Akbar & Birbal

I: Akbar wants to invade the Rajputana. He has approached you, Birbal for advice. 

C: So, Akbar is looking to expand into Rajputana and wants Birbal's advice on the same. 

I: That's correct

C: Is Akbar's empire currently stable? Where is the capital. If he decides to go ahead with the invasion, does he have a timeline in mind for it?  

I: : The empire is stable, and the capital is in Delhi. He would prefer the invasion to start in a month's time. 

C: Who are his competitors at present? 

I: There are many small competitors, but the main threat is posed by the Marathas. 

C: What is Akbar's objective for invading in Rajputana?

I: What do you believe could be his objectives? Give me an exhaustive approach to analyse his possible objectives.

C: His objectives could possibly be of political, personal, financial, or geographical in nature. His political objectives could be due to inherent competition or due to his political will to expand. Under expansion he could look to either reinstate the same ruler under his name or join both the armies and have someone from his court rule on his behalf. Personal motives could be prospects of a marital relationship or revenge. 

I: Okay, go ahead. 

C: On the financial front, invading a new territory would allow him to secure a recurring revenue stream in form of taxes and a  a non-recurring revenue stream of treasury. Lastly his geographical objectives could be expanding his accessible natural resource base, taking control of an important trade route or allow his army to secure a competitive advantage at times of crisis.

I:  Fair, now how would you approach this question? 

C: I would like to evaluate this decision based on the feasibility of invasion and the possible risks involved. Do you think this a good approach. 

I: Yes, go ahead.

C: The feasibility of invasion depends firstly on the strength and weakness of our competitors. Rajputana is a very prosperous cluster with mighty armed forces and strategically built forts which could pose an obstacle in our invasion. However, one of the biggest drawbacks is the internal rivalry between the rulers of various provinces, thus disallowing them to pool their resources and present a tough front.. 

I: That's a good observation, what else could determine the feasibility of this operation?

C: Akbar can look at his current finances and would his treasury be able to hold the burden of a war. Also, the morale of his forces should also be best to be able to compete with the Rajputana forces. Lastly, he should also consider the timing and climatic conditions as to when we decide to invade. 

I: Would you like to add anything more?

C: I would now analyse the risks involved in this invasion.  The human cost to be incurred is a huge risk involved. It would hamper the morale of the army and weaken his army till he is able to recruit more soldiers and the surviving soldiers recuperate to fight again. Also, in face of invasion Akbar's army would have to fight in a terrain that is familiar to the enemy and would provide them a huge competitive advantage. 

I: Good analysis, what would your advice be then. 

C: Despite the strength of Akbar's empire, in my opinion the best way forward is the diplomatic route involving peace treaties, trade agreements and personal relations. This would prevent the large financial and human costs involved while also help Akbar to earn the goodwill of his subjects. 

I:  Great! We can close the case here. Thank you.