Give an estimate of the problems faced by Akbar in the early period of his reign. What steps did he take to solve those problems?

Early difficulties of Akbar : Akbar was enthroned at the unripe age of thirteen years. Then the political, economic and administrative plight of the country was in a dwindling state because his father Humayun kept wandering here and there. He could not sit on the throne at ease. Delhi and Agra had been striken by famine. The people started starving. The rebellious powers were raising their heads all around.

In order to scatter the dark clouds of danger surrounding Akbar, he took many steps which are as under :

(i) Second Battle of Panipat (1556) : When Humayun died, Akbar was in Punjab, Hemu, the minister of Adil Shah, the ruler of Suri dynasty availed himself of the opportunity and captured Delhi and Agra. To face this intricate problem, Akbar with his forces headed towards Delhi being accompanied by Bairam Khan. Hemu, with his vast army too proceeded to restrain the heading Mughal army. Both the forces came face to face in the battlefield of Panipat on 15th November, 1556. The Mughals lost their hold before the skilled commandership of Hemu. Just then the battle took a serious turn. A soughing arrow appeared from somewhere and pierced into Hemu’s eye. Being unconscious Hemu fell upon the ground. Failure to see him caused a stampede in his army. Making the best use of opportunity, the Mughals regained courage and they pounced on Hemu’s army. Hemu’s soldiers were hacked to pieces like vegetables. Hemu too was caught and slaughtered. On recapting Delhi and Agra, Akbar founded the Mughal empire once more.

(ii)    Restraint over the Mewat Revolt :

Hemu had many relatives in Mewar. They too had rebelled. Akbar trampled them cruelly. He confiscated their wealth and strengthened his financial position.

(iii)    Vanquishing Sikandar Suri : Sikandar Suri led down his arms before Akbar. Akbar forgave him and appointed him as the landlord of Bihar.

(iv)    Suppression of Abdul Mali : Akbar defeated even a strong sardar like Adbul Mali who had challenged Akbar’s authority at the very outset.

(v)    End of Ibrahim Suri and Adil Shah : The Sultan of Bengal killed Adil Shah. Ibrahim Suri getting scared on the sight of Akbar’s proceeding forces and fled towards Orissa.