Who were the Navratnas of Akbar and what made them so memorable in history
The Mughal court during Emperor Akbar’s reign was home to some of the greatest minds of the time. His court included all experts from poets, musicians, to military commanders and administrators. Akbar had handpicked nine unique individuals who played important and irreplaceable roles in giving a viable structure and shape to the empire’s cultural, political, and intellectual identity. These nine special individuals were commonly called the Navratnas or “Nine Gems”.
Akbar’s court was more than just a seat of power, as it was open to all talents from all walks of life beyond religion or origin. It was a vibrant hub of discussions and innovation. His belief in open-minded governance and religious tolerance allowed people from varied backgrounds to work together.
Here are the nine revered gems of Akbar’s court
Abul Fazl
Abul Fazl was the chief advisor and historian in Akbar’s court. According to the historical records, he is best known for writing the Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari, which are detailed accounts of the emperor’s reign. He also translated the Bible into Persian and supported Akbar’s vision of Din-i Ilahi , or religion of God, that aimed to integrate principles from Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. His political theory of Padshahat claimed the emperor ruled by divine right. His intellect and diplomatic skills helped shape the empire’s inclusive policies and got him a place as one of the most influential voices of the Mughal era.
Raja Todar Mal
Raja Todar Mal is famously known as Akbar’s Finance Minister, who completely upgraded and changed the empire’s taxation system. Known for Todarmal’s Bandobast, his reforms were based on a ten-year crop yield survey that introduced standard measurements and fixed rates. He divided the empire into revenue districts and made Persian the official administrative language. His work brought consistency and fairness to land revenue collection, laying the foundation for a stable economy and influencing future Indian administrations for generations.
Birbal was originally named Mahesh Das, and he has been particularly known for his sharp wit and close friendship with Akbar. beyond just history books, their tales have been a part of kids ' books and bedtime stories. A Hindu and the only known follower of Din-i Ilahi from his faith, Birbal served as a trusted advisor and foreign minister. He was also a poet and storyteller whose tales are still shared across India today. He was popular for solving complex problems with cleverness.
Faizi
Faizi, the elder brother of Abul Fazl, was a brilliant Persian poet and scholar. Appointed as tutor to Akbar’s sons, Salim, Murad, and Daniyal. Faizi also translated Sanskrit texts like Bhaskaracharya’s Lilavati into Persian. He was named poet laureate and served as the sadr or religious leader of several areas. His poetry and scholarship added a new dimension to the court’s literary culture and were a representation of Akbar’s passion for learning and cross-cultural exchange.
Tansen
Tansen, originally named Ramtanu, was a legendary musician who elevated Hindustani classical music in Akbar’s court. Having first served in Rewa, he joined Akbar in 1562 and got the title “Mian” for his genius skills. Tansen created new ragas, composed Dhrupad music, and founded the Gwalior Gharana. His music was said to have magical qualities. There are many legends that tell that he could light lamps with Raag Deepak. it is said that when it is sung, the air becomes so hot that it ends up lighting the lamps. His contributions remain foundational in Indian classical music even today.
Raja Man Singh
Raja Man Singh, the Maharaja of Amber, was one of Akbar’s most trusted generals. He led key campaigns in Bihar, Kabul, and Orissa, and played a major role in the Battle of Haldighati against Maharana Pratap. As a Hindu commander in a largely Muslim empire. Beyond his standout military skills, Man Singh also contributed to architecture by building temples and palaces.
Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana, the son of Bairam Khan, was a warrior and a poet. He is popular for his dohas in Braj and Awadhi languages. Rahim was admired for his command over language and his deep understanding of astrology. He served as Akbar’s Defence Minister and translated Babur’s Baburnama from Chagatai into Persian.
Fakir Aziao-Din
Akbar consulted Fakir Aziao-Din, a respected Sufi mystic, for spiritual guidance. His knowledge molded the emperor's opinions on religious harmony and tolerance. He was significant in improving Akbar's commitment to diversity and the establishment of Din-i Ilahi. Akbar's emphasis on spirituality and interfaith discussion was demonstrated by Aziao-Din's appearance in court. His impact went beyond religion; he provided advice on moral responsibility and moral leadership.
Mulla Do Piyaza
Often regarded as Birbal's comic rival, Mulla Do Piyaza was famous for his clever intelligence and witty humor. Despite having fewer historical records, folklore portrays him as a wise counselor whose humorous jokes about Birbal delighted the court and relaxed tense situations. Even though he was occasionally depicted as being outwitted, his role showed how much Akbar valued lively debate and a variety of views. He and Birbal worked together to establish a wit culture that put a balance between perspective and power.
