Agra marks emperor Akbar's birthday

Agra, Oct 15 (IANS) Heritage lovers in this Taj Mahal city Wednesday observed the birth anniversary of Mughal emperor Akbar, demanding that a Mughal museum be opened in Agra.

At a meeting at Goverdhan Hotel, historians and others recalled the contribution of Akbar to the ideals of modern day secularism.

Amit Mukherjea, head of the history department of St John’s College here, said Akbar’s ideas remained relevant even today.

“Akbar’s experiments in governance, his ideas relating to coexistence and mutual tolerance of each other’s faith and recognition of talents have to be seen as part of a rich legacy he left behind,” Mukherjea told IANS.

Akbar the Great, as the emperor was widely known, was born in October 1542. He was the third ruler of the Mughal dynasty.

The speakers said that Akbar’s tombs in Sikandra and the Agra Fort needed urgent conservational efforts. They also suggested that the city be home to a Mughal museum.

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