Akbar's principle of Kingship

Inspiration: The need for building an All-India empire

1.    Secularization of supreme power

2.    To be fair to all

3.    Tolerance towards non-muslims

4.    Purpose of public welfare

Components of Akbar's kingship

1.    Mongol tradition of Central Asia

2.    Timurid tradition

3.    Iranian tradition

4.    India's Liberal Environment

5.    Palace atmosphere

 

Features of Akbar's theory of Kingship

1.    Padshah : Symbol of Permanence

A clear and detailed explanation of Mughal kingship during Akbar's period by Abul Fazl in Akbarnama. According to Abul Fazl, 'Padshah' is made up of two words 'Pad' and 'Shah' . 'Pad' means 'permanence' and 'shah' means 'lord' . This shows that the padshah is a symbol of ownership and stability.

2.    Monarchy: The Alternative to Anarchy

Abul Fazl, the divine form of kingship was in fact an alternative to political anarchy, "If there was no monarchy, the storm of unrest would never have calmed down, nor selfish ambition would have ended the human race, burdened with anarchy and senses, would sink into the abyss of decline. The prosperity of this big market of the world would be destroyed and the whole world would become barren."

3Farre-Izzdi ' or Divine Light

According to Abul Fazl, ‘The kingdom is the ray of the sun emanating from the divine and the universal illuminator.’ He refers to it as ‘Farre- ijdi’ or divine light. This 'Divine light' was directly transmitted by God to the emperors. It is because of being present in the emperors that people remain submissive and devoted to him with complete reverence. He used to say that 'Special grace continues to flow from the sun to the emperors.’ He showed respect to both the sun and the fire.

4.    Kingship is a gift of god

According to the interpretation of Abul Fazl, kingship is a gift of God and He does not bestow it on any person unless the  person has a thousand great qualities. Hence ; According to the above explanation, the position of the emperor does not come from belonging to a particular lineage or abundance of wealth. But it is the result of God's selection of a worthy and virtuous person.

5.    Essentials for kingship

Abul Fazl said that , the emperor had to be paternal towards his people with equal affection; They should be a generous, ever-increasing faith, worship and devotion to God. Apart from this, other important qualities, the inclusion of which Abul Fazl considered necessary in the personality of the padshah. They were - pure intellect, fair approach to justice, equal treatment to relatives and strangers, God-given courage, hard work, generosity and tolerance, equal treatment towards all religions, judicious decisions, suppression of unreasonable desires and impulses, character and generous. To associate with individuals and to discuss and consult with them, not to be influenced by others quickly and to have parental concern towards the subjects.

6.    National Aspiration of Sulah-i-Kul

In simple sense, the policy of Sulah-i- Kul means peace for all and harmony among all. The policy of the sulah-i-kul was based on a better understanding of the composite culture of India by Akbar. Abul Fazl compared the four elements of creation- fire, air, water and land with the four elements of society, the army, the merchant, the intelligentsia and the productive class and talked about unity among them . At the same time he tried to get a well organized administrative class which is reflected in his Rajput policy.

7. Infallibility Decree (1579)

In 1579 AD , after being read 'Mahazar', Akbar accepted himself to be the head of both religion and state. At the suggestion of Shaikh Mubarak, Akbar decided to become Mujtahid. He was to act as the supreme arbiter in religious matters. In September, 1579, Shaikh Mubarak produced a document in his own handwriting which was drafted in such a way that Akbar became the supreme arbiter in civil and ecclesiastical matters. Akbar was to act as the Imam-i-Adil or the final interpreter of Muslim Law. This document was signed by Makhdum-ul-Mulk, Shaikh Abdunnabi, Shaikh Mubarak and others. Dr. Smith calls it the “infallibility decree.” This made the power of the Ulema secondary compared to that of the emperor.

Thus we can say that in the period of Akbar, The Mughal monarchy reached its zenith. He is bestowed with adjectives like absolute, unlimited, supremely holy and divine. He was above all classes and there was never any external or foreign pressure on him.

Significance of Akbar's Kingship

1.     Incorporation of new elements

2.     Broad framework of governance

3.     Defining Fundamental Principles of Governance

4.     Setting high ideals

5.     Establishment of secular element in governance

6.     Building the intellectual base of governance

7.     Association of rajputs

8.     King's highest spiritual physical condition