Nine Gems of Akbar

Akbar was an ardent admirer of art and learning. The Nine most extraordinary talents in his
court were known as Akbar’s nine gems or Navratnas. They are:
1.Tansen
Tansen was a court musician of Akbar. He was the composer of many classical ragas.

2.Todar Mal
He was the revenue minister of Sher Shah Suri who continued in the position in the court of
Akbar. He introduced standard weights and measurements, revenue districts and officers.
3. Birbal
Birbal was appointed to the court of Akbar for his intelligence as his Foreign Minister, and
became the court jester. He and Akbar became very close, a fact that caused rivalry among
Birbal and his fellow courtiers.
4. Raja Man Singh 1
Raja Man Singh, was a trusted general in Akbar’s army. He assisted Akbar in many fronts
including holding off advancing Hakim (Akbar’s half-brother) in Lahore.
5. Abu’l Fazl
Abu’l Fazl was the Prime Minister, known as Grand Vizier, of Akbar’s court. He was the
chronicler of ‘Akbarnama’ .

6. Faizi
Faizi was Abu’l Fazl’s brother, the poet laureate of Akbar. He translated the Panchatantra, the
Ramayana and the Mahabharata into Persian.

7. Mullah Do Piaza - He was also an advisor in the court of Akbar known for his
intelligence.

8.Abdul Rahim Khan

Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana was the Defense Minister on Emperor Akbar’s court. He is best
known for his Hindi couplets.
9.Fakir Aziao-Din
Fakir Aziao-Din was a sufi mystic, and an advisor. He provided religious advice to the
Emperor on a wide range of topics.