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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Akbar and Shahjahan?

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Akbar and Shahjahan were both Mughal emperors who ruled India, known for their skills in different fields. Here are the key differences between them:

  • Family: Akbar was the son of Humayun and the third Mughal emperor, while Shahjahan was the son of Jahangir and the fifth Mughal emperor.
  • Reign: Akbar ruled India between 1556 A.D. and 1605 A.D., while Shahjahan's reign began in 1628 A.D.
  • Skills and Interests: Akbar was a supporter of arts and literature, and his reign had a tremendous impact on art and culture in India. Shahjahan, on the other hand, was more interested in architecture and is known for building great monuments.
  • Relationship with Rajputs: Akbar had a good relationship with the Rajputs, even marrying Rajput princesses as a part of diplomacy. Shahjahan, however, captured Rajput kingdoms.
  • Challenges: During Akbar's rule, there was peace and no known rebellions or wars took place. However, Shahjahan faced rebellions and unrest, including the Portuguese attack and the Islamic rebellion.
  • Military: Shahjahan had an army four times larger than that of Akbar.
  • Famous Monuments: Akbar commissioned the construction of the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. Shahjahan is best known for building the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the Pearl Mosque.
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  • What is the Difference Between Akbar and Shahjahan?
  • Comparative Table: Akbar vs Shahjahan

    • Comparative Table: Akbar vs Shahjahan

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Akbar and Shahjahan:

    Parameter Akbar Shahjahan
    Title Third Mughal Emperor Fifth Mughal Emperor
    Father Humayun Jehangir
    Years of Rule 1556 - 1605 1628 - 1658
    Battles Fought Battle of Haldighati, Second Battle of Panipat, Battle of Thanesar, Battle of Tughlaqabad, and Sieges of Ranthambhor and Chittorgarh The only known battle that Shahjahan fought was the Battle of Kartarpur apart from resisting the Shah of Persia
    Spouses Around 30 various women, including many Hindu women Wed a Hindu princess, Arjumand Banu (Mumtaz Mahal)
    Patronage Arts, literature, unity, and tolerance Architecture and monuments, including the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Shalimar Gardens of Lahore, and the Pearl Mosque
    Rajput Relations Strengthened relationship with the Rajputs, marrying Rajput princesses as part of diplomacy Captured Rajput kingdoms
    Military Size Akbar's army was smaller than Shahjahan's Shahjahan's army was four times larger than that of Akbar's

    Both Akbar and Shahjahan were significant rulers of the Mughal Empire, known for their respective skills and contributions. Akbar was a patron of arts, literature, unity, and tolerance, while Shahjahan was known for his patronage of architecture and monuments.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.