What steps were taken by Akbar to expand his empire?

To expand his empire, Akbar adopted two methods – direct conquest and matrimonial alliances. He conquered Malwa, Gondwana, Gujarat, Bengal, Bihar, Kabul, Kashmir, Sind and Qandahar. He asked the rulers of Khandesh, Bijapur, Golconda and Ahmadnagar to accept his overlordship and pay tribute but when they refused, he waged war against them and annexed Berar, Khandesh and Ahmadnagar.
To get the support of Rajputs, he adopted a friendly policy towards them and appointed them at high positions in administration. Akbar made Rajputs his relatives through matrimonial alliances. He married the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amer, Harka Bai. He also married two Rajput princesses of Bikaner. However, Akbar followed an aggressive policy towards those Rajput rulers who refused to accept his suzerainty. Thus, with his policy of conquest and matrimonial alliances, Akbar expanded his empire.