The Navaratnas in the Court of Akbar

The Great
A Project for the completion of the Study of

Indian History

Submitted to

Dr. Richa Sharma

Assistant Professor of History

Introduction to Indian History

By

Registration No.: 10B153, 10B102, 10B149 and 10A031

Gujarat National Law University

 Table of Contents
1. Introduction...............................................................................................................3
2. Acknowledgement.....................................................................................................4
3. Abstract.....................................................................................................................5
4. Abu’l Fazl..................................................................................................................6
5. Faizi...........................................................................................................................9
6. Miyan Tansen...........................................................................................................10
7. Raja Birbal...............................................................................................................12
8. Raja Todar Mal........................................................................................................15
9. Raja Man Singh........................................................................................................18
10. Faquir Aziao-Din......................................................................................................22
11. Mullah Do-Piaza.......................................................................................................23
12. Conclusion................................................................................................................26
13. Bibliography.............................................................................................................28

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 INTRODUCTION
Although Akbar was illiterate, he had a great love for knowledge, inviting men from
all different religions to come to discuss matters of the world with him. He was a patron to
many men of literary talent, among whom may be mentioned the brothers Feizi and Abul-
Fazel. The former was commissioned by Akbar to translate a number of Sanskrit scientific
works into Persian; and the latter produced the Akbarnama, an enduring record of the
emperor's reign. It is also said that Akbar employed Jerome Xavier, a Jesuit missionary, to
translate the four Gospels of the New Testament into Persian.

Akbar's nine gems got together in this room in Fatehpur Sikri from time to time to
philosophize. Allegedly, this is the place where Tansen sang and created rain.

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 ACKNOLEDGEMENT
We would like to express our gratitude to the Professor of History, Mrs. Richa Sharma who
gave us this wonderful opportunity to explore the topic of our Project. This Project has
helped us to know more about the subject and the intrinsicalness involved with it. My special
thanks to our parents who kept us motivated and also hearty thanks to our friends who co-
operated and helped us in every point of time for preparing this Project.

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 ABSTRACT
Originally, the term Navaratnas or Nauratan meant a talisman or ornament
composed of nine precious gems. Later, this symbology was adopted in the courts of
King Vikramaditya and the Mughal emperor Akbar, where the Navaratnas were a group of
nine extraordinary men in their respective courts. Some well-known groups are in the Raaj
Sabha (court) of King Janaka, Vikramaditya and in Akbar's darbar.

Nine gems during the reign of Vikramaditya - Dhanvantari, Kshapanak, Amarasimha,

Shanku, Vetal bhatt, Ghat karpar, Varahamihira, Vararuchi and Kalidasa, the most notable
among all of them.

Raaj Sabha - Yajnavalkya, Maitreyi, Gargi

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.

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 King Akbar or Navratnas.

This project is aimed to get an insight into the 9 gems ‘The Navratnas’ present in the
court of Akbar. By this apercu we would like to brief the reader about the topics that would
be covered in this project. The reason behind taking this topic is to satiate our desire to learn
about the much famed Navratnas of Akbar’s Court and to get an insight into their
contribution in the court of Akbar. Where ever possible small instances related to the lives of
these personages have also been inserted, so as to arouse the interest of the readers.

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 The modern usage of Navratna is a bit different, Navratna is the title given to
nine Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), identified by the Government of India in 1997 as its
most prestigious units, which allowed them greater autonomy to compete in the global
market. The number of PSEs having Navratna status has been raised to 16, the most recent
addition being Oil India Limited.

ABU'L-Fazl

Shaikh Abu al-Fazl ibn Mubarak also known as Abu'l-Fazl, Abu'l Fadl and Abu'l-
Fadl 'Allami (January 14, 1551 - August 12, 1602) was the vizier of the
great Mughal emperor Akbar, and author of the Akbarnama, the official history of Akbar's
reign in three volumes, (the third volume is known as the Ain-i-Akbari) and
a Persian translation of the Bible. He was also the brother of Faizi, the poet laureate of
Emperor Akbar.

FAMILY AND BIOGRAPHY

Abul Fazl's ancestors hailed from Yemen . Abu'l Fazl was the fifth descendant of
Shaikh Musa, a Sindhi Shaikh who lived in Rel near Siwistan (Sehwan), in the realm
of Sindh. His family lived in Sindh till the close of the 15th century. His grandfather, Shaikh
Khizr moved to Nagaur, which had attained significant importance as a Sufi mystic centre
under Shaikh Hamid-ud-din Sufi Sawali, a khalifa of Shaikh Muin-ud-din Chisti of Ajmer.
Shaikh Khizr settled near the tomb of Shaikh Hamid-ud-din in Nagaur. Abul Fazl's father,
Shaikh Mubarak, was born in 1506 at Nagaur and soon after his birth Khizr travelled to
Sindh to bring other members of his family but he died on the way. His early demise caused
great hardship to Mubarak and his mother. A famine and plague stuck Nagaur which caused
further misery to the destitute family. Despite these hardships Mubarak's mother arranged for
good education for him. One of the earliest teachers for Mubarak was Shaikh 'Attan' who
was known for his piety. Another important teacher who influenced Shaikh Mubarak was
Shaikh Fayyazi, a disciple of Khwaja Ubaidullah Ahrar. Later he went to Ahmedabad and

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studied under Shaikh Abu'l Fazl Gazruni (who adopted him as a son), Shaikh Umar and
Shaikh Yusuf. Finally, he settled in Agra, where his eldest son, poet Abu'l Faizi and his
second son Abu'l Fazl were born He came to Akbar's court in 1575 and was influential in
Akbar's religious views becoming more liberal into the 1580s and 1590s. He also led the
Mughal imperial army in its wars in the Deccan.

