Rebellions and Expansion of the Mughal Empire under Akbar

Akbar's new administrative system, with tighter control over nobles and attention to people's interests, was not universally popular.
Regional independence sentiments remained strong, especially in Gujarat, Bengal, and Bihar.
Rana Pratap's struggle for freedom continued in Rajasthan.
Akbar faced several rebellions.
Gujarat was restless for two years due to a bid for freedom.
The most serious rebellion was in Bengal and Bihar, extending to Jaunpur. This was mainly due to strict enforcement of the dagh system and income accounting.
Religious figures, unhappy with Akbar's liberal views and resumption of revenue-free land grants, fueled discontent.
Akbar's half-brother, Mirza Hakim of Kabul, supported the rebellion.
Many Afghans in the east, resentful of losing power, were ready to join.

The rebellion lasted almost two years (1580-81), posing a serious challenge.
Due to mismanagement, Bengal and most of Bihar fell to the rebels, who proclaimed Mirza Hakim their ruler.
A religious edict was issued against Akbar.
Akbar sent forces under Todar Mal against Bihar and Bengal, and Raja Man Singh against Mirza Hakim.
Todar Mal skillfully regained control in the east before Mirza Hakim's invasion.
Mirza Hakim attacked Lahore with 15,000 horses but was repelled by Raja Man Singh and Bhagwant Das.
His hopes of rebellion in the Punjab were dashed.
Akbar marched on Lahore with 50,000 horses, forcing Mirza Hakim to retreat.
Akbar then went to Kabul (1581). Mirza Hakim's continued defiance led Akbar to hand over Kabul to his sister.
Akbar’s success showed the new system's strength.
He was now ready for further expansion.

Akbar was drawn to the Deccan, but events in the northwest demanded attention.
Abdullah Khan Uzbek threatened Badakhshan.
Mirza Hakim and the ousted Timurids appealed to Akbar. Mirza Hakim died, leaving Kabul in turmoil.
Akbar sent Man Singh to Kabul and moved to Attock.
To secure his borders, he launched expeditions against Kashmir (1586) and Baluchistan.
Kashmir, including Ladakh and Baltistan, came under Mughal rule.
Expeditions cleared the Khyber Pass, though Raja Birbal died in one.
These actions consolidated the northwest.
The conquest of Sindh (1590) opened trade on the Indus.
Akbar stayed at Lahore until 1598, when Abdullah Uzbek's death removed the threat.
He then turned to eastern and western India and the Deccan.
Orissa was conquered by Raja Man Singh.
Man Singh also conquered Cooch-Bihar and parts of east Bengal.
Mirza Aziz Koka conquered Kathiawar.
Khan-i-Khanan Munim Khan and Prince Murad were sent to the Deccan.
By 1600, Mughal control extended to Ahmadnagar, bringing them into contact with the Marathas.
Northern India was integrated, and Mughal penetration of the Deccan had begun.
Cultural and emotional integration also developed.

Rebellions and Further Expansion of the Mughal Empire under Akbar