The Navaratnas in the Court of Akbar The GreatA 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 2 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 AbulFazel. 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. 3 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. My special thanks to our parents who kept us motivated and also hearty thanks to our friends who cooperated and helped us in every point of time for preparing this Project. This Project has helped us to know more about the subject and the intrinsicalness involved with it. 4 . Vikramaditya and in Akbar's darbar.Yajnavalkya. known as the nine courtiers of King Akbar or Navratnas. Varahamihira. By this apercu we would like to brief the reader about the topics that would be covered in this project. Amarasimha. Kshapanak. this symbology was adopted in the courts of King Vikramaditya and the Mughal emperor Akbar. His passion for knowledge and interest in learning from great minds led him to attract men of genius to his court. Vararuchi and Kalidasa. was a great lover of the artists and intellectuals. the eight elephants. Shanku. Ghat karpar. Gargi Many famous emperors in India had courtiers labelled in similar ways. For example. Later.ABSTRACT Originally. so as to arouse the interest of the readers. The Mughal ruler Akbar. 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. Raaj Sabha . the term Navaratnas or Nauratan meant a talisman or ornament composed of nine precious gems. Vetal bhatt. Maitreyi. 5 . the valuable members of the court of Krishna Deva Raya were termed Astadiggajas. This project is aimed to get an insight into the 9 gems ‘The Navratnas’ present in the court of Akbar. Ashtapradhan was the title given to the council of Shivaji. despite his illiteracy. where the Navaratnas were a group of nine extraordinary men in their respective courts. Where ever possible small instances related to the lives of these personages have also been inserted.Dhanvantari. the most notable among all of them. Nine gems during the reign of Vikramaditya . Some well-known groups are in the Raaj Sabha (court) of King Janaka. the most recent addition being Oil India Limited. (the third volume is known as the Ain-i-Akbari) and a Persian translation of the Bible. Abul Fazl's father. FAMILY AND BIOGRAPHY Abul Fazl's ancestors hailed from Yemen . the poet laureate of Emperor Akbar. Navratna is the title given to nine Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs). 1602) was the vizier of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. which allowed them greater autonomy to compete in the global market. Shaikh Mubarak. Despite these hardships Mubarak's mother arranged for good education for him.The modern usage of Navratna is a bit different. which had attained significant importance as a Sufi mystic centre under Shaikh Hamid-ud-din Sufi Sawali. One of the earliest teachers for Mubarak was Shaikh 'Attan' who was known for his piety. a Sindhi Shaikh who lived in Rel near Siwistan (Sehwan). the official history of Akbar's reign in three volumes. His family lived in Sindh till the close of the 15th century. Shaikh Khizr settled near the tomb of Shaikh Hamid-ud-din in Nagaur. identified by the Government of India in 1997 as its most prestigious units. 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. ABU'L-Fazl Shaikh Abu al-Fazl ibn Mubarak also known as Abu'l-Fazl. and author of the Akbarnama. Another important teacher who influenced Shaikh Mubarak was Shaikh Fayyazi. Abu'l Fazl was the fifth descendant of Shaikh Musa. in the realm of Sindh. His grandfather. A famine and plague stuck Nagaur which caused further misery to the destitute family. 1551 August 12. Shaikh Khizr moved to Nagaur. Later he went to Ahmedabad and 6 . His early demise caused great hardship to Mubarak and his mother. He was also the brother of Faizi. Abu'l Fadl and Abu'lFadl 'Allami (January 14. a khalifa of Shaikh Muin-ud-din Chisti of Ajmer. The number of PSEs having Navratna status has been raised to 16. a disciple of Khwaja Ubaidullah Ahrar. Abul Fazl was buried at Antri. which literally means Book of Akbar. he settled in Agra. and all the paintings represented the Mughal school of painting. because Abu'l Fazl was known to oppose the accession of Prince Salim to the throne. Shaikh Umar and Shaikh Yusuf. His severed head was sent to Salim at Allahabad. Abu'l Fazl's son Shaikh Abdur Rahman Afzal Khan (December 29. 1592 and 1594 by at least forty-nine different artists from Akbar's studio. AIN –I. one of the Nine Jewels (Hindi: Navaratnas) of Akbar’s royal court. The work was commissioned by Akbar.AKBARI 7 . 1571–1613) was later appointed governor of Bihar in 1608 by Jahangir. who later became the Emperor Jahangir in 1602. AKBARNAMA The Akbarnāma. commissioned by Akbar himself and written in Persian by his court historian and biographer. 