India: Akbar directing the attack against Rao Surjan Hada at Ranthambore Fort, 1568. Miniature from...

Siege of Ranthambore; on February 8, 1568, Akbar led a massive Mughal Army composed of over 50,000 men and besieged Ranthambore Fort. Akbar had become emboldened after his victories at the Battle of Thanesar and the Siege of Chittorgarh and only Ranthambore Fort remained unconquered. Akbar believed that Ranthambore Fort was a major threat to the Mughal Empire because it housed Hada Rajputs who considered themselves sworn enemies of the Mughals. On March 21, 1568, Rao Surjan Hada opened the gate of Ranthambore Fort and allowed the Mughal Army to enter after he collected statues of Hindu deities from the temples and personally welcomed Akbar into Ranthambore Fort.