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"Fort" conjurs up the wrong image—these red sandstone complexes comprised the emperor's residence as well as military backup areas. Akbar, a 16th-century leader, recognized that he was leader of Hindis, Muslims and Christians. He had three wives, one each from these religions. He treated them and the general populace equally, even taking two hours a day meeting with the public. He asserted the common truths of all religions. Boy, do we need more of his kind.

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Alas, it became a prison. His grandson sequestered Akbar in a power grab where he killed his own brothers. He maintained that Akbar had gone bonkers—for wanting to build another Taj Mahal out of black onyx from Belgium that would have bankrupted the kingdom. Hey—age (and debt) creep up on you.

 

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