Aug 5, 2023, 05:46 PM IST

Birbal to Man Singh: 9 Navaratnas of Mughal emperor Akbar

Mahipal Chouhan

Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor of India, is renowned for his administration and patronage of the arts and sciences. During his reign, he surrounded himself with a group of nine extraordinary individuals who came to be known as the "Navaratnas," which translates to "Nine Jewels" in English.

These Navaratnas were eminent personalities who made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, art, science, and governance. The names of the nine jewels in Akbar's court are as follows:

Abul Fazl: He was the most famous among the Navaratnas and was a historian, scholar, and one of Akbar's closest confidants. He is best known for his work "Akbarnama," a detailed and comprehensive biography of Emperor Akbar's reign.

Birbal (Mahesh Das): Birbal was a witty and wise advisor, known for his intellect and sense of humor. He was an important figure in Akbar's court, and numerous folktales and stories depict the witty exchanges between Birbal and Akbar.

Todar Mal: He was an able administrator and finance minister in Akbar's court. Todar Mal was instrumental in introducing land reforms and revenue systems that helped stabilize the empire's economy.

Raja Man Singh: A prominent military commander and a trusted general of Akbar. He played a crucial role in various military campaigns and expeditions undertaken by the Mughal Empire.

Faizi: He was Akbar's cousin and a renowned poet. Faizi's literary contributions were highly esteemed, and he was considered one of the finest poets of his time.

Fakir Aziao-Din: A Sufi saint who served as a spiritual guide and mentor to Akbar. He was known for his piety and philosophical teachings.

Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana: Also known as Rahim, he was a poet and one of the Navaratnas. His poetry, particularly the dohas (couplets), are still popular and celebrated in Indian literature.

Mian Tansen: A legendary musician and composer, Tansen was a master of Indian classical music and was considered the gem among musicians during Akbar's era.

Mulla Do-Piyaza: Known for his wit and humor, Mulla Do-Piyaza was a poet and entertainer in Akbar's court, adding levity and amusement to the otherwise serious atmosphere.

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