Akbar was born 5 October 1542 in Umerkot, Rajputana (present-day Pakistan) His father was Humayun and his mother Hamida Banu Begum. During his father’s exile, Akbar was brought up in Kabul by his extended family. At a young age, he was betrothed to Ruqaiya – his first wife. Akbar was the son of Humayun, grandson of Babur. He became the third Moghul Emperor. Although the first part of his reign was taken up with military campaigns, Akbar displayed a great interest in a wide variety of cultural, artistic, religious and philosophical ideas. Akbar was also known for his religious tolerance and, although a Muslim, took an active interest in other religions. Akbar was the greatest of the Moghul emperors, consolidating a large empire across India, and establishing a culture promoting the arts and religious understanding.