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. where his eldest son. It is stated that the book took seven years to be completed and the original manuscripts contained a number of paintings supporting the texts. the third Mughal Emperor (r. Abul Fazl. and work of masters of the imperial workshop. and written by Abul Fazl. He also led the Mughal imperial army in its wars in the Deccan.studied under Shaikh Abu'l Fazl Gazruni (who adopted him as a 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. including Basawan. Abul Fazl wrote the work between 1590 and 1596 and is thought to have been illustrated between c. 1556–1605). Finally. is the official chronicle of the reign of Akbar. whose use of portraiture in its illustrations was an innovation in Indian art. It includes vivid and detailed descriptions of his life and times. Abul Fazl also describes the Caste system to his readers. Abu’l Fazl tries to relate everything back to something that the Muslims could understand. Most of this information is derived from Sanskrit texts and knowledge systems. and duties of each caste. Here Abu'l Fazl's ambition. He then goes on to describe the sixteen subclasses which come from intermarriage among the main four. polytheism and idolatry. Buddhists. In this section. pp 7). He also gives several Indian accounts of geography. he expounds the major beliefs of not the six major Hindu philosophical schools of thought. translated by Helen Blochmann. In his description of Hinduism. and Nāstikas. 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. rank... likely Jains who were favoured at Akbar's court. Many of the orthodox Muslims thought that the Hindus were guilty of two of the greatest sins. but merely are there to keep their minds from wandering. and those of the Jains. “This is a system of 8 .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". Abu’l Fazl A b u ' l - F says that z symbols and images that the the l a Hindus carry are not idols. He writes the name. On the topic of idolatry. cosmography. He writes that only serving and worshipping God is required. Abu'l Fazl admits that he did not know Sanskrit and it is thought that he accessed this information through intermediaries. Volume III. in hithe learned among the Hindus." (Ā’in-i-Akbarī. Abu’l Fazl next writes about Karma about which he writes. and some tidbits on Indian aesthetic thought. FAIZI Sheikh Abu al-Faiz Ibn Mubarak. Shaikh Mubarak was a scholar in the philosophy and literature of Greece as well as in Islamic theology. Akbar highly recognized the genius in him and appointed him tutor for his sons and gave place to him among his decorative 'Nav Ratnas'. Kalpi and Kalinjar. He was educated mostly by his father. He was the eldest son of Shaikh Mubarak of Nagaur. Akbar successively appointed him tutor for his princes. a Sindhi Shaikh who lived in Rel near Siwistan . In AH 974. In AH 999. in the realm of Sindh. a few years after his return from Deccan. popularly known by his pen-name. Faizi was the fifth descendant of Shaikh Musa. he reached Akbar's court. 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. Faizi suffered from Asthma and died on 9 . In 1588. Salim. he was appointed sadr of Agra. AH 954. The third kind is actions which cause a woman to be barren. His father. he became the Malik-ush-Shu'ara of Akbar's Court. or the death of a child. Faizi was a Persian poet of late medieval India. in which the learned of Hindustan concur without dissenting opinion.knowledge of an amazing and extraordinary character. And the fourth kind deals with money and generosity. He was born at Agra on 5 Sha'ban.” He places the actions and what event they bring about in the next life into four different kinds. In AH 1003. He was the elder brother of Akbar's historian Abul Fazl. he was sent to Khandesh and Ahmednagar as Mughal envoy. First. In AH 990. or lack thereof. Murad and Daniyal. He classifies the second kind as the different diseases and sicknesses one suffers from. In pursuance of the Literary practice then in vogue.10 Safar. the Haft Kishvar and the Akbarnama were the imitations of the Khusraw o Shirin. he was buried in the Ram Bagh at Agra but his body was later transferred to another family mausoleum near Sikandara. During his stay in Deccan from 1591-3. According to its preface. the Markaz ul-Advar. but all the titles are not known to us. was entitled Tabashir al-Subh. ruba'is and elegies. he wrote a celebrated series of reports on political and cultural conditions of Deccan. At the age of 30. Faizi planned to produce a Panj Ganj or Khamsa in imitation of the Persian poet Nezami Ganjavi. the Markaz ul-Advar and the Nal o Daman was the javab of Nezami's the Makhzan ul-Asrarand the Layla o Majnun. He also wrote a commentary on the Quran. His other three incomplete works. 10 . the Sulaiman o Bilqis. 