What qualities made for a good leader in the early modern state?
Please watch this original, short documentary about Akbar, one of Mughal's finest leaders.
Acting by: Lauren Taylor and Anne Marie Green, Editing by: Anne Marie Green
Military capability is an important quality in a leader establishing an early modern state. For example, Bābur, the first emperor of the Mughal empire was an incredibly talented militant. He was forced to face Ibrahim’s army (which was made of 100,000 people and 100 elephants), with only an army of 12,000. He managed to win due to his coolness under fire, use of artillery, and effective Turkish wheeling tactics
Another important attribute is fairness and justice. Akbar is a good example of an emperor that exhibited these qualities. He respected minorities, giving the empire (and himself) a positive reputation of tolerance and fairness. On the other (negative) hand, Aurangzeb was extremely intolerant. During his reign the empire declined in popularity and had a poor reputation.
Furthermore, maintaining the economy is another important quality. Aurangzeb, Akbar’s grandson, did not do this. In fact, he slowed down the economy by heavily taxing farmers. He caused a decline in the quality of the government, which created a steady economic decline.
Another important attribute is fairness and justice. Akbar is a good example of an emperor that exhibited these qualities. He respected minorities, giving the empire (and himself) a positive reputation of tolerance and fairness. On the other (negative) hand, Aurangzeb was extremely intolerant. During his reign the empire declined in popularity and had a poor reputation.
Furthermore, maintaining the economy is another important quality. Aurangzeb, Akbar’s grandson, did not do this. In fact, he slowed down the economy by heavily taxing farmers. He caused a decline in the quality of the government, which created a steady economic decline.
By: Lauren Taylor