"Akbar’s court had ministers, chroniclers, poets, musicians and advisors who belonged to different religions. The Hindu Rajput kings were given high ranking positions in the Mughal Darbar of the Court." What does this reflect about Akbar’s administrative strategies?
Answers
The navratnas of Akbar were as follows: Raja Birbal, Miyan Tansen, Abul Fazal, Faizi, Raja Man Singh, Raja Todar Mal, Mullah Do Piaza, Fakir Aziao-Din, Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana.
Raja Birbal
1. He played the role of court jester in the court of Akbar.
2. His real name was Maheshdas and the name Raja Birbal was given by Akbar.
3. He was a great singer and poet in the Mughal Court of Akbar the Great. He was a master in Sanskrit, Persian and Hindi language.
4. He also gave military and administrative services to Akbar and died in the battle while subduing the unrest amongst Afghani tribes in North-west India.
Tansen
1. Ramtanu was his birth name and was a disciple of Swami Haridas in starting and later on he learned music from Hazrat Muhammad Ghaus.
2. He was a musician in Akbar’s court and is remembered for his epic Dhrupad compositions, creating several new ragas, as well as for writing two classic books on music- Sri Ganesh Stotra and Sangita Sara.
Abul Fazal
1. His real name was Shaikh Abu al-Fazal ibn Mubarak also known as Abu'l-Fazl, Abu'l Fadl and Abu'l-Fadl 'Allami.
2. He was the author of Akbarnama and Ain-I-Akbari. He also translated the Bible in Persian language.
Faizi
1. His real name was Shaikh Abu al-Faiz ibn Mubarak, popularly known by his pen-name, Faizi was a poet laureate and Abul Fazal’s brother.
2. He was one of the Navratnas of Akbar and was given the status of Malik-ush-Shu’ara (Court Poet) by Akbar.
3. He translated “Lilavati (Sanskrit work in Maths by Bhaskaracharya)", into Persian.
Raja Man Singh
1. Raja Man Singh was the Raja of Amber and was one of the famous Navaratnas of the royal court of Akbar.
2. He was a general in Akbar’s army and was the grandson of Akbar’s father-in-law Bharmal.
3. He fought many battles including the historic battle of 'Haldighati' against Maharana Pratap.
Raja Todar Mal
1. He was the Finance Minister of the Mughal empire during Akbar's reign and was one of the Navaratnas in Akbar's court.
2. He introduced standard weights and measures, a land survey and settlement system, revenue districts and officers.This system of maintenance by Patwari is still used in Indian Subcontinent which was improved by British and Government of India.
Mullah Do Piaza
1. He acted as an advisor to Akbar.
Fakir Aziao-Din
1. He was a sufi mystic and an advisor.
2. He used to give Akbar advice on religious matters.
Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana
1. He was the son of Bairam Khan and Akbar's trusted guardian and mentor.
2. Known for his Urdu couplets and his books on astrology.
3. He translated Babar's memoirs, Baburnama from Chagatai language to Persian language.
4. He he wrote two books on astrology- Khetakautukam and Dwatrimshadyogavali.
Akbar was great reformist. He brought peace and treat his subjects fairly. He opposed the discrimination between Hindus and Muslims and hold military positions along with religious tolerance. His tolerance and generosity was also contributed by his nine gems (Navaratnas) whose suggestions open his realm of thinking.