Akbar (Part-I)

Hari Vijay Suri was the Jain monk who stayed for a few years in the court of Akbar and was honoured with the title of Jagadguru. Emperor Akbar invited Hari Vijay Suri to explain the principles of Jainism. Akbar was so much influenced by the ideology of non-violence preached by Jain sage that he became vegetarian and prohibited slaughter of animals and birds. Another Jain scholar who resided in Mughal court was Jin Chandra Suri bestowed with the title of "Yug Pradhan" by Akbar.

Hari Vijay Suri was the Jain monk who stayed for a few years in the court of Akbar and was honoured with the title of Jagadguru. Emperor Akbar invited Hari Vijay Suri to explain the principles of Jainism. Akbar was so much influenced by the ideology of non-violence preached by Jain sage that he became vegetarian and prohibited slaughter of animals and birds. Another Jain scholar who resided in Mughal court was Jin Chandra Suri bestowed with the title of "Yug Pradhan" by Akbar.

Abul Fazl had listed many outstanding painters in his text Ain-1-Akbari. Daswant, Basawan, Keshav Lal, Mukund, Miskin, Jagan, Mahesh, Khemkaran, Tara, Sanwal, Harivansh. Daswant, the son of a potter, impressed Akbar by his skills so much that he helped him become the first artist of his time. Unfortunately, when he was at the height of his glory, he became insane and committed suicide.

The Indian ruler, contemporary of Queen Elizabeth-1 of England, was Akbar. It is notable that on the occasion of the establishment of East India Company in 1600, Elizabeth was the empress of England. India had the reign of Akbar during that period (1556-1605 A.D.). The tenure of Elizabeth-I was 1558 to 1603.

English East India Company was formed in the year 1600 A.D.. Elizabeth was the Empress of England and Akbar was emperor of India at that time.

Abul Fazl is a was writer of medieval period who refers to the discovery of America.

Ralph Fitch (1583-86 A.D.) was the first English merchant who visited Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. He observed various places of India by travelling and presented precious narrative about Indian trade points and township centres of the 16th century.

Akbar abolished Jizya in 1564 A.D.. The construction of

Ibadat Khana occurred in 1575 A.D. whose main purpose was to facilitate philosophical and theological discussions. The declaration of Mahzarnama was held in 1579 which was prepared by Shaikh Mubarak, the father of Abul Fazi. Akbar founded Din-i-Illahi in 1582 for religious harmony.

Goa Church authorities sent a group of priests to Akbar in 1595 AD to satisfy his curiosities towards Christianity. This was the third mission sent by Goa Church authotiries to the court of Akbar, before this, the first mission has arrived in Fatehpur Sikri in 1580 AD and the second mission had arrived in Lahore in 1591 AD. The third mission also met Akbar in Lahore. This mission was led by Jerome Xavier, nephew of missionary saint Francis Xavier. One member of this mission was Antonio Monserrate, whom Akbar hired as a tutor for his son Murad.

Daud Khan succeeded his father Suleman Kararani in 1572 after his death. Daud Khan invaded Patna Mughal fort after declaring himself an independent ruler. Akbar ordered Munim Khan to suppress this revolt and occupy Bihar. Munim Khan defeated Daud Khan in a battle and annexed Bihar in 1574. Daud fled away to Bengal after his defeat. On 12 July, 1576 Todarmal, defeated Daud. Thus, Akbar merged Bengal and Bihar in his empire in 1576.