Read the following excerpt and answer the question's that follow:

"Akbar (born October 15? , 1542, Umarkot [now in Sindh province, Pakistan]—died c. October 25, 1605, Agra, India) was the greatest of the Mughal emperors of India. He reigned from 1556 to 1605 and extended Mughal power over most of the Indian subcontinent. In order to preserve the unity of his empire, Akbar adopted programmes that won the loyalty of the non-Muslim populations of his realm."

(Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mughal-dynasty)

(a) Discuss the significance of the Second Battle of Panipat in securing Akbar's rule. How did this battle pave the way for the expansion of the Mughal Empire.

(b) How did Akbar's relations with the Rajputs strengthen the Mughal Empire? Discuss his alliances and their long-term impact.

(c) Discuss the social and educational reforms of Akbar.

(a) The Second Battle of Panipat (1556) was pivotal, as it decisively secured Delhi and Agra from Afghan control, establishing Akbar’s authority under the regency of Bairam Khan. This victory stabilized the core of the Mughal domains and enabled the empire to regroup and extend its influence across the subcontinent .

(b) Akbar strengthened the Mughal Empire by winning the loyalty of the Rajputs through friendship, matrimonial alliances, and high appointments. He married Rajput princesses like Harka Bai, honoured their families with high ranks—Bharamal, Bhagwan Das, and Man Singh rose in nobility—and gave freedom to his Hindu wives. He also favoured rulers without marriages, like the Hadas of Ranthambhor, who held high positions. By abolishing the pilgrimage tax (1563) and jizyah (1564), and treating Rajput rulers with tolerance and equality, most Rajput states accepted his suzerainty, except Mewar. This policy of respect, inclusion, and religious tolerance cemented long-term alliances, securing Mughal stability and expansion.

(c) Akbar introduced several social and educational reforms aimed at improving society and promoting learning:

1. Abolition of Sati — Akbar instructed kotwals (local officers) to prevent the forced practice of Sati, where widows were burned on their husband's funeral pyre. However, women who chose to perform Sati voluntarily were allowed to do so.
2. Legalisation of Widow Remarriage — He permitted widow remarriage, encouraging social progress.
3. Restrictions on Polygamy — Akbar discouraged multiple marriages, allowing a man to take a second wife only if his first wife could not bear children.
4. Raising the Age of Marriage — He set the minimum marriage age at 14 for girls and 16 for boys to ensure better social conditions.
5. Reform in Education — Akbar updated the curriculum, placing greater emphasis on moral education, mathematics, and practical subjects such as agriculture, geometry, astronomy, logic, and history. Female education also existed to some extent.