---
title: "Akbar: Third Mughal Emperor | Model Diplomat"
description: "Akbar, the third Mughal emperor, unified northern India through military conquest and religious conciliation, shaping governance for future generations."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/akbar"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Akbar (1542–1605) was the third Mughal emperor whose reign (1556–1605) consolidated the empire across northern India through military conquest, administrative reform, and a policy of religious conciliation.
- What were the zat and sawar ranks in Akbar's mansabdari system?
- What was the dahsala settlement?
- How did Akbar consolidate control over Bengal, relevant to BCS?
- What distinguishes the Akbarnama from Badauni's account?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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Akbar abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1564 and later promulgated the syncretic Din-i-Ilahi around 1582, institutionalising his doctrine of sulh-i-kul (universal tolerance).

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