What is the Difference Between Akbar and Jahangir?

Akbar and Jahangir were two Mughal emperors who ruled over the northern and central parts of India. Akbar was the father of Jahangir, and both emperors had different interests and styles of rule. Some key differences between Akbar and Jahangir include:

1. Interests: Akbar was a lover of scriptural literature and had all the sacred texts of Hinduism translated. He also promoted the new religious phenomenon called Din-i-Ilahi, which tolerated all religions. In contrast, Jahangir was a lover of arts and had a passion for painting, even having his own atelier.
2. Age of Ascension: Akbar ascended the throne at the age of 13 in 1556, while Jahangir became the emperor at the age of 35 in 1605, after Akbar's death.
3. Religious Tolerance: Akbar was known for his religious tolerance and interest in various faiths, while Jahangir was more influenced by his Persian wife and her circle, which led to a greater emphasis on Persian culture at the court.
4. Administration: Akbar focused on consolidating the Mughal Empire through warfare, diplomacy, and trade, as well as implementing a modern administration and encouraging cultural development. Jahangir, on the other hand, built on his father's foundations of excellent administration and maintained political stability, a strong economy, and impressive cultural achievements.
5. Military Threats: Akbar faced military threats from the descendants of Sher Shah Suri and managed to keep them at bay during his reign. In contrast, Jahangir dealt with a rebellion organized by his eldest son Khusraw and conflicts inherited from his father with the Hindu rulers of Rajasthan.

Overall, while both Akbar and Jahangir were successful rulers who expanded and consolidated the Mughal Empire, their interests, styles of rule, and approaches to religious tolerance and administration differed significantly.

Comparative Table: Akbar vs Jahangir

Here is a table highlighting the differences between Akbar and Jahangir:

Akbar, also known as Akbar the Great, was the third Mughal ruler, while Jahangir was the fourth. Both emperors played significant roles in the expansion and consolidation of the Mughal Empire in India.