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. he started Writing five works the Nal o Daman . Initially. Lilavati in to Persian. as well as contemporary Iran. ghazals. this work was completed in AH 995. His Divan. the Sulaiman o Bilqis. Faizi translated Bhaskaracharya's celebrated Sanskrit work on Mathematics. AH 1004 at Lahore. His two completed works. His Divan comprises qasidas. the Haft Kishvar and the Akbarnama. the Haft Paykar and the Sikandarnama respectively. Miyan ki Todi. who for some time was a temple priest in Varanasi. Miyan ki Mand. an interesting legend of this improvisation has it that Bilas composed M i y a n it while grief-stricken at the wake itself. possibly in 1506. The royal courts of Rewa. e. His son. there are tales about his affair with Akbar’s daughter Mehrunnisa. He was born into a Hindu Gaur Brahmin family. Also. all musicians belonged to his family. including Nayak Wazir Khan (guru of Allauddin Khan) and Mohammed Ali Khan. retained many noted members of Tansen lineage. Bilas Khan. Miyan ka Sarang. and that Tansen's corpse T a n s e approval of the new melody. Dr Dabir Khan (Saraswati Devi lineage) was a dhrupadiya and a beenkar. possibly in the village Bacchaura near Satna. In terms of influence. he can be compared only to the prolific sufi composer Amir Khusro (1253–1325). was also a musicologist who wrote the Risala Mousibi. Hamirsen. and these are often prefaced with Miyan ki ("of the Miyan"). In Gwalior court. His father Makrand Pandey was a poet and accomplished musician.held considerable prestige in musical circles for several centuries. Tanras Khan. Tansen's name as a child was Ramtanu. the legendary Queen Mrignayani got friendly to him. who is of Saraswati Devi lineage. Tansen had both Hindu and Muslim wives. The legendary musical prowess of Tansen surpasses all other legends in Indian and Pakistani music. One of the last of the line. Miyan ki Malhar. Wazir Khan. Several of his raga compositions have become mainstays of the Hindustani or Ancient Pakistani tradition. at Radio Calcutta. Bilas Khan is said to have created raga ‘Bilaskhani Todi’ after Tansen's death.g. or to bhakti tradition composers such as Kabir or Haridas. moved one hand in n 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. in addition he is the 11 .MIYAN TANSEN: THE GREAT MUSICIAN Miya Tansen(1505-1586) was a great Indian Vocalist. Tansen's blood descendants – the Senia gharana . Suratsen and Saraswati Devi. Rampur and Jaipur among others. though some try to go further back to Amir Khusro. the ‘chaadar’ was ceremonially brought to the Mazaar of Sufi Saint Muhammad Ghaus. Almost every gharana (school) tries to trace its origin to him. With ‘chaadar-poshi’ on Miyan Tansen’s mazaar.Tansen also authored ‘Sangeeta Sara’ and ‘Rajmala’ which constitute important documents on music. which does not have frets and is popular today because of its perceived closeness to the vocal style. Milad and recital of verses from Holy Quran. some of the ideas from the rabab were fused with the traditional Indian stringed instrument. The annual Tansen Cultural Festival. After Naat Sharif and Qawwali. one of the results of this fusion is the instrument sarod. and Rageshwari. and after his death the great musician was buried near his spiritual master’s mazaar. the Sabri Brothers of Pakistan claim lineage from Miyan Tansen. this was formalized essentially through the practice by composers like Tansen and Haridas. the four daylong event was inaugurated with Hari Katha. After Tansen. as per the age-old tradition. the ‘Sangeet Samrat‘ was also a believer in Islam. He was a disciple of Sufi Saint Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus. Many aficionados are convinced that his death was caused by a conflagration while he was singing the raga Deepaka. 12 . And his tomb is in Gwalior and every year the Sangeet Samaroh is held in his memory. The bhajan ‘Ek raaii ke hazaar hisse. as well as others like Baiju Bawra who may have been a contemporary. The famous qawwals.creator of major ragas like Darbari Kanada. Though a Hindu by birth. us mein bhii Khudaa basey’ was sung. As for the Dhrupad style of singing. Darbari Todi. the function started. veena. He also had a great wit and humor. The title Birbar or Birbal conferred on Maheshdas became so popular that it replaced his real name. Then according to the family tradition he learned music and poetry. to the couple Gangadas and Anabhadevi in the village of Trivikrampur or Tiwkapur. He became famous as the poet-musician-singer. His witty conversation made a mark on anyone he met. Hindi and Persian (the state language). When Bhagawandas. Rajasthan. From the court of Jaipur. he was financially settled. 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 fame of Maheshdas reached the ears of Akbar and he invited him to his court. Maheshdas's grandfather Rupdhar started his education at age of 5 and taught him Sanskrit. Because of his accomplishments Maheshdas was able to marry a girl from a well known family in Kalinjar. Akbar is said to have borrowed this name from 'Vetal Panchvishanti' or the 'betal pachisi'. in a very poor Brahmin family. he invited him with great honour. the twenty five tales of Vikram and Vetal. His mother sent him to her father Rupdhar at Patrapunj. the king of Jaipur heard about Maheshdas. He himself preferred this name used it sometimes in his verses. Maheshdas went to the court of Raja Ramachandra of Rewa. Emperor was so pleased that he conferred him with the title ‘Veervar’ and the ‘Jagir of Nagarkoth’. The collection of his writings can be found in the Bharatpur Museum. on the banks of river Yamuna.RAJA BIRBAL: THE COURT JESTER Raja Birbal (1528-1586) is a famous historical character. The title Veervar was transformed into Birbal on the basis of sanskrit rules according to which when 13 . 