Hunting and Royal Leisure under Akbar: A Study of the Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama

Author(s)	Ms. Priyanka Gujral
Country	India
Abstract	This paper examines hunting and royal leisure under Akbar through a close reading of Abu’l Fazl’s Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama. It argues that hunting was not merely a recreational pursuit but a significant component of Mughal kingship and courtly culture. Imperial hunts provided opportunities for administrative inspection, interaction with local conditions, demonstration of martial courage, and the exercise of royal authority. The highly organised hunting establishment, involving specialised officials, trained animals, hunting techniques and systems of reward, further reflects the institutional character of the imperial court. At the same time, hunting could become a space for spiritual reflection and ethical restraint, particularly during the remarkable qamurgha hunt of 1578 near Bhera. The study also considers falconry, pigeon keeping and other forms of animal-based recreation to highlight the wider culture of royal leisure. Overall, hunting reveals the interconnectedness of recreation, governance, imperial display and spiritual experience under Akbar.
Keywords	Akbar, Imperial Hunting, Royal Leisure, Mughal Kingship, Ain-i-Akbari, Akbarnama
Field	Sociology > Archaeology / History
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-08-14
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.85758

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