He was assassinated by Vir Singh Bundela (who later became the ruler of Orchha)
between Sarai Vir and Antri (near Narwar) in a plot contrived by the Mughal Prince Salim,
who later became the Emperor Jahangir in 1602, because Abu'l Fazl was known to oppose
the accession of Prince Salim to the throne. His severed head was sent to Salim at Allahabad.
Abul Fazl was buried at Antri. Abu'l Fazl's son Shaikh Abdur Rahman Afzal Khan
(December 29, 1571–1613) was later appointed governor of Bihar in 1608 by Jahangir.

AKBARNAMA
The Akbarnāma, which literally means Book of Akbar, is the official chronicle of the
reign of Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor (r. 1556–1605), commissioned by Akbar himself
and written in Persian by his court historian and biographer, Abul Fazl. It includes vivid and
detailed descriptions of his life and times.

Abul Fazl wrote the work between 1590 and 1596 and is thought to have been
illustrated between c. 1592 and 1594 by at least forty-nine different artists from Akbar's
studio.

The work was commissioned by Akbar, and written by Abul Fazl, one of the Nine
Jewels (Hindi: Navaratnas) of Akbar’s royal court. It is stated that the book took seven years
to be completed and the original manuscripts contained a number of paintings supporting the
texts, and all the paintings represented the Mughal school of painting, and work of masters of
the imperial workshop, including Basawan, whose use of portraiture in its illustrations was
an innovation in Indian art.

AIN –I- AKBARI

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 The third volume named Ā’īn-i-Akbarī and details the administrative system of the
Empire as well as containing the famous "Account of the Hindu Sciences". Here Abu'l Fazl's
ambition, in hithe learned among the Hindus. I know not whether the love of my native land
has been the attracting influence or exactness of historical research and genuine truthfulness
of narrative..." (Ā’in-i-Akbarī, translated by Helen Blochmann, Volume III, pp 7). In this
section, he expounds the major beliefs of not the six major Hindu philosophical schools of
thought, and those of the Jains, Buddhists, and Nāstikas. He also gives several Indian
accounts of geography, cosmography, and some tidbits on Indian aesthetic thought. Most of
this information is derived from Sanskrit texts and knowledge systems. Abu'l Fazl admits
that he did not know Sanskrit and it is thought that he accessed this information through
intermediaries, likely Jains who were favoured at Akbar's court.

In his description of Hinduism, Abu’l Fazl tries to relate everything back to

something that the Muslims could understand. Many of the orthodox Muslims thought that
the Hindus were guilty of two of the greatest sins, polytheism and idolatry.

On the topic of idolatry, Abu’l Fazl

A b u ' l - F saysa that zthe symbols

l and images that the
Hindus carry are not idols, but merely are
there to keep their minds from wandering.
He writes that only serving and
worshipping God is required.

Abul Fazl also describes the Caste

system to his readers. He writes the name,
rank, and duties of each caste. He then goes
on to describe the sixteen subclasses which
come from intermarriage among the main
four.

Abu’l Fazl next writes about Karma about

which he writes, “This is a system of

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knowledge of an amazing and extraordinary character, in which the learned of Hindustan
concur without dissenting opinion.” He places the actions and what event they bring about
in the next life into four different kinds. First, he writes many of the different ways in which
a person from one class can be born into a different class in the next life and some of the
ways in which a change in gender can be brought about. He classifies the second kind as the
different diseases and sicknesses one suffers from. The third kind is actions which cause a
woman to be barren, or the death of a child. And the fourth kind deals with money and
generosity, or lack thereof.

FAIZI

Sheikh Abu al-Faiz Ibn Mubarak, popularly known by his pen-name, Faizi was a
Persian poet of late medieval India. In 1588, he became the Malik-ush-Shu'ara of Akbar's
Court. He was the elder brother of Akbar's historian Abul Fazl. Akbar highly recognized the
genius in him and appointed him tutor for his sons and gave place to him among his
decorative 'Nav Ratnas'.

Faizi was the fifth descendant of Shaikh Musa, a Sindhi Shaikh who lived in Rel near
Siwistan , in the realm of Sindh. He was the eldest son of Shaikh Mubarak of Nagaur. He
was born at Agra on 5 Sha'ban, AH 954. His father, Shaikh Mubarak was a scholar in the
philosophy and literature of Greece as well as in Islamic theology. He was educated mostly
by his father. In AH 974, he reached Akbar's court. Akbar successively appointed him tutor
for his princes, Salim, Murad and Daniyal. In AH 990, he was appointed sadr of Agra, Kalpi
and Kalinjar. In AH 999, he was sent to Khandesh and Ahmednagar as Mughal envoy. In
AH 1003, a few years after his return from Deccan, Faizi suffered from Asthma and died on

9
10 Safar, AH 1004 at Lahore. Initially, he was buried in the Ram Bagh at Agra but his body
was later transferred to another family mausoleum near Sikandara.

