Navaratnas

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See Navaratna for the talisman, set of stones and gems.

Navaratnas (Sanskrit dvigu nava-ratna- "nine gems") was a term applied to a group of nine extraordinary people in a king's court in India. Two such well-known groups are Akbar's darbar and that of Vikramaditya.

1 In the court of Vikramaditya
2 In the court of Akbar
3 Similar Groups
4 Modern usage

[edit] In the court of Vikramaditya

Nine gems during the reign of Vikramaditya:

Dhanvantari
Kshapanaka
Amarasimha
Sankabhata
Vetalabhatta
Ghatakharpara
Varahamihira
Vararuchi
Kalidasa, the most notable among all of them.

[edit] In the court of Akbar

The Mughal Emperor Akbar's Navratnas were:

Abul-Fazel - Akbar's chief advisor and author of Akbarnama, Akbar's biography
Faizi- was a poet writing verses in Persian.
Miyan Tansen - known for his voice and music
Birbal - known for great wit
Raja Todar Mal- was Akbar’s finance minister.
Raja Man Singh- The Kacchwaha Rajput Raja of Amber(Jaipur). Sawai Jai Singh later constructed many Jantar Mantar or observatory across the nation for his passion for astronomy.
Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana- was a poet and son of Akbar’s trusted protector and caretaker, Bairam Khan.
Fakir Aziao-Din - Was an advisor.
Mullah Do Piaza- Was an advisor.

[edit] Similar Groups

Many famous emperors in India had courtiers labelled in similar ways. For example, the valuable members of the court of Krishna Deva Raya were termed Astadiggajas, the eight elephants. Ashtapradhan was the title given to the council of Shivaji.

[edit] Modern usage

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This article has been tagged since February 2007.

A number of institutions in modern India are popularly named for this historic group, particularly public-sector units that perform well.