The Fascinating History Of Akbar’s Navratnas: Who They Were, What They Did And The Stories That Built A Cultural Empire

In Indian history, power has rarely travelled alone. It has almost always been accompanied by intellect, wit, art, debate and dissent. That is where the idea of the navratnas—literally, the nine gems—finds its footing. These were not ornamental courtiers or decorative flatterers. They were scholars, poets, generals, administrators and thinkers whose brilliance reflected the strength of the throne itself. While the tradition of honouring nine exceptional minds existed long before the Mughals—notably under Raja Vikramaditya and Raja Krishnachandra—it is Mughal Emperor Akbar’s navratnas who became etched into popular memory. Their stories have outlived the empire, spilling into folklore, textbooks, theatre, children’s comics, and dinner-table trivia

alike. Akbar’s court was not just a seat of governance; it was a living university. Ideas were discussed freely, cultures and languages coexisted without ranks, and faiths debated rather than battled. At a time when kings ruled through fear, Akbar ruled through curiosity. That curiosity shaped the nine gems who surrounded him—each different in temperament, background and belief, yet united by excellence.

Akbar: The Emperor Who Ruled With Ideas

Born Abu’l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, the third Mughal emperor ascended the throne in 1556 after the death of his father, Humayun. He ruled until 1605 and expanded the Mughal Empire across much of the Indian subcontinent north of the Godavari.Even though Akbar was not educated, he possessed an almost insatiable appetite for knowledge. His royal library had over 24,000 manuscripts in Latin, Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Greek, Kashmiri and Urdu, curated by calligraphers, scholars, translators, and bookbinders. That's not all; in the 16th century, Akbar opened a separate library at Fatehpur Sikri exclusively for women.

His court welcomed theologians of Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Jainism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism, engaging them in nightly debates. These discussions eventually inspired Din-i-Ilahi in 1582—a syncretic faith that attempted to distill ethical truths from multiple religions.

Abu’l-Fazl ibn Mubarak: The Historian Who Shaped Akbar’s Legacy

Born in Agra to the scholar Shaikh Mubarak, Abu’l-Fazl was a prodigy who could read and write by the age of five. Legend recounts how he reconstructed a dictionary eaten by white ants by logically piecing together fragments—a story that still circulates as proof of his extraordinary intellect. Introduced to Akbar’s court at 23, Abu’l-Fazl became the emperor’s closest ideological ally. His magnum opus, Akbarnama, is not merely a royal biography but a sophisticated political philosophy that framed Akbar as a just, divinely inspired ruler. The third volume, Ain-i-Akbari, remains one of the most detailed administrative records of Mughal India.

Raja Todar Mal: The Man Who Taught India How to Tax

Orphaned early and born into modest circumstances in present-day Uttar Pradesh, Raja Todar Mal rose through sheer competence. Raja Todar Mal began working as a supervisor under Sher Shah Suri and then worked as Akbar’s finance minister.His greatest contribution—the land revenue system — standardised measurements, classified land productivity and introduced fair taxation. Variations of this system survived well into British rule, quietly shaping India’s agrarian economy for centuries.

Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana: The Poet With a Bowed Head

Son of Akbar’s regent Bairam Khan, Rahim was both a statesman and a poet of rare sensitivity. Fluent in Sanskrit and Persian, Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana wrote couplets that remain widely quoted today. His humility was legendary. It is said that Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana never looked the recipient in the eyes while giving alms, as he believed gratitude should flow from the giver, not the receiver. A devotee of Krishna despite his Muslim birth, Rahim translated the Baburnama into Persian and authored works on astrology. The village of Khan Khana in Punjab still bears his name.

Raja Birbal: Wit That Outlived an Empire

Born Mahesh Das, Raja Birbal’s sharp humour and quick intelligence made him Akbar’s favourite companion. Though remembered today largely through folk tales, Birbal was also a capable administrator and poet. In 1586, he died leading a military campaign in the northwest—a devastating loss that reportedly drove Akbar to fast in mourning. Birbal was also the only Hindu known to have embraced Din-i-Ilahi.

Mulla Do-Piyaza: History’s Most Famous Question Mark

Often portrayed as Birbal’s Muslim counterpart in later folklore, Mulla Do-Piyaza’s historical existence remains debated. While popular tales cast him as Akbar’s internal security chief, many historians believe he was a literary invention of the 19th century—a reminder that not all navratnas may have walked the earth, though they certainly inhabit the imagination.

Faizi: The Poet Laureate With a Scholar’s Mind

Faizi was Abu’l-Fazl's older brother, and in 1588, he was appointed Akbar’s poet laureate. For the unversed, Faizi tutored Akbar’s sons and authored over 100 works. His Tabashir al-Subh is still considered a significant Persian literary collection of the Mughal era.

Fakir Aziao-Din: The Mystic Adviser

Fakir Aziao-Din used to advise Akbar on religious and philosophical matters. His inclusion among the navratnas reflected Akbar’s belief that wisdom was not limited to scholarship alone but also emerged from spiritual insight.

Tansen: The Voice That Still Echoes

Perhaps the most enduring cultural icon among the Navratnas, Tansen remains synonymous with Hindustani classical music. Originally from present-day Madhya Pradesh, he gained fame under the patronage of the Rewa court before joining Akbar at the age of 60. Credited with creating new ragas and elevating dhrupad, Tansen was honoured with the title ‘Mian.’ Legends of him lighting lamps with Raga Deepak may be myth, but his influence on Indian music is very real.

Raja Man Singh I: The General Who Was Called ‘Son’

A trusted Rajput general from Amber, Raja Man Singh I played a decisive role in expanding and stabilizing the Mughal Empire. Granted a mansab of 7,000 cavalry, he was affectionately called "farzand" by Akbar. A contemporary of Rana Pratap and Akbar himself, Man Singh’s military campaigns shaped 16th-century Indian politics. His legacy survives not only in history books but also in the enduring architecture of Jaipur and beyond.

Why Akbar’s Navratnas Still Matter

The nine gems of Akbar’s court were not united by religion, caste or language. They were united by merit. In a time defined by conquest, Akbar chose conversation. In an age of dogma, he chose debate. That choice — radical then, relevant now — is why his navratnas continue to sparkle centuries later.(All Images: Wikimedia Commons And Wikipedia)