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How did Akbar gain control of Gujarat in 1573?

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Akbar A painting titled *Akbar Hunting* from a folio of *Akbarnama* (“History of Akbar”), late 16th century; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.

Akbar gained control of Gujarat in 1573 during his second military attempt to conquer the region.1

At the time, Gujarat had become a refuge for refractory Mughal nobles, and its acquisition was a strategic priority for Akbar because the area’s numerous ports dominated India’s trade with western Asia, Africa, and Europe. By successfully bringing this gateway under his authority, Akbar effectively extended the Mughal Empire’s frontiers to the sea. Following this victory, he commemorated the achievement by constructing the Buland Darwaza, or "High Gate," at his new capital, Fatehpur Sikri.21