He composed significant poetic works in Persian and is ascribed by Bada'uni and his
other contemporaries to have composed over a hundred poetic works, but all the titles are not
known to us. His Divan, was entitled Tabashir al-Subh. His Divan comprises qasidas,
ghazals, ruba'is and elegies. In pursuance of the Literary practice then in vogue, Faizi
planned to produce a Panj Ganj or Khamsa in imitation of the Persian poet Nezami Ganjavi.
At the age of 30, he started Writing five works the Nal o Daman , the Markaz ul-Advar, the
Sulaiman o Bilqis, the Haft Kishvar and the Akbarnama. His two completed works, the
Markaz ul-Advar and the Nal o Daman was the javab of Nezami's the Makhzan ul-Asrarand
the Layla o Majnun. His other three incomplete works, the Sulaiman o Bilqis, the Haft
Kishvar and the Akbarnama were the imitations of the Khusraw o Shirin, the Haft Paykar
and the Sikandarnama respectively. During his stay in Deccan from 1591-3, he wrote a
celebrated series of reports on political and cultural conditions of Deccan, as well as
contemporary Iran. He also wrote a commentary on the Quran.

Faizi translated Bhaskaracharya's celebrated Sanskrit work on Mathematics, Lilavati

in to Persian. According to its preface, this work was completed in AH 995.

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MIYAN TANSEN: THE GREAT MUSICIAN

Miya Tansen(1505-1586) was a great Indian Vocalist. He was born into a Hindu
Gaur Brahmin family, possibly in 1506, possibly in the village Bacchaura near Satna. His
father Makrand Pandey was a poet and accomplished musician, who for some time was a
temple priest in Varanasi. Tansen's name as a child was Ramtanu.

Tansen had both Hindu and Muslim wives. In Gwalior

court, the legendary Queen Mrignayani got friendly to him. Also,
there are tales about his affair with Akbar’s daughter Mehrunnisa.
Tanras Khan, Bilas Khan, Hamirsen, Suratsen and Saraswati Devi,
all musicians belonged to his family. His son, Bilas Khan is said to
have created raga ‘Bilaskhani Todi’ after Tansen's death; an
interesting legend of this improvisation has it that Bilas composed
it while grief-stricken at the wake itself, and that Tansen's corpse
M i y a n T a one
moved n hand
s e in napproval of the new melody.

It has been heard that Tansen had the power to light up fire through his song and her
daughter had the power to bring rain.

Tansen's blood descendants – the Senia gharana - held considerable prestige in

musical circles for several centuries. The royal courts of Rewa, Rampur and Jaipur among
others, retained many noted members of Tansen lineage, including Nayak Wazir Khan (guru
of Allauddin Khan) and Mohammed Ali Khan. Wazir Khan, who is of Saraswati Devi
lineage, was also a musicologist who wrote the Risala Mousibi. One of the last of the line, Dr
Dabir Khan (Saraswati Devi lineage) was a dhrupadiya and a beenkar, at Radio Calcutta.

The legendary musical prowess of Tansen surpasses all other legends in Indian and
Pakistani music. In terms of influence, he can be compared only to the prolific sufi composer
Amir Khusro (1253–1325), or to bhakti tradition composers such as Kabir or Haridas.

Several of his raga compositions have become mainstays of the Hindustani or

Ancient Pakistani tradition, and these are often prefaced with Miyan ki ("of the Miyan"), e.g.
Miyan ki Todi, Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ki Mand, Miyan ka Sarang; in addition he is the

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creator of major ragas like Darbari Kanada, Darbari Todi, and Rageshwari.Tansen also
authored ‘Sangeeta Sara’ and ‘Rajmala’ which constitute important documents on music.

Almost every gharana (school) tries to trace its origin to him, though some try to go
further back to Amir Khusro. As for the Dhrupad style of singing, this was formalized
essentially through the practice by composers like Tansen and Haridas, as well as others like
Baiju Bawra who may have been a contemporary.

After Tansen, some of the ideas from the rabab were fused with the traditional Indian
stringed instrument, veena; one of the results of this fusion is the instrument sarod, which
does not have frets and is popular today because of its perceived closeness to the vocal style.
The famous qawwals, the Sabri Brothers of Pakistan claim lineage from Miyan Tansen.
Though a Hindu by birth, the ‘Sangeet Samrat‘ was also a believer in Islam. He was a
disciple of Sufi Saint Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus, and after his death the great musician was
buried near his spiritual master’s mazaar. Many aficionados are convinced that his death was
caused by a conflagration while he was singing the raga Deepaka. And his tomb is in
Gwalior and every year the Sangeet Samaroh is held in his memory. The annual Tansen
Cultural Festival, the four daylong event was inaugurated with Hari Katha, Milad and recital
of verses from Holy Quran, as per the age-old tradition. The bhajan ‘Ek raaii ke hazaar hisse,
us mein bhii Khudaa basey’ was sung. After Naat Sharif and Qawwali, the ‘chaadar’ was
ceremonially brought to the Mazaar of Sufi Saint Muhammad Ghaus. With ‘chaadar-poshi’
on Miyan Tansen’s mazaar, the function started.

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RAJA BIRBAL: THE COURT JESTER

Raja Birbal (1528-1586) is a famous historical character, born in 1528 as Maheshdas,

in a very poor Brahmin family, to the couple Gangadas and Anabhadevi in the village of
Trivikrampur or Tiwkapur, on the banks of river Yamuna. His grandfather Rupdhar was a
great Sanskrit scholar and resided in Patrapunj. Maheshdas was the third child and at a very
young age lost his father Gangadas. His mother sent him to her father Rupdhar at Patrapunj.
Maheshdas's grandfather Rupdhar started his education at age of 5 and taught him Sanskrit,
Hindi and Persian (the state language). Then according to the family tradition he learned
music and poetry. Soon he was writing his own poems and setting them to tunes and singing
them in his sweet voice. He became famous as the poet-musician-singer. He also had a great
wit and humor. His witty conversation made a mark on anyone he met. Because of his
accomplishments Maheshdas was able to marry a girl from a well known family in Kalinjar.
By marriage, he was financially settled.

