Navaratnas

See Navaratna for the talisman, set of stones and gems, and Hind Rattan for the award.
See Navratnas for the corporations honored by the Indian Government.

Navaratnas Nauratan (Sanskrit dvigu nava-ratna- or "nine gems") was a term applied to a group of nine extraordinary people in a emperor's court in India. Some well-known groups are in the Raaj Sabha (court) of King Janaka, Emperor Vikramaditya and in Emperor Akbar's darbar.

Contents

In the court of Vikramaditya

Nine gems during the reign of Vikramaditya

In the court of Akbar

The Mughal ruler Akbar, despite his illiteracy, was a great lover of the artists and intellectuals. His passion for knowledge and interest in learning from great minds led him to attract men of genius to his court, known as the nine courtiers of Emperor Akbar or Navratnas.

Similar Groups

Many famous emperors in India had courtiers labeled in similar ways. For example, the valuable members of the court of Krishna Deva Raya were termed Astadiggajas, the eight giants. Lakshman Sen the ruler of the Sena Empire had Pancharatnas (meaning 5 gems) in his court; one of whom is believed to be Jayadeva, the famous Sanskrit poet and author of Gita Govinda. Ashtapradhan was the title given to the council of Shivaji.

Modern usage

A number of institutions in modern India are popularly named for this historic group, particularly public-sector units that perform well. As of June 25, 2007[3] the list included following PSUs:

References