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. Maheshdas sang his own composition in the court. born in 1528 as Maheshdas. Raja Ramachandra was great lover of art and Maheshdas was amongst his courtiers. His grandfather Rupdhar was a great Sanskrit scholar and resided in Patrapunj. Soon he was writing his own poems and setting them to tunes and singing them in his sweet voice. Maheshdas was the third child and at a very young age lost his father Gangadas. By marriage. He was writing under the pseudonym “Brahmakavi”. generations have grown up listening to the folk lores of Birbal and Akbar. can you tell me how many bangles are on your wife's hand?" Birbal said. And I will tell you "How is that"." "You cannot? Although everyday you see her hand. sharp. "No.two ‘r’ sounds occur in close proximity the later is pronounced as ‘L’. In many instances Akbar would question him on something philosophical. could you tell how many steps it has?" Akbar smiled and then changed the subject. wisdom and humorous nature. Akbar had sent Zain Khan to deal with the frontier problem. "Birbal. Bihar and Orissa. bizarre. Birbal's participation in many important expeditions proves he was a rare combination of a man with a pen and the sword. Sher Khwaja Fataullah with more reinforcements to no avail. Equally loved by children and the adults. The Yusufzais pretended defeat and then came back with renewed fight. The tribes had the home ground advantage in a huge area of 40 miles by 60 miles. and Birbal was always ready with a funny. still you cannot tell how many bangles are on her hand? How is that?" said Akbar. Birbal said. They both went down a small staircase which led to the garden. "Let's go to the garden. One of them was Zain Khan. One day Akbar asked Birbal. Because of his enviable positions many legends surrounded him. I remember one and it goes like. "You daily climb up and down this small staircase. he was envied by many and had many enemies amongst the courtiers. Because of his high position and influence with the emperor. They were trapped in 14 . I cannot. Akbar sent Birbal to help Zain Khan who misled him to enter a narrow pass at night. Akbar took him on expeditions to Bengal. Akbar also bestowed on him the title of ‘Raja’. Huzoor. Birbal entered the court of Akbar in 1556 and worked with him for 30 years. The Yusufzai and Mandar Afgan tribes living on the border." And they both went to the garden. After reaching in the garden Birbal asked. led a constatnt marauding attacks. At last. witty. The northwest frontier of India was always of security concern to all the rulers of India. Shaikh Faizi. The Emperor then sent Shaikh Farid. He became one of the closest and trusted ministers of Akbar. with their restless ways and abhorrence for any authority. Birbal rose to a very high position in the court with his wit. or even unusual. and ‘king’. or brilliant answer. Your Majesty. The Afgans were well prepared and were ready on the hills. meaning. Birbal often had many witty interactions with Akbar and was a close friend of the Emperor. when Akbar was watching the fight between two wild elephants. The spectators were aghast and a cry went into the air. love and friendship for Birbal. It is very notable that this was one of the only 5 times that Akbar did not attend his royal court during his reign. 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. Birbal fought with bravery and lost his life in the service of Akbar on 16th Feb. Many men lost their way or were killed in the holes and the caverns. Halfway. along with his entire army was perished. Birbal fell off his horse and was knocked unconscious. the elephant changed his mind and ran after Birbal. The elephant stood still overcome by the majestic courage. one of the elephants went to attack a servant standing nearby.the narrow alley. in which Birbal. It was a terrible defeat called in the history as the ‘Yusufzai disaster’. Akabar's genuine love and friendship for Birbal is attested by two incidents: ➢ Akbar was very fond of chowgan (modern day polo). 1586. He was about to strike Birbal when Akbar with the intention of saving his friend brought his own horse between the elephant and Birbal. Akbar's uncommon venture was a great feat and there could be no greater test of his sincerity. Akbar got down from his own horse and personally brought Birbal back to consciousness. 15 . ➢ Another time. During one such game. Raja Birbal 16 . Raja Todar Mal revolutionized and changed the revenue system of Akbar’s Mughal Empire. Before that Khwaja Malik I’timad Khan was in that service. Raja Todar Mal became the Finance Minister in Akbar’s court. revenue districts and officers. Todar mal’s 17 .D. ‘Diwan-I-Ashraf’ to Todar Mal in 1582 A. 