Question

What were some disadvantages of the Mughal Empire under Akbar?

Answer 1

Some disadvantages of the Mughal Empire under Akbar include erosion of administrative and tax reforms, religious intolerance and infighting, and the dominance of the British East India Company.

Step-by-step explanation:

Akbar was one of the greatest emperors of the Mughal Empire who made several transformations in his realm. However, there were some disadvantages of the Mughal Empire under his rule. Some of these disadvantages include:

Erosion of administrative and tax reforms: Despite Akbar's initial reforms, the empire faced a decline in administrative and tax systems. This led to increased corruption and inefficiency in governance.

Religious intolerance and infighting: Despite Akbar's efforts to promote religious tolerance, there were instances of religious intolerance and infighting within the empire. This caused divisions among the people and weakened the empire.

British East India Company's dominance: The growing influence and dominance of the British East India Company eventually eclipsed the Mughal power by the early 19th century. This further contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Answer 2

One significant disadvantage of the Mughal Empire under Akbar was the financial strain caused by the emperor's expansive policies, including his military campaigns and the maintenance of a large bureaucracy. Additionally, Akbar's religious policies, while aimed at fostering unity, faced resistance from conservative elements within the empire.

Step-by-step explanation:

Akbar's ambitious military campaigns, though successful in expanding the empire's territory, imposed a considerable financial burden. The costs associated with maintaining a vast army, funding military expeditions, and sustaining newly acquired regions strained the Mughal treasury. The empire's revenue system, heavily dependent on agrarian taxes, faced challenges as excessive taxation led to discontent among the peasantry, further exacerbating economic difficulties.

Furthermore, Akbar's policy of religious tolerance, known as Din-i Ilahi, aimed to promote unity among diverse religious communities. However, it faced opposition from orthodox Muslim clerics who perceived it as a threat to traditional Islamic practices. This religious resistance contributed to internal strife, challenging the emperor's efforts to create a harmonious and stable empire. The tension between the conservative elements and Akbar's innovative policies added a layer of complexity to the Mughal rule, hindering social cohesion.

In conclusion, the financial strain resulting from military expansion and the resistance to religious policies were significant disadvantages for the Mughal Empire under Akbar. These challenges, both economic and ideological, played a role in shaping the empire's trajectory during this period.