Akbar was a very influential ruler of Mughal Dynasty in India. He took over the job as ruler at the age of 13 and remained the ruler until his death. Akbar expanded the empire to cover most of northern and central India, and Afghanistan. He was their first Muslim leader. He encouraged religious tolerance and often encouraged religious debates in his courts. His wife was a Hindu and remained so even after marriage. Akbar stopped the taxing of Hindus who went on pilgrimages and were not in the military. This won the respect of Hindu leaders.Akbar never learned to read or write but was wise in choosing those people who worked for him. Western civilization and art as well as literature held an important place for him. He enjoyed beautiful architecture and built many beautiful buildings.Akbar was both a great leader and a warrior. If his men fought, Akbar did also in his expansion ideas. He realized he could not rule the whole area on his own so he left the princes of that area conquered in place under him to rule. The people were thankful to have their own ruler not dismissed or banished which made them feel Akbar was a just man.Akbar was for social justice and reform. One area he worked towards making better was child marriages being banned. He also did not believe that widows should never remarry. He took legislative steps to stop sati tradition which allowed for the burning of widows.