Photo Credits: Pratha- The cultural school
Akbar’s court was more than just a seat of power, as it was open to all talents from all walks of life beyond religion or origin. It was a vibrant hub of discussions and innovation. His belief in open-minded governance and religious tolerance allowed people from varied backgrounds to work together.
Here are the nine revered gems of Akbar’s court
Abul Fazl
Abul Fazl was the chief advisor and historian in Akbar’s court. According to the historical records, he is best known for writing the Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari, which are detailed accounts of the emperor’s reign. He also translated the Bible into Persian and supported Akbar’s vision of Din-i Ilahi , or religion of God, that aimed to integrate principles from Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. His political theory of Padshahat claimed the emperor ruled by divine right. His intellect and diplomatic skills helped shape the empire’s inclusive policies and got him a place as one of the most influential voices of the Mughal era.
Raja Todar Mal
Raja Todar Mal is famously known as Akbar’s Finance Minister, who completely upgraded and changed the empire’s taxation system. Known for Todarmal’s Bandobast, his reforms were based on a ten-year crop yield survey that introduced standard measurements and fixed rates. He divided the empire into revenue districts and made Persian the official administrative language. His work brought consistency and fairness to land revenue collection, laying the foundation for a stable economy and influencing future Indian administrations for generations.
Birbal
Birbal was originally named Mahesh Das, and he has been particularly known for his sharp wit and close friendship with Akbar. beyond just history books, their tales have been a part of kids ' books and bedtime stories. A Hindu and the only known follower of Din-i Ilahi from his faith, Birbal served as a trusted advisor and foreign minister. He was also a poet and storyteller whose tales are still shared across India today. He was popular for solving complex problems with cleverness.
Faizi
Faizi, the elder brother of Abul Fazl, was a brilliant Persian poet and scholar. Appointed as tutor to Akbar’s sons, Salim, Murad, and Daniyal. Faizi also translated Sanskrit texts like Bhaskaracharya’s Lilavati into Persian. He was named poet laureate and served as the sadr or religious leader of several areas. His poetry and scholarship added a new dimension to the court’s literary culture and were a representation of Akbar’s passion for learning and cross-cultural exchange.
Tansen
Tansen, originally named Ramtanu, was a legendary musician who elevated Hindustani classical music in Akbar’s court. Having first served in Rewa, he joined Akbar in 1562 and got the title “Mian” for his genius skills. Tansen created new ragas, composed Dhrupad music, and founded the Gwalior Gharana. His music was said to have magical qualities. There are many legends that tell that he could light lamps with Raag Deepak. it is said that when it is sung, the air becomes so hot that it ends up lighting the lamps. His contributions remain foundational in Indian classical music even today.
Raja Man Singh
Raja Man Singh, the Maharaja of Amber, was one of Akbar’s most trusted generals. He led key campaigns in Bihar, Kabul, and Orissa, and played a major role in the Battle of Haldighati against Maharana Pratap. As a Hindu commander in a largely Muslim empire. Beyond his standout military skills, Man Singh also contributed to architecture by building temples and palaces.
Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana
Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana, the son of Bairam Khan, was a warrior and a poet. He is popular for his dohas in Braj and Awadhi languages. Rahim was admired for his command over language and his deep understanding of astrology. He served as Akbar’s Defence Minister and translated Babur’s Baburnama from Chagatai into Persian.
Fakir Aziao-Din
Akbar consulted Fakir Aziao-Din, a respected Sufi mystic, for spiritual guidance. His knowledge molded the emperor's opinions on religious harmony and tolerance. He was significant in improving Akbar's commitment to diversity and the establishment of Din-i Ilahi. Akbar's emphasis on spirituality and interfaith discussion was demonstrated by Aziao-Din's appearance in court. His impact went beyond religion; he provided advice on moral responsibility and moral leadership.
Mulla Do Piyaza
Often regarded as Birbal's comic rival, Mulla Do Piyaza was famous for his clever intelligence and witty humor. Despite having fewer historical records, folklore portrays him as a wise counselor whose humorous jokes about Birbal delighted the court and relaxed tense situations. Even though he was occasionally depicted as being outwitted, his role showed how much Akbar valued lively debate and a variety of views. He and Birbal worked together to establish a wit culture that put a balance between perspective and power.
Photo Credits: Pratha- The cultural school
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