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. Raja Todar Mal was the Finance Minister in Akbar’s court. Raja Todar Mal introduced standard weights and measures. He was from the Khatri community of Punjab (some consider him to be belonging to Kayastha community). Raja Todar Mal became well versed in his administrative skills while working under Sher Shah. His systems were so effective and modern that the others and even the British followed it later on. He reconstructed the land tax structure and introduced compensation for crop damage. which is traditionally worn only by Bhahmins. His systems were so effective that all the others and even the British followed it later on. He was one of the 'Navratnas' of Akbar's court. He can be counted as one of first statisticians in India and perhaps in the world. Raja Todar Mal’s role in Akbar’s court: In 1560 A. Akbar was impressed with his administrative capability and presented him the post of 'Wazir'. Kshatriya and Kharis but not Kayasthas. Akbar gave the title. a land survey and settlement system.D. an able administrator and an exemplary finance minister. he joined the services as a clerk in Akbar's court.RAJA TODAR MAL Raja Todar Mal was a warrior. He joined the Akbar’s court as a clerk. Born to a Khsatriya family of Uttar Pradesh. As a finance minister he transformed the land revenue collection and assessment into a systematic process. 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. the same year as Akbar’s other Navaratna Raja Birbal. Todar Mal was told to be abandoned by his parents and he grew up somewhere else. Raja Todamal built a fortress-cum.D. Todar Mal did foresight the significant importance of a single language for all administrative works to be effective. gave way to the framework of subsequent land taxation systems.D.palace at Laharpur. And Todar Mal died in Lahore in 1586 A. He accompanied Raja Man Singh to crush the Afghan rebels in Bengal. including that introduced by Thomas Munro. He died on 8 November 1589 in Lahore. Raja Todar Mal was buried at Fatehpur Sikri is called ‘Todar Mal Barrahdari’. Sitapur of UP. He also managed Akbar's Mint at Bengal.. So he promoted Persian as the language for official purpose. He was also featured in the video game Sid Meier’s Civilization 4: Beyond the Sword as a “great merchant” available in the game. Todar Mal’s genius was recognized by one and all and his popularity can be seen even these days. Distt. Raja Todar Mal constructed a new temple on the site of the destroyed Vishwanath temple in Varanasi in 1585 A. Later he was made in charge of Gujarat as well. Also served in Punjab.D. was born in Gaya. Todar Mal was also an able soldier and General. popularly known as the ‘Bandobast’ System. believed to have been arranged by Raja Todar Mal. There is a large concentration of Khatries at Laharpur. In 1586 A. He was made in charge of Agra and settled in Gujarat.systematic land reforms of 1582 A. This double-storeyed building is made up of red sandstone and is square in shape with chamfered angles. It is commonly said that Todar Mal made a settlement of Kashmir but Henry Beveridge doubts it. Bihar and rose to become the Finance Minister in Akbar's Darbar of the Mughal Empire. 18 . a Khatri. Raja Todar Mal. He had two sons.D Akbar shifted to Lahore and so was Todar Mal. Many of the fundamental data collection schemes as practiced by Todar Mal were used thereafter in the Indian subcontinent and neighboring countries. and lead in various battles. His rise to higher echelons of administration was very fast and in 1572 he was appointed "Diwan" of the Province of Gujarat. In 1971. What has immortalised Todar Mal was the revenue assessment and land survey system. after the conquest of Patna. 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. He had the sagacity and foresight to see the unifying effect of a common language for the entire administration.His name is included in famous personalities section on official government website of Sitapur. and 'not only was there no defeat but an actual vbictory " What harm said Todar Mal . He passed away in the year 1659. 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 fear if the Khan Khanan's horse has run away . which he evolved. He rationalised the land tax rates and even introduced the concept of compensation for crop damage. he served under Akbar against Khan Zaman (vide no 61). In the 19th year. Though the Mogul dynasty vanished. he was employed under Muzaffarbad. when Khan Alam (videNo58) had been killed. surveying was given a strong footing. Todar Mal is recognized as an able warrior. Raja Todar Mal is credited with systematising the land revenue system. the Raja held his ground bravely . the system he introduced remained and was followed by both the Marathas and to a great extent by the Britishers. As "Wazir" he issued comprehensive orders covering almost all phases of Land revenue assessment and collection. He was the soul of the expedition. and MunSim Khan 's horse had run away . 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. 19 . In recognition of his efficiency and brilliance. In the battle with Da'ud Khan -i-Kharani. he was promoted to the post of "Wazir" and was one of the Navratna's of Emperor Akbar's Court. Todar Mal was not only a brilliant Administrator but also a good soldier and a General. he got an Salam and naqqara and was ordered to accompany MunSim Khan to Bengal. With this end in view. if Khan Alam is dead . Thus during his time. Man Singh received the title of Mirza Raja and the mansab (rank) of 5000 after the death of his father on December 10. On the birth of Kunwar Man. 1542 and about ten years younger than Rana Pratap who was born on May 9. or the nine gems of the royal court. 