The birth of a prince in medieval India was usually followed by grand
celebrations. Camped out in the wilderness when the news of Akbar’s safe
delivery reached him, Humayun could only enjoy a quiet moment of thanksgiving.
He broke a musk pod and as the fragrance wafted all over the camp, the new
father hoped his son’s fame would similarly spread across the world.
Akbar-emperor, warrior, statesman and thinker-is acknowledged as one of the most
charismatic personalities in Indian history. Crowned the king of Hindustan at
the age of thirteen, his empire went on to include the farthest corners of the
country. Yet he was not just