Explore Akbar's challenges with regional rebellions and his strategies for expanding the Mughal Empire during the 16th century.

New System of Administration: Challenges and Resistance

• 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.

Rebellion in Bengal and Bihar: A Major Challenge

• 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.

Further Expansion of the Mughal Empire: A Focus on the Northwest and Deccan

• 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.