After a few decades of conquering Chittorgarh and witnessing the prophecy of saint Salim Chisti almost coming true, Akbar decides to change the rules of succession to the Mughal throne. Who among his sons will prove worthy of the crown?

Ready to teach his brother a lesson, Akbar decides to wage a war in Kabul. He arranges a horse-taming competition to choose the right heir to lead his army, and hopes Salim will win.

The celebrations of winning the Kabul war turn into a brawl among the three brothers, and Akbar is infuriated. He visualises himself as a messenger of God in a dream and announces a new religion, Din-I-Ilahi.

The announcement of the new religion disrupts the balance in the state. After Akbar escapes a vicious attack, every prince and queen is questioned. Salim's concubines put him in a spot.

Akbar sends Murad and Daniyal to strengthen alliances in the North and orders Salim to get married. Salim agrees to exchange vows under pressure but does something that shocks the court.

While the princes are battling, Agra gets a new prince - Khusrow - Salim's firstborn son. Murad gets a whiff of Hakim, who has been on the run since the Kabul war. Will the discovery of Hakim's whereabouts expose Daniyal?

Murad is chastised by Akbar for getting Hakim in chains. While more brides are arranged to ensure Salim's focus on the matters of the palace, his love for Anarkali makes him walk into Abul Fazl's trap.

The entire palace learns about the secret. The favourite prince is no more a favourite as Abul Fazl wins the game. Salim is forced to go into exile, and Daniyal is left broken.

Anarkali escapes the death sentence. While Akbar wants to go easy on Salim, he ends up making rogue decisions. Salim wants to meet Anarkali, but Daniyal's men capture her.

Daniyal's allies attack Salim. Murad's mysterious death breaks Akbar, who now wants to make the most of what is left.

It has been 15 years since the war. The Mughal Empire is at peace, yet Akbar is not. He visits Sheikh Salim Chsti for advice. As Daniyal waits for the throne, Prince Salim returns to the court.

All camps swing into action to take down the Bandit Prince. Mehrunnisa sets her eyes on Salim and wins Jodha’s favour. Abul Fazl plots against them. Daniyal’s insecurities come to the fore.

Akbar organises a hunt in the hopes of reuniting the family. Salim wins favour in the kingdom with the help of Mehrunissa. A surprise visitor poses a threat to Salim.

Mehrunissa finds her way into Akbar’s harem while she plans on becoming Salim’s greatest strength. Daniyal summons his allies for a clandestine meeting, and Salim becomes a threat to Akbar’s empire.

Salim and Akbar are haunted by their past. The kingdom is rife with anticipation about the future as Akbar’s health worsens. Ruqaiya and Abul Fazl plot against Salim, while Daniyal has a surprise visitor.

Ruqaiya, under the guise of the Queen Regent, devises a scheme to eliminate Salim’s claim to the throne. Mehrunissa manipulates her niece to get close to Khurram, while Abul Fazl's arrogance leads to his downfall.

Amidst Akbar’s ailing health, the uncertainty about the heir to the throne looms large over the kingdom. Paying heed to his mother and son's requests, Salim returns to the kingdom and marries Mehrunissa. Khurram helps Akbar and Salim unite.

Salim is declared the rightful heir to the throne. Akbar’s last rites are marred by bloodshed and chaos. As he ascends the throne, Salim transforms into the self-centred Jehangir. Khurram and Arjumand elope marking the beginning of a new era.