The reign of Mughal emperor Akbar is known for expansion and reforms, but the last days of his life were filled with immense personal sorrow and physical pain. Akbar, born on 15 October 1542, saw the loss of those closest to him in his last moments.

His beloved Navratna Birbal was killed in a tribal rebellion, while his sons Murad and Daniyal died at an early age due to excessive drinking. The remaining gap was filled by the death of his mother Hamida Banu Begum, who said goodbye to the world on 29 August 1604. The shock of these deaths had a deep impact on Akbar’s mental and physical health.