Agra, India: The year is 1542, marking the 30th birthday of Akbar the Great. With the guidance of his advisor, Akbar has expanded and consolidated India's Mughal domains. Using his strong personality and skill as a general, Akbar has expanded his Empire to include nearly all of the Indian subcontinent north of the Godavari River. His presence is felt across the entire country due to the military, political, cultural, and economic dominance of the Mughals.

To unify the vast Mughal state, Akbar has established a centralized system of administration which conquered rulers are conciliated through marriage and diplomacy. Akbar has preserved peace and order throughout his empire by passing laws that have won him the support of his non-Muslim subjects. Avoiding tribal bonds and Islamic-state identity, Akbar has striven to unite his lands. The Persian-ized culture of the Mughals has afforded Akbar near-divine status.

On your land in Agra, you cultivate and harvest cotton and turmeric. You own a forest from which you produce wood, as well as a small but very profitable sandstone quarry. By trading and processing your wares, you can obtain more luxurious goods, which you will then use to court notables as they make their way into the capital. Of course, your rivals have the same plan. You must use your wits to outsmart them as Akbar's birthday draws near...