Akbars Rajput Policy

The policy of seeking a special relationship with the Rajputs matured under Akbar, and it was
one of the main features of Mughal India, even though the relationship came under starin
later on. The ups and downs in the relationship between the Muslim rulers and the Rajputs
has been going on since the Sultanats time. The main reason behind the relationship was to
maintain a good relationship with the zamindars in the North India or in a broader sense with
the indigenous sections of the people. In the Mughal days certain geo-political factors also
spurred the rulers to seek lasting arrangements with the Rajputs.
Reasons for the Rajput Policy
1. After Humayun regained his kingdom he realised to keep his kingdom intact, it was
extremely important to take the support of the most powerful in India, ie, the Rajputs,
Akgar also, on ascending the throne,believed that it was important to keep the Rajputs
in good humour and so he decided to take his fathers policy forward.
2. For Peace and Order:- Akbar was a far sighted ruler and he knew that it was extremely
important to have the political leaders of the Hindus onhis side if he wanted to rule the
country peacefully. History had told him that whenever Rajputs extended the hand of
friendship it always had good consequences.
3. Unstable Political Conditions of Rajasthan:- Akbar was ambitious and an imperialistic
emperor.. He knew that there was no unity amongst the Rajput Rulers and they were
fighting each other for a long time. He wanted to use this disunity as an instrument for
expanding his empire.
4. Qualities of Rajputs:- Akbar knew that the Rajputs were brave and fierce warriors/
They were adept at using weapons. They were gifted with qualities like sacrifice,
loyalty, bravery, honesty etc.. To fulfil his political ambitions he realised that he
wanted this community to be his friend.
5. Scarcity of Foreign Muslim Soldiers:- Since the time of Babar, Mughal rulers were
dependent on foreign Muslim soldiers. Akbar knew that it was not easy to obtain
foreign soldiers in large numbers. Secondly they had no sympathy to the people of his
country and their loyalty could not be guaranteed.
6. Extension of the Empire without Unnecessary Warfare:- Akbar wanted to unite India
politically with minimum warfare. His aim was to consolidate the Mughal empire and
so he decided that it was better to be friends with Rajputs than fight wars with them.
7. To end the Delusion of Mughal Rulers Designated as Foreign Rulers:- Akbar wanted
to be recognised as an Indian ruler and wanted to end the alieness of the Mughal
Empire and the Mughals. For this he extended his hand in friendship towards the
Rajputs so taht he could secure their good will and cooperation.
8. Geographical Conditions:- Since the Rajputana was very close to Delhi and Agra, it
was imperative that he had a good policy with the Rajputs.

In the initial period the Mughals had a tolerant policy towards the Rajputs. Before Akbar,
Humayun had entered into matrimonial relations in order to soothe the minds of the
zamindars. Humayun advised Akbar to maintain good relations to get service and obedience
from Rajputs and that they can not be reared with transgression. After the coronation Akbar
also entered into matrimonial relations with the Raputs. Matrimonial relations both marked a
bond and submission.
The evolution of Akbars Rajput policy can be divided into three main phases:
During the first phase which lasted till about 1572, the Rajput Rajas who submitted to him
were considered loyal allies. They were expected to render military service in or around their
principalities, but not outside. Thus raja BharMal along with his son Bhagwant Das was the
constant companion of Akbar during the Uzbek rebellion, but there is no reference of his
taking part in any military operations, though both Todar mal and Rai Das were actively
involved in the operations.
The Second phase of Akbars Rajput policy dated from his Gujarat campaign in 1572. At the
onset Man Singh was appointed with a well equipped army to chase Sher Khan. Akbar was in
full praise for Man singhs work against the Gujaratis, though it was half a success. In this
phase, apart from being loyal allies, the Rajputs begin to emerge as sword-army of the
empire. This point was further emphasized in 1526, Man Singh was appointed to lead the
Mughal army against Rana Pratap.
The third phase of Akbars relation can be dates from 1578 when Raja Bhagwan Das and
Raja Man Singh arrived at the imperial camp at Bhera in Western Punjab in preparation for
campaigns in NORTH-West including Kashmir. Man Singh had been placed incharge of both
the Muslim and Hindu troops at Haldighati, it was a case of a Hindu wields a sword of
Islam. In the third and the last phase, the Rajputs emerge as partners in the kingdom, and
make weight in nobility against the others, especially the Turani nobles of whose loyalty
Akbar was not certain, following his break with the Ulema.
In other words, this development coincides with Akbars break with the orthodox clergy and
the issue of Mahzr by Akbar which gave him the right to choose between different schools of
law upholding the Sharia. Akbars half brother, Mirza Hakim, who was supported by the
orthodox clergy started to read Khutba in his name in the East. In this pursuit, Akbar was
helped by the Rajput commanders. Akbar with Man Singh and Rai Singh inflicted a sharp
defeat on Mirza in Kabul. Thus, Rajputs not only emerged as dependable allies who could be
used anywhere for fighting, even against princes of blood. They were also employed in the
task of governance. In the remaining years of Akbars reign, the position of the Rajputs as
partners in the kingdom and as the sword arm of the empire was strengthened further. In
1585-86 when two sipahsalars or subhadars were appointed to each subah, Rajputs were
appointed as joint- governors of four subas- Lahore, Kabul, Agra and Ajmer. Man Singh and
Raja Bhagwan Das were appointed in Kabul and Lahore, the strategically appointed
provinces.
Result of the Relations:-

The Mughal- Rajput alliance was mutually beneficial. The alliance secured to the Mughals
the services of the bravest warriors in India. The stead fast loyalty of the Rajputs was an
important factor in the consolidation and the further expansion of the Mughal empire. On the
other hand, service in the Mughal empire enabled the Rajput Rajas to serve in distant places
far away from their homes, and to hold important administrative posts. This further raised
their prestige and social status. Service with the Mughals was also financially rewarding. In
additions to their holdings in Rajasthan, the Rajput Rajas were accorded Jagirs outside
Rajasthan in accordance with their Mansabs.
While these jagirs were transferable like any other jagirs, the Rajput Rajas were granted their
own homelands as jagirs. They were called Watan-Jagirs. They were not transferrable during
the life- time of a ruler, but increased as their mansab increased.
The Rajput Rajas were accorded broad autonomy within their own principalities, though they
were expected not to levy prohibited taxes, such as rahdari or road tax. The Mughals claimed
a bind of paramount which implied that the Rajput Rajas did not raid each other territories or
try to resolve territorial disputes by resorting to war. The Mughal concept of paramountcy
gave peace to the country which enabled peaceful development. It also enabled the Rajas to
work in distant places without bothering about peace in their own dominion. A policy of
religious tolerance was, undoubtedly, an important factor in building and maintaining this
alliance. An erosion of such policy would create tensions.