Study the picture and answer the following questions:

(a) Identify the building given in the picture. Where is it located?

(b) Name the ruler who got this building constructed. What is the significance of this building?

(c) Name five other important buildings constructed by this ruler.

(d) State the significant features of his rule.

(a) The building given in the picture is Buland Darwaza. It is located in the city of Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh.

(b) Buland Darwaza was constructed by Akbar. It was built to commemorate his victory in Gujarat.

(c) Five other important buildings constructed by Akbar are

1. Panch Mahal
2. Diwan-i-Khas
3. Jami Masjid
4. Jodha Bai's palace
5. The tomb of Salim Chisti.

(d) The significant features of Akbar's rule can be summarised as below:

1. Conquest — He conquered Malwa, Gondwana, Gujrat, Bengal, Bihar, Kabul, Kashmir, Sind and Qandahar; and in deccan he annexed Berar, Khandesh and Ahmednagar.
2. Rajput Policy — He adopted a friendly policy towards Rajputs and used matrimonial alliances to build strong relations with them. However, he followed an agressive policy towards those Rajput rulers who refused to accept his suzerainty.
3. Administration — He set up strong centralised government to control central and provincial administration. He gave political and administrative unity to his vast empire.
4. Mansabdari System — This was a unique system used by Akbar in order to have a large army and effecient control over mansabs.
5. Revenue System — He introduced a very effecient revenue system with the help of his revenue minister, Todar Mal. It is also known as Zabti or dahsala system.
6. Akbar's Religious Policy — Akbar followed a policy of religious tolerance and never descriminated on religious basis. He did a great service to the nation by bringing about religious unity.
7. Social and Educational Reforms — He abolished sati and legalised widow remarriage, revised educational syllabus, restricted sale of wine etc.
8. Cultural Achievements — He promoted art, architecture, literature, music and painting and gave them unique Indian colour. His court was adorned by navratnas.