After securing dominance in northern India, Akbar focused on Rajputana, aiming to subdue this strategic and historically resistant region. Mewat, Ajmer, and Nagor had already fallen under Mughal control. The campaign, blending warfare and diplomacy from 1561, saw most Rajput states recognizing Mughal suzerainty. However, Mewar and Marwar, under Udai Singh II and Chandrasen Rathore respectively, resisted Akbar's advances.

Udai Singh, a descendant of Rana Sanga who opposed Babur, held significant stature among Rajputs. Akbar's campaign against Mewar, targeting the pivotal Chittor Fort in 1567, was both a strategic and symbolic endeavor, marking a direct challenge to Rajput sovereignty. Chittorgarh's fall in February 1568, after months of siege, was heralded by Akbar as a triumph of Islam, with widespread destruction and mass executions employed to cement Mughal authority.

Following Chittorgarh, Akbar targeted Ranthambore, capturing it swiftly and further consolidating Mughal presence in Rajputana. Despite these victories, Mewar's defiance persisted under Maharana Pratap, who continued resisting Mughal dominance. Akbar's conquests in Rajputana were commemorated by the establishment of Fatehpur Sikri, symbolizing Mughal victory and the expansion of Akbar's empire into the heart of Rajputana.