sit on the throne. The nobles were treated as ordinary servant as the complete subjugation of nobles was done by ruler. The nobles were never equated with royal family members. Another important component of kingship theory was Farr-i-Izadi (divine light).

Abul Fazal said that Farr-i-Izadi was the idea of him which defines that heart of Emperor was repository of special grace of God, which was termed as divine light by Akbar. This light helps emperor to distinguish between right or wrong and good or bad which keeps him above form ordinary peoples. The most distinguish element of this theory was Sulah-i-Kul (Doctrine of Peace) which emphasized on the idea of Universal tolerance.

This was the main idea behind the religious policy and Rajput policy of Akbar as put emphasis on peaceful co-existence of all. The assimilation of Indian elements the art and culture of Mughal art and culture also was the outcome of Sulah-i-Kul theory. The outlook of Emperor was non-discriminatory in nature as he did impartial justice to every which discrimination. That’s why Akbar is hailed as National Monarch.

The welfare outlook was another important element of the theory of kingship. He believed that welfare and progress of peoples is the responsibility of state. The state system of Akbar was also secular in nature. The elements of Persia, Mongol and India were blended in the theory of Kingship. The titles like Badshah, Padshah etc. and monarchial despotism were the element of Persia.

The decimal method of military organization and idea of dynastic succession were the elements of the Mongols. The Indian elements like Jharokha-i-Darshan and liberal outlook were the part of the Akbar’s theory of Kingship. The territorial expansion was part of Mughal rule which made Imperialism an important element of theory of Kingship.

Thus, the theory of kingship provided a solid base to Mughal empire which helped it to continue until c. 1857.