1550 – July 6. a commander of 7. who included him among the Navaratnas. society.000. He was a trusted general of the Mughal emperor Akbar.S. Initially known as Kunwar (prince). the chief wife of Raja Bhagwant Das. He was about eight years younger than Mughal Emperor Akbar who was born on November 23. which was the maximum command for anyone other than a son 20 . EARLY LIFE OF MAN SINGH Raja Man Singh was born on Sunday. Paus Budi 13 V. These three great personalities. 21st December. 0n August 26. His mother’s name was Rani Sa Bhagawati Ji Sahiba at Amber. They are remembered with reverence in India. 1607 i. Thereupon Raja Bharamal got a palace built for Man Singh at Muzzamabad which lay forty miles south of Amber. 1589 from Akbar.RAJA MAN SINGH Raja Shri Man Singh Ji Saheb (Man Singh I) (December 21.e. although Rana Pratap fought unrelenting wars with both of them. i. had a great impact on sixteenth century India's polity. Kunwar Man lived in the new palace at Muazzamabad for a period of twelve years under the guardianship of his mother. Man Singh became a mansabdar of 7. 1550 A. 1605. and history. In 1562 Kunwar Man returned to Amber and his arrival coincided with the marriage of the daughter of Raja Bharamal with Akbar.000 cavalry in the Mughal forces. special arrangements for the Kunwar’s stay should be made at a place away from Amber for a period of twelve years.e.. 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.D. a state later known as Jaipur. They further advised the Raja that in order to ward off the danger. 1614) was the Kacchwaha King of Amber. his father was Raja Bhagwant Das of Amber. 1540. of the same generation. was married to Rana Sanga's niece (Rana Raimal's daughter). Raja Prithviraj. as a grandson of Rana Sanga. Understanding the hidden meaning a noble of Pratap remarked "well. The great grandfather of Man Singh. considered the Mughals invaders and intruders on Indian Territory. He received military training under the guidance of Emperor Akbar and became well – versed in Mughal technique of warfare. He refused to dine with Amar Singh. 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). Kunwar Man Singh entered the Mughal Imperial Service in 1562 at an early age of twelve.of the Mughal emperor and the guardian of Khusrau. Man Singh took this as an insult to Akbar and himself. They were secretly making mockery of Man Singh as his aunt Hira kunwar or Jodhabai was married to Akbar. don't forget to bring your uncle Akbar". CONFLICT WITH RANA PRATAP Man Singh was sent by Akbar to persuade Rana Pratap to make a treaty with Akbar and accept Mughal sovereignty. who already had many decades of rivalry and enmity. Akbar called him "Farzand" (son). He fought many important campaigns for Akbar. This laid the foundation of war between the Mughals and Rana Pratap. The attitude of other Rajput nobles was also discouraging. But Rana Pratap. he declined to accept Akbar's sovereignty. the eldest son of Jahangir. He remarked. Thus Rana Pratap was his relative. 21 . He knew Rana Pratap was making an excuse to avoid him. On the day of their meeting Rana Pratap invited Man Singh for dinner. 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. Kunwar Man Singh led the Mughal Army in the well-known battle of Haldighati fought in 1576 between the Mughal Empire and Maharana Pratap. "I will come again and then will have a dinner".D. Since Man Singh's aunt was married to Akbar. The Udaisagar.Although a Rajput. as well as his deceit and dissimulation had exceeded all bounds. Jhala Man. he was in fact the Kings nephew -in. his policy of fraternizing with the Rajputs and making them a bulwark of the growing Mughal Empire 22 . the famous battle of Haldi Ghati in the year 1576. helping Rana to flee. 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. he was invited to a dinner and was insulted. “As the disobedience and the presumption of the Rana. Emperor Akbar was successful in winning over a large number of Rajput states by his policy of matrimony and friendship and this unavailing. A fierce war was fought and the Mughals emerged as the winner but Prarap managed to escape. 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. Akbar sent the army. This led to the war between the Muhgals and Rana Pratap. Man Singh rose to the post of commander in Akbar's army and the emperor had a huge reliability on him. Abul Fazi observers. This incident is based on Rajput tradition. Thus when Akbar sent Man Singh to persuade Rana to sign a treaty and accept Mughal sovereignty. Akbar was a shrewd politician and he knew very well that unless Maharana Pratap was persuaded or coerced to submit.law in relation. one of Pratap's nobles put on his helmet to deceive the enemy and sacrificed his life. This very much offended the vanity of Kunwar Man Singh and he took a vow to revenge this insult. On the other hand Maharana Pratap was also Man Singh's relative but Rana Pratap hated the Mughals as he considered them as invaders. different writers have advanced different reasons. His majesty addressed himself to his overthrow”. Though he was warmly received but curtly treated on the bank of Udaisagar Lake. CAUSES OF THE BATTLE OF HALDIGHATI As regards the causes of the battle of Haldighati. which was though formally led