When Bhagawandas, the king of Jaipur heard about Maheshdas, he invited him with
great honour. Maheshdas sang his own composition in the court. He was writing under the
pseudonym “Brahmakavi”. The collection of his writings can be found in the Bharatpur
Museum, Rajasthan. From the court of Jaipur, Maheshdas went to the court of Raja
Ramachandra of Rewa. Raja Ramachandra was great lover of art and Maheshdas was
amongst his courtiers. The fame of Maheshdas reached the ears of Akbar and he invited him
to his court. He soon became part of the ‘nine gems’ at the court of Akbar. Maheshdas was
not only an accomplished musician but was an expert at the art of warfare which was proven
by him taking part in the expedition of Sultanpur at Punjab. Emperor was so pleased that he
conferred him with the title ‘Veervar’ and the ‘Jagir of Nagarkoth’. The title Birbar or Birbal
conferred on Maheshdas became so popular that it replaced his real name. He himself
preferred this name used it sometimes in his verses. Akbar is said to have borrowed this
name from 'Vetal Panchvishanti' or the 'betal pachisi', the twenty five tales of Vikram and
Vetal. In the third story a man named Veervar offers his services to the king and fully earns
the high pay allowance by showing extraordinary proof of his loyalty and devotion. The title
Veervar was transformed into Birbal on the basis of sanskrit rules according to which when

13
two ‘r’ sounds occur in close proximity the later is pronounced as ‘L’. Akbar also bestowed
on him the title of ‘Raja’, meaning, and ‘king’. Birbal often had many witty interactions with
Akbar and was a close friend of the Emperor. In many instances Akbar would question him
on something philosophical, witty, bizarre, or even unusual, and Birbal was always ready
with a funny, sharp, or brilliant answer. Equally loved by children and the adults, generations
have grown up listening to the folk lores of Birbal and Akbar. I remember one and it goes
like, One day Akbar asked Birbal, "Birbal, can you tell me how many bangles are on your
wife's hand?" Birbal said, "No, Huzoor, I cannot." "You cannot? Although everyday you
see her hand, still you cannot tell how many bangles are on her hand? How is that?" said
Akbar. Birbal said, "Let's go to the garden, Your Majesty. And I will tell you "How is that"."
And they both went to the garden. They both went down a small staircase which led to the
garden. After reaching in the garden Birbal asked, "You daily climb up and down this small
staircase, could you tell how many steps it has?" Akbar smiled and then changed the subject.
Birbal entered the court of Akbar in 1556 and worked with him for 30 years. Birbal rose to a
very high position in the court with his wit, wisdom and humorous nature. He became one of
the closest and trusted ministers of Akbar. Because of his enviable positions many legends
surrounded him.

Birbal's participation in many important expeditions proves he was a rare

combination of a man with a pen and the sword. Akbar took him on expeditions to Bengal,
Bihar and Orissa. Because of his high position and influence with the emperor, he was
envied by many and had many enemies amongst the courtiers. One of them was Zain Khan.
The northwest frontier of India was always of security concern to all the rulers of
India. The Yusufzai and Mandar Afgan tribes living on the border, with their restless ways
and abhorrence for any authority, led a constatnt marauding attacks. Akbar had sent Zain
Khan to deal with the frontier problem. The Yusufzais pretended defeat and then came back
with renewed fight. The Emperor then sent Shaikh Farid, Shaikh Faizi, Sher Khwaja
Fataullah with more reinforcements to no avail. The tribes had the home ground advantage in
a huge area of 40 miles by 60 miles.

At last, Akbar sent Birbal to help Zain Khan who misled him to enter a narrow pass
at night. The Afgans were well prepared and were ready on the hills. They were trapped in

14
the narrow alley. Many men lost their way or were killed in the holes and the caverns. It was
a terrible defeat called in the history as the ‘Yusufzai disaster’, in which Birbal, along with
his entire army was perished. Birbal fought with bravery and lost his life in the service of
Akbar on 16th Feb, 1586.

When Akbar heard the death of his dear friend he was profoundly shocked and did
not eat food or water nor attended his court for two full days. It is very notable that this was
one of the only 5 times that Akbar did not attend his royal court during his reign.
Akabar's genuine love and friendship for Birbal is attested by two incidents:

➢ Akbar was very fond of chowgan (modern day polo). During one such game, Birbal
fell off his horse and was knocked unconscious. Akbar got down from his own horse
and personally brought Birbal back to consciousness.
➢ Another time, when Akbar was watching the fight between two wild elephants, one
of the elephants went to attack a servant standing nearby. Halfway, the elephant
changed his mind and ran after Birbal. He was about to strike Birbal when Akbar
with the intention of saving his friend brought his own horse between the elephant
and Birbal. The spectators were aghast and a cry went into the air. The elephant stood
still overcome by the majestic courage. Akbar's uncommon venture was a great feat
and there could be no greater test of his sincerity, love and friendship for Birbal.

15
Raja Birbal

16
RAJA TODAR MAL

Raja Todar Mal was a warrior, an able administrator and an exemplary finance
minister. He was one of the 'Navratnas' of Akbar's court.
Born to a Khsatriya family of Uttar Pradesh, he joined the services as a clerk in
Akbar's court. Akbar was impressed with his administrative capability and presented him the
post of 'Wazir'. As a finance minister he transformed the land revenue collection and
assessment into a systematic process. He reconstructed the land tax structure and introduced
compensation for crop damage. His systems were so effective and modern that the others and
even the British followed it later on.

