WHEN Akbar still went by his childhood name, Muhammad, he had already earned the title Ghazi, "butcher of infidels". Aged only 14, as prince he had been invited to demonstrate his courage and skill, and had passed the test: he cut the throat of a Hindu prisoner in a single blow.

Descendant of Genghis Khan, descendant of Tamburlaine, herder of wild horses, artful wielder of arms in combat, one who played polo at night if need be (an