by his son Salim but actually controlled by Man Singh. even by extending (hearts and coercion – But neither of these policies could bring Rana Pratap to the fold of the Mughal Emperor. incident might have been a contributory cause of the battle but the real causes were something else. Then. During this period Governor Man Singh defeated many small kings and expanded the Mughal Empire. Rana Pratap was in the centre. some Afghan tribes revolted against the Mughal Empire. He died a natural death at Ellichpur on July 6. The ongoing conflicts took the life of Birbal. Besides. Akbar's son Salim and Man Singh had their differences as Man Singh wanted to be the King's heir. But Maharana was made of a different stuff. the Maharana stood like a stumbling block to the Emperor’s scheme of annexing the whole of Rajasthan to his Empire. 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. some elephants and the same number of Bhil warriors under Rao Poonja or Rana Poonja. In the Battle of Haldighati. Advance wing was under Hakim Khan Sur. In 1585. The left wing was under Jhala Man Singh. The fight between the two lay in “the logic of history”. when Akbar died and Salim sat on the throne.000 horsemen.was doomed to failure. 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. Thus. including one at Vrindavan. The force was divided into five wings. 23 . Raja Man Singh built many wonderful temples. Thus. He contributed a lot to the beautification of Amber. Bhim Singh Dodiya. despite exaggerated figures. 1614. it is estimated that Rana Pratap had 3. a clash between the two was inevitable because they were poles asunder in championing their respective causes. A small artillery unit was also with him under Hakim Khan Sur. In 1594 he was appointed as the Governor of Bengal. The right wing was under Bhamashah and Ramshah Tanwar. Behind him was Rao Poonjawith his Bhil warriors. one of Akbar's famous 'Navratnas'. and Ramdas Rathore. Man Singh was removed from Bengal. Orissa and Bihar. So. Man Singh accompanied by Rao Gopaldas crossed the invincible Khyber Pass and defeated the rebellions. 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. His advice was sought for many important issues. or The Navratnas.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. Thus we see that Faqir AziaoDin and his words were held in high esteem by Emperor Akbar and thus he included him among the nine gems of his court. 24 . 25 . 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. that is.MULLAH DO-PIAZA It is a strange fact of history that Akbar. Akbar asked for details of Mullah Do-Piaza`s life . It was very difficult to get a position at court. His father was a schoolmaster. philosophy and astronomy. 26 . There was never much money in the house so Do-Piaza never enjoyed any luxuries. 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 began to dream of going to Agra and getting a position at the court of Akbar. his father Humayun was a fugitive. a man who was already a courtier and close enough to the emperor to recommend a newcomer. what he had learnt. At the time of Akbar`s birth and for many years after. And now Mullah Do-Piaza was not content to stay at home. Then he said that this young man will be given a chance and he was to take up tha charge of the poultry house. Mullah Do-Piaza was the son of humble parents. 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. In due course he had mastered Persian and Arabic. Also. and what kind of work he could do. Mullah Do-Piaza read all the books that he could lay his hands on. One really had to excel in some field. On hearing that Mullah Do-Piaza was well versed in Persian and Arabic. Akbar was quiet for a while. was illiterate. He is popularly known as Mullah DoPiaza because he invented a dish known as `do-piaza.where he lived. This is a story of one such man. They were handwritten and very expensive. Humayun was constantly moving from place to place seeking shelter. Having lost his kingdom to the Afghan Sher Shah Suri.` Do-Piaza is made with mutton and onions. He honoured them with money and titles and positions at court. one needed a patron. Books were not that easily available then as they are now. the greatest Mughal emperor. All he wanted was to learn more and more. philosophy and astronomy. Akbar looked at him sternly and asked why so less was being spent on the hens. Day in and day out his only concern was hens. He enquired how this was possible. And if a fowl was taken ill.When Mullah Do-Piaza got the news he was heartbroken to hear that he would be given the charge of royal poultry house. He wished to show people how clever he was. 27 . Now he wished to air that knowledge. clucking hens. So he got down to work with great determination. Raja Todar Mal. capable of debating with the most learned men in the empire. He had spent the first thirty years of his life gaining knowledge. he made sure that it was immediately separated from the rest and given proper treatment. He. Normally these are wastes but hens not only enjoy it. Mullah Do-Piaza replied that they are being looked after very well but their food is different. fruit and vegetable peelings. stale chappatis and dough used for sealing the mouths of