Akbar’s childhood was full of difficulties and uncertainties. Akbar was born in Amarkot (Sindh) in 1542, when his father Humayun was a fugitive after his defeat in the Battle of Chausa (1539) and Battle of Kannauj (1540). Humayun had taken refuge under the Rajput rulers of Amarkot.
When Akbar was only 14 months old, Humayun moved towards Kabul, where his brother Kamran was ruling. Kamran was hostile, and he sent Askari Mirza with an army against Humayun. Humayun fled, leaving the infant Akbar behind in the camp. Akbar was captured by Kamran and taken to Kabul, where he was treated well. When Humayun later attacked Kabul, Kamran placed the four-year-old Akbar on the fort wall as a human shield during the exchange of fire, but Akbar somehow survived.
When Akbar was only nine years old, he was appointed the Governor of Ghazni. Subsequently, Humayun marched towards India and recaptured Delhi in 1555, but he died in 1556. At that time, Akbar was at Kalanaur (Punjab), where he was crowned Emperor. Bairam Khan became his regent.
Akbar, along with Bairam Khan, marched towards Delhi. In the Second Battle of Panipat (1556), Hemu was defeated and killed, consolidating Mughal authority. From 1556 to 1560, Bairam Khan ruled on behalf of Akbar. In 1560, when Bairam Khan was in Punjab, Akbar dismissed him and asked him to go on pilgrimage to Mecca. Bairam Khan revolted but was defeated by Akbar. Even after his defeat, Akbar treated him generously and granted him amnesty. Bairam Khan later left for Mecca but was killed by a disgruntled Afghan.
From 1560 to 1562, Akbar was under the influence of his foster mother Maham Anga. Her son Adham Khan held a high position in Akbar’s court. Malwa was invaded under Adham Khan, and Rani Roopmati committed suicide due to his atrocities. Adham Khan looted Malwa and appropriated most of the booty, which angered Akbar, and he was recalled.
In 1561, Akbar appointed Ataga Khan as Prime Minister, which enraged Adham Khan. In the same year, Adham Khan murdered Ataga Khan in open court. Akbar, furious, ordered Adham Khan to be thrown from the fort wall. When Adham Khan survived the first fall, he was thrown again, leading to his death. Maham Anga later died in grief.
After this incident, Akbar gained full control over the Mughal Empire.