Raja Todar Mal was the Finance Minister in Akbar’s court. Raja Todar Mal
revolutionized and changed the revenue system of Akbar’s Mughal Empire. He was from the
Khatri community of Punjab (some consider him to be belonging to Kayastha community).
He was a Khatri and not a Kayastha is also supported by the fact (as found in his many
paintings) that he wore a secrate thread, which is traditionally worn only by Bhahmins,
Kshatriya and Kharis but not Kayasthas.

Raja Todar Mal became well versed in his administrative skills while working under
Sher Shah. He joined the Akbar’s court as a clerk. Akbar was impressed with his
administrative capability and gave him the post of ‘Wazir’ Reconstructing the land tax
structure and introducing compensation for crop damage were also his ideas. His systems
were so effective that all the others and even the British followed it later on.

Raja Todar Mal’s role in Akbar’s court: In 1560 A.D, Raja Todar Mal became the
Finance Minister in Akbar’s court. Before that Khwaja Malik I’timad Khan was in that
service. Raja Todar Mal introduced standard weights and measures, a land survey and
settlement system, revenue districts and officers. He can be counted as one of first
statisticians in India and perhaps in the world.

Akbar gave the title, ‘Diwan-I-Ashraf’ to Todar Mal in 1582 A.D. Todar mal’s

17
systematic land reforms of 1582 A.D, popularly known as the ‘Bandobast’ System, gave way
to the framework of subsequent land taxation systems, including that introduced by Thomas
Munro.

Todar Mal was also an able soldier and General. He accompanied Raja Man Singh to
crush the Afghan rebels in Bengal. Todar Mal did foresight the significant importance of a
single language for all administrative works to be effective. So he promoted Persian as the
language for official purpose.

Todar Mal was told to be abandoned by his parents and he grew up somewhere else.
He had two sons. Raja Todar Mal constructed a new temple on the site of the destroyed
Vishwanath temple in Varanasi in 1585 A.D. In 1586 A.D Akbar shifted to Lahore and so
was Todar Mal. And Todar Mal died in Lahore in 1586 A.D, the same year as Akbar’s other
Navaratna Raja Birbal.

Many of the fundamental data collection schemes as practiced by Todar Mal were
used thereafter in the Indian subcontinent and neighboring countries.

Todar Mal’s genius was recognized by one and all and his popularity can be seen
even these days. He was also featured in the video game Sid Meier’s Civilization 4: Beyond
the Sword as a “great merchant” available in the game.
Raja Todar Mal was buried at Fatehpur Sikri is called ‘Todar Mal Barrahdari’. This
double-storeyed building is made up of red sandstone and is square in shape with chamfered
angles.

Raja Todar Mal, a Khatri, was born in Gaya, Bihar and rose to become the Finance
Minister in Akbar's Darbar of the Mughal Empire. He was made in charge of Agra and
settled in Gujarat. Later he was made in charge of Gujarat as well. He also managed Akbar's
Mint at Bengal. Also served in Punjab.. He died on 8 November 1589 in Lahore. It is
commonly said that Todar Mal made a settlement of Kashmir but Henry Beveridge doubts it.
Raja Todamal built a fortress-cum- palace at Laharpur, Distt, Sitapur of UP. There is a large
concentration of Khatries at Laharpur, believed to have been arranged by Raja Todar Mal.

18
His name is included in famous personalities section on official government website of
Sitapur.

Todar Mal is recognized as an able warrior, and lead in various battles.

In 1971, he was employed under Muzaffarbad, he served under Akbar against Khan
Zaman (vide no 61).

In the 19th year, after the conquest of Patna, he got an Salam and naqqara and was
ordered to accompany MunSim Khan to Bengal. He was the soul of the expedition. In the
battle with Da'ud Khan -i-Kharani, when Khan Alam (videNo58) had been killed, and
MunSim Khan 's horse had run away , the Raja held his ground bravely , and 'not only was
there no defeat but an actual vbictory " What harm said Todar Mal , if Khan Alam is
dead ;what fear if the Khan Khanan's horse has run away , the empire is ours !

Todar Mal belonged to a Khatri family of Uttar Pradesh. He joined the services of
Emperor Akbar as an ordinary clerk. His rise to higher echelons of administration was very
fast and in 1572 he was appointed "Diwan" of the Province of Gujarat. In recognition of his
efficiency and brilliance, he was promoted to the post of "Wazir" and was one of the
Navratna's of Emperor Akbar's Court.

Raja Todar Mal is credited with systematising the land revenue system. As "Wazir"
he issued comprehensive orders covering almost all phases of Land revenue assessment and
collection. He got the cultivable lands measured once and for all and area under cultivation
was assigned after making enquiries at the time the crop was standing. Thus during his time,
surveying was given a strong footing. He rationalised the land tax rates and even introduced
the concept of compensation for crop damage.

Todar Mal was not only a brilliant Administrator but also a good soldier and a
General. He had the sagacity and foresight to see the unifying effect of a common language
for the entire administration. With this end in view, he made all the records in Persian
language and compelled everyone who held the subordinate posts in villages and towns to
adopt Persian as their language. What has immortalised Todar Mal was the revenue
assessment and land survey system, which he evolved. Though the Mogul dynasty vanished,
the system he introduced remained and was followed by both the Marathas and to a great
extent by the Britishers. He passed away in the year 1659.

