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 visualizes 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 favorite prince is no more a favorite 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.
