Akbar was the grandson of Babar, the first Mogul emperor. He took the throne at age 13 after the death of his father Humayun. He seized control of Northern India and built a new capital at Fatehpur Sikri.

Akbar had a great interest in all religions and was known for his religious tolerance and justice.

At Fatehpur Sikri he organized a discours among religious scholars, priests, and mystics after which he issued his remarkable 'Edict of Toleration for all religions'. He declared the equality of rights for all men, because he wanted to make every able man in India, whatever his race or religion, available for public works.

Despite the resistance of orthodox Muslims he won the support of many Hindus, including the Rajputs, and warriors.
Free from prejudices and tolerant to men of other beliefs he was able to weld the conflicting elements of his kingdom into a strong and prosperous whole.