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RAJA MAN SINGH
Raja Shri Man Singh Ji Saheb (Man Singh I) (December 21, 1550 – July 6, 1614)
was the Kacchwaha King of Amber, a state later known as Jaipur. He was a trusted general
of the Mughal emperor Akbar, who included him among the Navaratnas, or the nine gems of
the royal court.

EARLY LIFE OF MAN SINGH

Raja Man Singh was born on Sunday, Paus Budi 13 V.S. 1607 i.e. 21st December,
1550 A.D. His mother’s name was Rani Sa Bhagawati Ji Sahiba at Amber, the chief wife of
Raja Bhagwant Das; his father was Raja Bhagwant Das of Amber. On the birth of Kunwar
Man, the astrologers sounded an ominous note that the newly born baby was likely to fall in
trouble on account of the influence of some evil stars. They further advised the Raja that in
order to ward off the danger, special arrangements for the Kunwar’s stay should be made at a
place away from Amber for a period of twelve years. Thereupon Raja Bharamal got a palace
built for Man Singh at Muzzamabad which lay forty miles south of Amber. Kunwar Man
lived in the new palace at Muazzamabad for a period of twelve years under the guardianship
of his mother. In 1562 Kunwar Man returned to Amber and his arrival coincided with the
marriage of the daughter of Raja Bharamal with Akbar. He was about eight years younger
than Mughal Emperor Akbar who was born on November 23, 1542 and about ten years
younger than Rana Pratap who was born on May 9, 1540. These three great personalities, of
the same generation, had a great impact on sixteenth century India's polity, society, and
history. They are remembered with reverence in India, although Rana Pratap fought
unrelenting wars with both of them.

Initially known as Kunwar (prince), Man Singh received the title of Mirza Raja and
the mansab (rank) of 5000 after the death of his father on December 10, 1589 from Akbar.
0n August 26, 1605, Man Singh became a mansabdar of 7,000, i.e., a commander of 7,000
cavalry in the Mughal forces, which was the maximum command for anyone other than a son

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of the Mughal emperor and the guardian of Khusrau, the eldest son of Jahangir. Akbar
called him "Farzand" (son). He fought many important campaigns for Akbar. Kunwar Man
Singh led the Mughal Army in the well-known battle of Haldighati fought in 1576 between
the Mughal Empire and Maharana Pratap.

Kunwar Man Singh entered the Mughal Imperial Service in 1562 at an early age of
twelve. He received military training under the guidance of Emperor Akbar and became well
– versed in Mughal technique of warfare. Kunwar Man Singh along with his father
Bhagwant Das took prominent part in the siege and conquest of Ranthambore by Akbar early
in 1569 A.D.

CONFLICT WITH RANA PRATAP

Man Singh was sent by Akbar to persuade Rana Pratap to make a treaty with Akbar
and accept Mughal sovereignty. But Rana Pratap, as a grandson of Rana Sanga, considered
the Mughals invaders and intruders on Indian Territory; he declined to accept Akbar's
sovereignty. The great grandfather of Man Singh, Raja Prithviraj, was married to Rana
Sanga's niece (Rana Raimal's daughter). Thus Rana Pratap was his relative.

On the day of their meeting Rana Pratap invited Man Singh for dinner. Rana Pratap
deliberately avoided attending the dinner in person and sent his son "Kunwar" Amar Singh to
dine with "Kunwar" Man Singh (as custom Rajput men are called "Kunwar" in the life time
of their father). The attitude of other Rajput nobles was also discouraging. They were
secretly making mockery of Man Singh as his aunt Hira kunwar or Jodhabai was married to
Akbar. Man Singh took this as an insult to Akbar and himself. He knew Rana Pratap was
making an excuse to avoid him. He refused to dine with Amar Singh. He remarked, "I will
come again and then will have a dinner". Understanding the hidden meaning a noble of
Pratap remarked "well, don't forget to bring your uncle Akbar". This laid the foundation of
war between the Mughals and Rana Pratap, who already had many decades of rivalry and
enmity.

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 Although a Rajput, Man Singh rose to the post of commander in Akbar's army and
the emperor had a huge reliability on him. Since Man Singh's aunt was married to Akbar, he
was in fact the Kings nephew -in- law in relation. On the other hand Maharana Pratap was
also Man Singh's relative but Rana Pratap hated the Mughals as he considered them as
invaders. Thus when Akbar sent Man Singh to persuade Rana to sign a treaty and accept
Mughal sovereignty, he was invited to a dinner and was insulted. This led to the war between
the Muhgals and Rana Pratap, the famous battle of Haldi Ghati in the year 1576.

Akbar sent the army, which was though formally led by his son Salim but actually
controlled by Man Singh. A fierce war was fought and the Mughals emerged as the winner
but Prarap managed to escape. Jhala Man, one of Pratap's nobles put on his helmet to deceive
the enemy and sacrificed his life, helping Rana to flee.

