Akbar vs. Ashoka: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on March 13, 2024
Akbar was a 16th-century Mughal Emperor known for his empire's expansion and religious tolerance, while Ashoka was an ancient Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, famous for his conversion to Buddhism and spreading its principles.
Key Differences
Akbar, ruling from 1556 to 1605, was a Mughal Emperor who significantly expanded his empire in the Indian subcontinent. Known for his policy of religious tolerance, Akbar established a syncretic court culture and was instrumental in fostering the Mughal architecture style. His administration included the policy of Sulh-i-kul, which emphasized peace to all religions.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
Ashoka, who reigned from 268 to 232 BCE, was an emperor of the Maurya Dynasty. His reign is notable for a massive expansion followed by a striking transformation after the bloody war of Kalinga. Deeply affected by the war's devastation, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and became known for his efforts to spread Buddhist teachings, as seen in his edicts carved on pillars and rocks across the subcontinent.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
While Akbar's reign marked the strengthening of a centralized political system with innovative administrative practices, Ashoka's rule is significant for the propagation of Buddhist values and the concept of Dhamma, which focused on moral and ethical governance. Akbar's legacy includes a blend of Persian and Indian culture, whereas Ashoka's legacy is deeply rooted in the dissemination of Buddhist philosophy.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
Akbar's approach to religion was inclusive, promoting a fusion of various religious ideas under the Din-i-Ilahi, whereas Ashoka's religious transformation led to the patronage and spread of Buddhism, although he maintained a policy of religious tolerance. Akbar's diplomatic relations extended beyond his empire, influencing trade and cultural exchanges.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
Both rulers left an indelible mark on Indian history: Akbar is remembered for his enlightened rule that contributed to the arts, culture, and a strong central administration, while Ashoka is commemorated for his role in spreading Buddhism and his pioneering efforts in human rights, welfare activities, and environmental conservation.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Religious Policy
Religious tolerance, Din-i-Ilahi
Embraced Buddhism, spread its teachings
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Mar 13, 2024
Cultural Influence
Persian-Indian synthesis, Mughal architecture
Spread of Buddhist art and architecture
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Mar 13, 2024
Governance Style
Centralized administration, military expansion
Moral and ethical governance (Dhamma)
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Mar 13, 2024
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Akbar and Ashoka Definitions
Akbar
Cultural Integrator
Akbar integrated diverse cultures within his empire.
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Jan 18, 2024
Ashoka
Mauryan Emperor
Ashoka was a powerful emperor of the Mauryan dynasty.
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Jan 18, 2024
Akbar
Military Expansionist
Under Akbar, the Mughal Empire expanded significantly.
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Jan 18, 2024
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Akbar
Architectural Patron
Akbar patronized the development of Mughal architecture.
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Jan 18, 2024
Ashoka
Pillar Edicts
Ashoka's edicts were inscribed on pillars across India.
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Jan 18, 2024
Akbar
Religious Tolerance
Akbar is known for his policy of religious tolerance.
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Jan 18, 2024
Ashoka
A tree of species Saraca asoca, native to South Asia and western Myanmar.
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Ashoka
A tree of species Saraca indica, native to Southeast Asia and eastern Myanmar.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is Akbar known for?
Expanding the Mughal Empire and religious tolerance.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
Did Akbar have a unique religious policy?
Yes, he promoted the Din-i-Ilahi, synthesizing various beliefs.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
What was Ashoka's governance style?
Based on Dhamma, emphasizing moral and ethical rule.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
Was Akbar a conqueror?
Yes, he expanded his empire through military conquests.
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Mar 13, 2024
How did Akbar manage his empire?
Through a centralized administrative system.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
What are Akbar's contributions to culture?
He influenced music, art, and literature.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
How did Akbar influence architecture?
He fostered Mughal architecture, a blend of Persian and Indian styles.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
Did Ashoka leave any architectural legacies?
Yes, his pillars and rock edicts are famous.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
Did Akbar have any unique administrative reforms?
Yes, including a land revenue system and military organization.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
What did Ashoka do after the Kalinga war?
He converted to Buddhism and promoted peace.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
How did Ashoka spread Buddhism?
Through his edicts and support of Buddhist monasteries.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
What was the extent of Akbar's empire?
It covered most of the Indian subcontinent.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
Did Akbar interact with other religions?
Yes, he engaged with leaders of various faiths.
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Mar 13, 2024
How is Ashoka's rule viewed today?
As a pioneering effort in humane governance.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
What is unique about Ashoka's edicts?
They are among the earliest written records in India.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
How did Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism affect his empire?
It led to more ethical and welfare-oriented policies.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
Can Akbar and Ashoka be compared in terms of their legacies?
Yes, both left enduring impacts on Indian history and culture.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 13, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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