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Akbar did not, however depend only on the use of Military force for strengthening and extending his military authority.
This is clear from his policy towards the Rajputs. The rajputs with their warrior qualities ,were the greatest obstacles to the further extension of Mughal power in India. Akbar realised this early in life and took several steps towards maintaining good relations with them.
Akbar followed the policy of diplomacy due to which almost all the Rajput kings favoured him Rana of Mewar( Dynasty of Maharana Pratap).
Akbar Appreciated the loyalty of Rajputs and rewarded the kings by giving them charge of many important provinces of Mughal empire like Agra, Ajmer and Gujarat. Raja Man Singh (nephew of Jodhabai) was given the provinces of Kabul and later of Bengal and Bihar.
Akbar married Jodha bai the daughter of Raja of Amber. By entering into the ties of Marriage with Rajput kingdoms,Akbar further cemented his relations with the Rajputs.
As further described the Dynasty of Mewar never favoured the Mughals. They were against the condition of Rajput Princesses being married to Mughal kings for establishing political relations. Rana Udai Singh ( later known as Rana of Udaipur ; Father of Maharana Pratap) was one of the notable exception ad the struggles against his kingdoms form an important chapter in Mughal History. Akbar fought hard against the gallant Rajput soldiers defeated them at Chittor in AD 1567.In this battle , a stray shot hit the commander Jaithal.In the chaos that followed,30,000 soldiers died. Udai Singh escaped from Chittor and fled to the Girwar valley and there ,near the lake he found the city of Udaipur. He refused to accept the overlordship of the Mughals.
Akbar met Maharana Pratap Singh at the Battle of Haldighati in AD 1576. Rana Pratap was defeated but he retreated into the mountain fortresses and did not surrender. He later recaptured the lost territories except the city of Chittor. Maharana Pratap was known for his gallant deeds and exceptional Bravery in the texts of History. Thus,Akbar was unable to conquer Mewar fully.
However,Akbar decisively subdued Rajput power,and although the Rajputs continued to make Brave attempts to recover their hold over the lost territories ,they were unable to do so.
References- Std 7th and 9th of ICSE
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