CAUSES OF THE BATTLE OF HALDIGHATI

As regards the causes of the battle of Haldighati, different writers have advanced
different reasons. Abul Fazi observers; “As the disobedience and the presumption of the
Rana, as well as his deceit and dissimulation had exceeded all bounds. His majesty addressed
himself to his overthrow”. Colonel Tod in his Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan narrates
an incident which according to a few may be used to be immediate cause of the war. This
incident is based on Rajput tradition. According to in Kunwar Man Singh visited Udiapur on
his way back from Gujarat in the middle of 1573 because courtesy demanded that he should
pay his respects to Maharana Pratap who was the doyen of the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan
while passing through his territories. Though he was warmly received but curtly treated on
the bank of Udaisagar Lake. This very much offended the vanity of Kunwar Man Singh and
he took a vow to revenge this insult. The Udaisagar, incident might have been a contributory
cause of the battle but the real causes were something else. Emperor Akbar was successful in
winning over a large number of Rajput states by his policy of matrimony and friendship and
this unavailing, even by extending (hearts and coercion – But neither of these policies could
bring Rana Pratap to the fold of the Mughal Emperor. Akbar was a shrewd politician and he
knew very well that unless Maharana Pratap was persuaded or coerced to submit, his policy
of fraternizing with the Rajputs and making them a bulwark of the growing Mughal Empire

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was doomed to failure. But Maharana was made of a different stuff. He was prepared to
sacrifice his life at the altar of Rajput freedom but was not ready to accept the over lordship
of the Mughals. The loss of Chittor was still fresh in his memory and he was not in the least
inclined to come to terms with the imperialists who had deprived him of his dear motherland.
Besides, the Maharana was a proud orthodox Rajput chief who hated the Mughal Emperor
very bitterly because the latter had polluted the Rajput blood by contacting matrimonial
alliance with them. Thus, the Maharana stood like a stumbling block to the Emperor’s
scheme of annexing the whole of Rajasthan to his Empire. Thus, a clash between the two
was inevitable because they were poles asunder in championing their respective causes. The
fight between the two lay in “the logic of history”.

In the Battle of Haldighati, despite exaggerated figures, it is estimated that Rana

Pratap had 3,000 horsemen, some elephants and the same number of Bhil warriors under Rao
Poonja or Rana Poonja. A small artillery unit was also with him under Hakim Khan Sur. The
force was divided into five wings. Advance wing was under Hakim Khan Sur, Bhim Singh
Dodiya, and Ramdas Rathore. The right wing was under Bhamashah and Ramshah Tanwar.
The left wing was under Jhala Man Singh. Rana Pratap was in the centre. Behind him
was Rao Poonjawith his Bhil warriors.

In 1585, some Afghan tribes revolted against the Mughal Empire. The ongoing
conflicts took the life of Birbal, one of Akbar's famous 'Navratnas'. Then, Man Singh
accompanied by Rao Gopaldas crossed the invincible Khyber Pass and defeated the
rebellions. In 1594 he was appointed as the Governor of Bengal, Orissa and Bihar. During
this period Governor Man Singh defeated many small kings and expanded the Mughal
Empire. Akbar's son Salim and Man Singh had their differences as Man Singh wanted to be
the King's heir. So, when Akbar died and Salim sat on the throne, Man Singh was removed
from Bengal.

Raja Man Singh built many wonderful temples, including one at Vrindavan. He
contributed a lot to the beautification of Amber. He died a natural death at Ellichpur on July
6, 1614.

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FAQIR AZIAO-DIN

Faqir Aziao-Din (Faqir means Sage or Ascetic in Urdu) was one of Akbar's chief
advisors, and belonged to his inner circle, he was a visionary advisor to Emperor Akbar a
mystic too. His advice was sought for many important issues. Thus we see that Faqir Aziao-
Din and his words were held in high esteem by Emperor Akbar and thus he included him
among the nine gems of his court, or The Navratnas.

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25
MULLAH DO-PIAZA

It is a strange fact of history that Akbar, the greatest Mughal emperor, was illiterate.
At the time of Akbar`s birth and for many years after, his father Humayun was a fugitive.
Having lost his kingdom to the Afghan Sher Shah Suri, Humayun was constantly moving
from place to place seeking shelter. He was too unsettled to think of educating his son and
that is why Akbar came to the throne without having received a formal education but perhaps
this was why Akbar valued learned men so highly. He honoured them with money and titles
and positions at court. This is a story of one such man. He is popularly known as Mullah Do-
Piaza because he invented a dish known as `do-piaza.` Do-Piaza is made with mutton and
onions.

Mullah Do-Piaza was the son of humble parents. His father was a schoolmaster.
There was never much money in the house so Do-Piaza never enjoyed any luxuries. All he
wanted was to learn more and more. Books were not that easily available then as they are
now. They were handwritten and very expensive. Mullah Do-Piaza read all the books that he
could lay his hands on. Sometimes he went to a rich man`s house and took up a petty job just
so that he could read the books in that house.

In due course he had mastered Persian and Arabic, philosophy and astronomy. And
now Mullah Do-Piaza was not content to stay at home. He began to dream of going to Agra
and getting a position at the court of Akbar.

It was very difficult to get a position at court. One really had to excel in some field.
Also, one needed a patron, that is, a man who was already a courtier and close enough to the
emperor to recommend a newcomer. It was months before Mullah Do-Piaza could find a
patron and months before the patron could find a suitable opportunity to recommend him to
the emperor. Akbar asked for details of Mullah Do-Piaza`s life - where he lived, what he had
learnt, and what kind of work he could do. On hearing that Mullah Do-Piaza was well versed
in Persian and Arabic, philosophy and astronomy, Akbar was quiet for a while. Then he said
that this young man will be given a chance and he was to take up tha charge of the poultry
house.

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 When Mullah Do-Piaza got the news he was heartbroken to hear that he would be
given the charge of royal poultry house. He, a scholar, capable of debating with the most
learned men in the empire, had been asked to look after a few hundred brainless, clucking
hens.

But Mullah Do-Piaza was basically a patient man. He knew that to get good things in
life one must work hard and wait. So he got down to work with great determination. Day in
and day out his only concern was hens, hens and hens. He saw to it that they were well fed
and given clean water to drink. He saw to it that their living quarters were clean. And if a
fowl was taken ill, he made sure that it was immediately separated from the rest and given
proper treatment.

