Todar Mal was born in the town of Laharpur in present-day Uttar Pradesh[3][4] in a Hindu family, considered by historians as either Agrawal Bania,[5] Khatri[6][7][8][9] or Kayastha.

Todar Mal started his career from the humble position of a writer but slowly moved up the ranks when Sher Shah Suri, the Sur emperor, assigned him to the charge of building a new fort of Rohtas in Punjab with the objective of preventing Ghakhar raids and to also act as a barrier to the Mughals in the north-west.

Todar Mal's most significant contribution, which is appreciated even today, is that he overhauled the revenue system of Akbar's Mughal empire.

Believing it morally wrong to disobey the emperor, he returned to resume his duties in Lahore, where he died a few days later on November 8, 1589, at the age of 66.

[14]In the 19th year of Akbar's reign, a significant event unfolded that showcased the strategic acumen and bravery of Man Singh.

Following the conquest of Patna, Man Singh was honored with a Salam and naqqara and was ordered to accompany Munim Khan to Bengal.

He dispatched his trusted lieutenant, Himmat Singh, to handle the renewed uprisings, and once again, his forces emerged victorious.

The grateful Raja offered his sister in marriage to Man Singh and pledged his allegiance to the Mughal Emperor.

His campaigns extended to Dacca, where he forced the submission of Kedar Rai, the zamindar of Bhushna, and defeated other notable rebels like Jalal Khan and Qazi Mumin.

In the battles that followed, Man Singh's forces triumphed over numerous adversaries, including the successor of Qatlu Khan, Usman, and the Arakan pirates.

The capture and subsequent death of Kedar Rai further demonstrated Man Singh's effectiveness as a military commander.

His relentless dedication, strategic brilliance, and ability to forge alliances were instrumental in maintaining Mughal control over Bengal.

Through his unwavering efforts, Man Singh not only expanded the Mughal Empire but also ensured its stability in a region rife with challenges.

"[14]In July 1564, Todar Mal accompanied Akbar in his campaign against Abdullah Khan Uzbeg, the subahdar of Malwa, who had revolted against the imperial authority.

The imperial army reached the village Liwani in Indore on 5 August and on the 6th completely defeated 'Abdullah Khan Uzbeg, who fled to Gujarat.

Raja Todar Mal introduced standard weights and measures, a land survey and settlement system, revenue districts and officers.

[19][20] Sometime between 1582 and 1584, as finance minister, Raja Todar Mal issued a decree which stated that all Mughal administration was to be written in Persian and in the "Iranian style".

The academic consensus holds that Persian rose to become the dominant language of the Mughal government after the 1582-1584 administrative decree was issued by Raja Todar Mal.

In the Indian historical fiction television series Jodha Akbar, Todar Mal is portrayed by Shaurya Singh.