A Comprehensive Exploration of Scientific Development under Akbar the Great (1556-1605)

Abstract

The Akbar’s era marks a shift in Indian society with scientific progress and cultural advancement. The study aims to present the scientific and scholarly contributions made by Akbar's patrons, including Fatah ul Ullah Shirazi, Hakim Ali Gilani, Todar Mal, and others, as well as to discuss some significant scientific discoveries and advancements. This study utilize a combination of historical analysis and critical examination of primary and secondary sources to investigate the scientific contributions during Akbar’s era. The key findings of this study are as follows: Shirazi introduced essential mechanical devices like the volley gun, wagon mill hand cannon, traveling bath, and the Tarikh-i-Ilahi solar calendar, exemplifying the era's spirit of innovation. Alongside Shirazi, Hakim Abul Fateh Gilani, a royal physician and medical writer, translated significant works and developed important medicines like Roghan-e-Deodar, and Hakim Ali Gilani invented Hookah. Furthermore, Raja Todar Mal established a systematic land revenue system known as "Zabt," which was based on accurate land measurement and fixed taxation rates, to improve revenue collection efficiency and fairness across the empire. The study also revealed that Akbar encouraged the translation of scientific texts into Persian. some important translations were Sharh al Qanoon, (Commentary on Avicenna's book of canon of Medicine), Brahmaputra Sindhanta (astronomical text) and Mathematical works like Tahrir al Majisti and Khulastul Hisab etc fostering the exchange of knowledge. Examining the rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, advancements in trade and commerce, and the flourishing of arts and sciences, the growth of the economy under Mughal patronage, this work undoubtedly dispels the myth that there were no scientific or technological advances during the Mughal era. This research also gives a way to conduct future research on different scientific developments Such as astronomy, medicine, physics mathematics paintings architectural heritage and advancement in technology under the Mughal dynasties.