After a day`s hard work among the hens, Mullah Do-Piaza still sat down with his
books. Now and again he heaved a deep sigh as he eagerly awaited the day when the
emperor will admit him in the court. Meanwhile Akbar had forgotten all about the scholar
whom he had packed off to mind the hens. But one day he remembered. His finance minister,
Raja Todar Mal, was reading out the palace accounts to tell Akbar how much money had
been spent on the royal household. When the minister came to the expenses of the
`murghikhana`, he mentioned such a low figure that Akbar sat up. He enquired how this was
possible. Todar Mal gave the credit to the young man was looking after the hens. Akbar
immediately asked to summon the man.

Mullah Do-Piaza came as fast as he could. Akbar looked at him sternly and asked
why so less was being spent on the hens. Mullah Do-Piaza replied that they are being looked
after very well but their food is different. He explained further that he is feeding them what
cannot be used in the royal kitchen. Vegetable stalks, fruit and vegetable peelings, stale
chappatis and dough used for sealing the mouths of vessels when royal cooks prepare special
dishes are being used. Normally these are wastes but hens not only enjoy it, they thrive on it.

Akbar nodded and promoted him to the post of royal librarian. Mullah Do-Piaza
`salaamed` the emperor a dozen times. But in his heart of hearts he was bitterly disappointed.
He had spent the first thirty years of his life gaining knowledge. Now he wished to air that
knowledge. He wished to show people how clever he was. But as head of the royal library he
would be seeing only books and more books and very few people.

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 In time, however, Mullah Do-Piaza got over his disappointment. He buckled down to
work organizing the library. One day, about a year later, Akbar came to inspect the library.
He was surprised to find each book covered with a jacket of silk, velvet or brocade. There
were hundreds of books and not one without a cover. Akbar sent for Mullah Do-Piaza again.
He said that expensive material had been used to cover the books but he has never charged
for it. So he must be spending his own money.

Mullah Do Piaza bowed and replied that the book covers did not cost anything. When
the emperor refused to believe him he explained. He said that every day dozens of people
come to the Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) with humble requests to the Majesty.
These requests are written on sheets of paper. The paper is folded and placed inside a bag
made of the most expensive material that the person can afford-silk, velvet or brocade. The
ministers take out the paper to read out the requests but the bags are discarded. He has
discovered these bags lying in a store behind the Diwan-e-Aam. The royal tailors soon made
them into jackets for the books. Since the tailors are working for the emperor they charged
nothing.

M u l l a h D o - Akbar
P i looked
a z ataMullah Do-Piaza and smiled
broadly. He was so impressed with the young man
that he granted him a position in the royal court. And
that is how, through patience and hard work, Mullah
Do-Piaza finally fulfilled his most cherished desire.

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 CONCLUSION

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 King Akbar or Navratnas.

Abul Fazl (1551-1602) was the chronicler of Akbar’s rule. He authored the
biographical Akbarnama. Abul Fazl documented the history meticulously, over seven years.

Faizi (1547-1595) was Abul Fazl’s brother. He was a poet that wrote verses in
Persian. King Akbar appointed him tutor in mathematics for his son.

Mian Tansen was a singer for King Akbar, born a Hindu in 1520, who was a poet
himself. He was a student of music from Swami Haridas and later from Hazrat Mohammad
Ghaus. He was a court musician with the prince of Mewar and later recruited by Akbar as his
court musician. Tansen became a legendary name in India and was the composer of many
classical ragas.

Birbal (1528-1583) was a poor Brahmin who was appointed to the court of Akbar for
his intelligence, and became a court jester. There are many witty stories of exchanges and
interactions between the monarch and his minister that are popular today. Birbal was also a
poet and his collections under the pen name "Brahma” are preserved in Bharatpur Museum.

Raja Todar Mal was Akbar’s finance minister, who from 1560 onwards overhauled
the revenue system in the kingdom. He introduced standard weights and measurements,
revenue districts and officers. His systematic approach to revenue collection became a model
for the future Mughals as well as the British. In 1582, Akbar bestowed on the raja the title
Diwan-I-Ashraf.

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 Raja Man Singh, the Kacchwaha rajput raja of Amber. This trusted lieutenant of
Akbar was the grandson of Akbar’s father-in-law. His family had been inducted into Mughal
hierarchy as amirs (nobles).

Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana, a poet was the son of Akbar’s trusted protector and
caretaker when he was a teenager, Bairam Khan. After Bairam Khan was murdered by
treacherously, his wife became the second wife of Akbar.

Fakir Aziao-Din who was a mystic and visionary advisor to Emperor Akbar. He and
his words were held in high esteem by the emperor. His advice was sought for many
important issues.

Mullah Do Piaza , an advisor to Akbar. Mulla Do Piaza was a highly learned man
who had great authority in many fields. Emperor Akbar held him in high esteem and his wise
opinion was consulted for many important administrative matters.

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 Bibliography
Books Referred:
1. Kalyan Chowdhury, A Short History of India, 2007 Edition, Oriental Book
Company Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata
2. Dr. N.N. Kher & Jaideep Aggarwal, A Text Book of Social Sciences, 2009
Edition, Pitambar Publishing Company Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
3. Neela Subramaniam, Birbal and his Presence of Mind, 2006 Edition, Sura
Books Pvt. Ltd., Chennai

Websites Referred:
1. www.salagram.net
2. www.wn.com
3. www.worldofbiography.com

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