Pilgrimage, performance, and peripatetic kingship: Akbar's journeys to Ajmer and the formation of the Mughal Empire

Abstract Between 1562 and 1579, the third Mughal emperor Akbar undertook 17 pilgrimages to Sufi shrine of Muinuddin Chishti in Ajmer western India. This article analyses them as a form peripatetic kingship. It studies specific actions around show how they articulated understanding monarchy, one that derived legitimacy from spiritual authority masters sacred sites. then shows strategic location town allowed young use it base for military expansion political consolidation central also discusses journeys carry out vital facets imperial governance, like exploring realms, forging alliances with local chieftains, creating public infrastructure. They served site performance kingship sovereignty. The final portion explains paradigmatic shift conceptualisation kingship—whereby ideal monarchy product charisma Islamic piety made way more universalist millenarian ideals—brought sudden end after 1579.