Written in the Stars? The Astrological Blueprint of Akbar's Reign

The Akbarnama, Abu'l Fazl's monumental chronicle of Emperor Akbar's reign, is far more than a simple historical record. It's a tapestry woven with philosophy, theology, and, notably, astrology. Abu'l Fazl dedicates significant space to the celestial configurations at the moment of Akbar's birth, presenting multiple horoscopes and their interpretations. This wasn't mere superstition; for Abu'l Fazl and many of his contemporaries, the stars offered a divine blueprint, a cosmic confirmation of Akbar's destined greatness.

A Celestial Snapshot: The Moment of Birth

Akbar was born in the fort of Amarkot on the night of Sunday, 5th Rajab, 949 AH (October 15, 1542 CE). Abu'l Fazl presents horoscopes calculated according to both Greek/Persian and Indian astrological traditions. While the precise Ascendant (the zodiacal sign rising on the eastern horizon) differed slightly between the traditions – some placing it in Virgo, others in Leo – the interpretations converged on a singular, powerful destiny.

The Greek/Persian View: Intellect, Wealth, and Conquest

According to the calculations based on the Greek Canon and Persian rules, the Ascendant fell in Virgo (or late Leo). Key planetary placements included:

Mercury (Lord of the Ascendant): Positioned near Jupiter (the Greater Fortune) in the Second House (associated with wealth and livelihood). This indicated a native endowed with exquisite intellect, capable of managing state affairs and finance through his own plans. It also suggested gatherings of wise and learned men at his court and a penchant for constructing magnificent buildings.
Venus (The Lesser Fortune): Found in the Ascendant itself. This placement promised joy, pleasure, magnificence, and the presence of virtuous women. The reciprocal placement of Mercury in Venus's house and Venus in Mercury's house was seen as a rare and powerful combination for personal and circumstantial felicity.
The Sun (The Great Light): Located in the Third House (kindred, allies) in Scorpio. While signifying dignity, glory, and conquest, its position in the house of brethren was interpreted as indicating that his brothers would be of little account compared to his own glory, perhaps even facing hardship.
Mars (The Soldier's Planet): Placed in the Fifth House (offspring, soldiers) in Capricorn, its sign of exaltation. This was a strong indicator of long life, numerous fortunate sons, and victorious, world-traversing armies. It suggested that military officers would be instrumental in his conquests.
Saturn: Though often seen as an infortune, its placement in exaltation (in Libra) in the Third House (kindred, allies) suggested that friends would be held in honour, but reinforced the negative outlook for brethren.
The Moon (The Hyleg, or Giver of Life): Located in the Fifth House in Capricorn (its detriment). While indicating increasing dominion and physical health, its detriment suggested a weakness in his enemies.
The Part of Fortune: Falling in the Tenth House (dominion, prosperity). This placement, especially with benefics aspecting it, was a clear sign of majestic sovereignty, perfect reason, justice, and the acquisition of the world's treasures.
The Dragon's Tail: Situated in the Twelfth House (enemies). This was seen as a powerful indicator that his enemies would be downcast and contemptible.

The Indian View: Paramountcy and Universal Rule

The Indian astrologers, placing the Ascendant in Leo (the Sun's own house), emphasized Akbar's inherent kingly nature. This sign, being ruled by the Sun, the planet most associated with royalty, was seen as a direct confirmation of his destiny to be victorious and paramount over other sovereigns.

Their interpretations echoed many themes from the Greek/Persian analysis:

Jupiter and Venus in the Second House: Signifying guidance in arts and sciences, beauty, and social grace.
Sun in the Third House: Highlighting his ability to accomplish great undertakings independently and the relative insignificance of his brethren.
Mercury in the Third House: Pointing to his talent, business acumen, dislike for idleness, and deep engagement with theology and philosophy.
Saturn in the Third House: While indicating repose and numerous servants, it stressed that his greatness would stem from his own courage and reason, and that his vast treasures would be secure.
Mars in Sagittarius: Suggesting that mankind would glorify him, and indicating strength of memory and just administration.
Moon in the Sixth House: Implying the presence of powerful enemies, but their inability to harm him, and their eventual desire for his friendship.

Indian astrological principles, such as the placement of planets in the dodecatemorion (a twelfth part of a sign) of the Sun or Moon, and the concept of nuhbahr (nine parts of a sign), further reinforced the predictions of long life, health, vast kingdoms (some calculations suggesting 22 or more), and a reign bounded by the ocean.

Reconciling the Cosmos

Abu'l Fazl acknowledges the discrepancy in the Ascendant between the two traditions, attributing it to the phenomenon of the precession of the equinoxes and the different historical periods when the astrological tables were compiled. However, he stresses that despite this technical difference, all the horoscopes, when interpreted, unanimously point to Akbar's extraordinary destiny – his lofty spiritual and temporal rank, his collection of inward and outward excellencies, and his destined sway over the visible and invisible worlds.

For Abu'l Fazl, the stars were not just predicting a great king; they were confirming a divinely chosen being, whose birth was a cosmic event. The detailed astrological analysis in the Akbarnama serves to underscore the profound belief that Akbar's reign was not merely a product of human effort, but a manifestation of divine will, written in the very fabric of the cosmos.

This historical perspective reminds us of a time when the movements of the heavens were intimately linked with earthly affairs, and the birth of a ruler was seen as a moment when celestial forces aligned to shape the destiny of nations. The Akbarnama preserves this fascinating intersection of history, belief, and the enduring human quest to understand the patterns of fate.