211. A Beautiful World: The Art of Akbar

In this episode of Empire, hosts Afua Hirsch and William Dribble delve into the artistic and architectural achievements during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, focusing on how his dyslexia and visual thinking shaped his patronage of the arts. They discuss Akbar's unique approach to gemstones, the establishment of the "House of Books" which led to the fusion of Indian and Persian painting styles, and the construction of Fatehpur Sikri, a city reflecting Akbar's syncretic philosophy through its blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural elements. The hosts also explore Akbar's religious tolerance, highlighting his interest in Christianity and the creation of Christian art by Hindu artists, and touch upon the contrasting legacy of temple destruction by later Mughal rulers, emphasizing the complex and often forgotten aspects of Mughal history. The episode concludes with a reflection on a rare, somber portrait of Akbar, hinting at the familial challenges to be discussed in the next episode.