The Diwan-i-Khas
Single Delegate Crisis Committee
akbar@uclamun.org
Committee Summary
Topic: The Imperial Court and Cabinet of Akbar the Great (1556)
Committee Summary: In 1556, as thirteen-year-old Akbar ascended the throne, the Mughal Empire was little more than loose threads—tattered, fragile, and seemingly approaching its denouement. The future of the realm stood at its most precarious moment, balanced on the shoulders of a young boy. This sliver of an empire was fractured by rival warlords, religious tensions, looming external powers, and a court filled with ambition far beyond that of its new ruler. Yet this kingdom would one day blossom into one of the most expansive dynasties, cementing an empire of glory over the Indian subcontinent.
In this committee, delegates will enter the imperial court and cabinet of Akbar the Great as generals, scholars, artists, spiritual leaders, and members of the royal household, vying for influence and power while simultaneously paving the future of the nascent state.
History has indicated that Akbar forged the most influential empires the world has ever known. But in this committee, as we begin in the uncertain dawn of Akbar’s reign, every decision carries the promise—or peril—of what the Mughal Empire might become. Delegates have the opportunity to change the course of history and redefine the rise of the Mughals, bracing for betrayals and turmoil, in the hopes of sustaining the very existence of the empire.
Meet The Staff
Prisha Narasimhan
Chair
Hello!
My name is Prisha Narasimhan (she/her) and I’m extremely honored to be your chair for the Imperial Court and Cabinet of Akbar the Great, 1556! I am a senior at UCLA double majoring in Economics, Statistics and Data Science and minoring in Global Studies. On campus, I am also involved with the United Nations Association chapter at UCLA, Japanese Animation Club (anime club), and BVAC (art club). In time, I hope to pursue a career in data analytics and international relations/public service (if I’m not defeated by the job market). I love to paint, cook, binge tv shows (Derry Girls, Brooklyn 99, Parks and Rec, One Piece, etc.), watch the Olympics, play piano, and play MarioKart and Super Mario Galaxy 2 (on the ancient Wii though).
I have participated in MUN since my freshman year of high school back in the Bay Area (to be a bit more specific, a suburb in the East Bay). My experience in MUN began as I wanted to face my struggles with public speaking and learn to articulate my thoughts into words. Over the years, I found myself engaged and fascinated by the thoughtful and substantial conversations about ongoing and past global events/conflicts with fellow delegates. I especially enjoyed (oddly enough I suppose) developing a rather extensive research process to help me prepare for each conference (I always created a country profile for every nation/character I have represented). Here in Model UN at UCLA, I’ve previously chaired the DnD: Cerulean Principality side of the JCC (2024), April Uprising (2025), and am now beyond excited to chair the Imperial Court and Cabinet of Akbar the Great!
Through this committee, we have the opportunity to explore the ambitions, personalities, and complexities of the Mughal court, navigating administrative challenges and rivalries over the course of Akbar’s reign. Delegates will therefore grapple with empire-building, religious and political reforms, all made more complex by the upheaval of household antics. This committee is rather personal to Devaj and me, as we were raised watching the soap opera Jodha Akbar (you should totally give it a watch). Soooo, we are looking forward to a lively, thoughtful, and appropriately chaotic debate as you all immerse yourself in the cultural rich, political, and social landscape of the Mughal court. Good Luck!
Welcome to the Diwan-i-Khas!
Prisha Narasimhan
Chair
The Imperial Court and Cabinet of Akbar the Great, 1556| LAMUN XXI
Devaj Joshi
Crisis Director
Esteemed Delegates,
My name is Devaj Joshi, and it is my pleasure to welcome you all to The Diwan-i-Khas: The Imperial Court & Cabinet of Akbar The Great [1556 CE]! I will be serving as your Crisis Director (CD) at LAMUN XXI. I am currently a junior (3rd year) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), double-majoring in Physiological Science and Neuroscience. Born in Gujarat, India, and raised in Tokyo, Japan, I am a polyglot, speaking 4.5 languages: Gujarati, Japanese, English, Hindi, (& Urdu)!
I started Model United Nations (MUN) in my freshman year of high school back in Tokyo. Since my freshman year of college, I have held every single position at MUN @ UCLA: Chair, Vice-Chair, Assistant Crisis Director (ACD), Logistics Senior Staff (Master of Ceremonies), and a member of the Travel Team. Serving as your Crisis Director is the last piece of the puzzle, and I am honoured to collect my final "Infinity Stone" with you all. I have met my ride-or-dies at MUN @ UCLA and have had phenomenal memories with my people here; I would love to share a part of that experience with you all. A big shoutout to my faMUNly and my three children—Haktan, Lizz, and Lauren! A special shoutout to Prisha, my Chair & Indian twin, as well as Katie, my OG white girl from the Mauryan Empire - I hope both of you have the best last MUN conference ever!
Outside of MUN, I am an Avgeek, hoping to get my pilot license at some point. I love talking about airlines, aircraft types, and the whole flying experience! I enjoy listening to Bollywood music, and I LOVE watching sitcoms, so please give me recommendations! At UCLA, I am on the Executive Board for MannMukti @ UCLA - a South Asian Mental Health Organization, a member of the American Cancer Society, a Community Representative with UCLA ResLife, and a Learning Assistant (LA) teaching a Systems Anatomy human cadaver lab! Yes, I am doused in formaldehyde, or as we like to call it, “Jungle Juice.”
This committee will challenge you to consolidate power, despite differences, while coming together to discuss strategy, siegecraft, finances, theology, and more, all to establish the Mughal Empire. Furthermore, the endgame will be mayhem, so brace yourself for the chaos! It is my honour to serve as your Crisis Director, and I am excited to see how all the drama unfolds at LAMUN XXI! Please feel free to email Prisha and me if you have any questions or concerns regarding this committee. I look forward to meeting you all in April!
Welcome to the Diwan-i-Khas!
All the Best,
Devaj Joshi
Crisis Director | The Diwan-i-Khas: The Imperial Court & Cabinet of Akbar The Great [1556 CE] LAMUN XXI
akbar@uclamun.org