vessels when royal cooks prepare special dishes are being used. Todar Mal gave the credit to the young man was looking after the hens. But one day he remembered. Mullah Do-Piaza still sat down with his books. Meanwhile Akbar had forgotten all about the scholar whom he had packed off to mind the hens. But in his heart of hearts he was bitterly disappointed. was reading out the palace accounts to tell Akbar how much money had been spent on the royal household. His finance minister. Mullah Do-Piaza came as fast as he could. He explained further that he is feeding them what cannot be used in the royal kitchen. hens and hens. He saw to it that their living quarters were clean. After a day`s hard work among the hens. Akbar immediately asked to summon the man. Mullah Do-Piaza `salaamed` the emperor a dozen times. But as head of the royal library he would be seeing only books and more books and very few people. they thrive on it. a scholar. He knew that to get good things in life one must work hard and wait. He saw to it that they were well fed and given clean water to drink. But Mullah Do-Piaza was basically a patient man. When the minister came to the expenses of the `murghikhana`. Akbar nodded and promoted him to the post of royal librarian. Vegetable stalks. Now and again he heaved a deep sigh as he eagerly awaited the day when the emperor will admit him in the court. he mentioned such a low figure that Akbar sat up. had been asked to look after a few hundred brainless. Akbar looked ataMullah Do-Piaza and smiled P i a z that he granted him a position in the royal court. velvet or brocade. about a year later. Mullah Do-Piaza finally fulfilled his most cherished desire. He was surprised to find each book covered with a jacket of silk. Mullah Do Piaza bowed and replied that the book covers did not cost anything. 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. He said that every day dozens of people come to the Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) with humble requests to the Majesty. M u l l a h D o broadly. Akbar sent for Mullah Do-Piaza again. through patience and hard work. Mullah Do-Piaza got over his disappointment. When the emperor refused to believe him he explained.In time. And that is how. One day. Akbar came to inspect the library. There were hundreds of books and not one without a cover. The paper is folded and placed inside a bag made of the most expensive material that the person can afford-silk. however. velvet or brocade. The ministers take out the paper to read out the requests but the bags are discarded. He buckled down to work organizing the library. He said that expensive material had been used to cover the books but he has never charged for it. Since the tailors are working for the emperor they charged nothing. So he must be spending his own money. These requests are written on sheets of paper. He was so impressed with the young man . 28 . revenue districts and officers. who was a poet himself. over seven years. born a Hindu in 1520. King Akbar appointed him tutor in mathematics for his son. Birbal was also a poet and his collections under the pen name "Brahma” are preserved in Bharatpur Museum. Abul Fazl documented the history meticulously. He was a student of music from Swami Haridas and later from Hazrat Mohammad Ghaus. His passion for knowledge and interest in learning from great minds led him to attract men of genius to his court. He was a court musician with the prince of Mewar and later recruited by Akbar as his court musician. 29 . He authored the biographical Akbarnama. Akbar bestowed on the raja the title Diwan-I-Ashraf.CONCLUSION The Mughal ruler Akbar. known as the nine courtiers of King Akbar or Navratnas. despite his illiteracy. was a great lover of the artists and intellectuals. Abul Fazl (1551-1602) was the chronicler of Akbar’s rule. Birbal (1528-1583) was a poor Brahmin who was appointed to the court of Akbar for his intelligence. and became a court jester. Tansen became a legendary name in India and was the composer of many classical ragas. Raja Todar Mal was Akbar’s finance minister. His systematic approach to revenue collection became a model for the future Mughals as well as the British. Mian Tansen was a singer for King Akbar. In 1582. Faizi (1547-1595) was Abul Fazl’s brother. He was a poet that wrote verses in Persian. He introduced standard weights and measurements. There are many witty stories of exchanges and interactions between the monarch and his minister that are popular today. who from 1560 onwards overhauled the revenue system in the kingdom. Emperor Akbar held him in high esteem and his wise opinion was consulted for many important administrative matters. Mulla Do Piaza was a highly learned man who had great authority in many fields. the Kacchwaha rajput raja of Amber. Mullah Do Piaza . 30 . This trusted lieutenant of Akbar was the grandson of Akbar’s father-in-law.Raja Man Singh. a poet was the son of Akbar’s trusted protector and caretaker when he was a teenager. Bairam Khan. His family had been inducted into Mughal hierarchy as amirs (nobles). After Bairam Khan was murdered by treacherously. He and his words were held in high esteem by the emperor. his wife became the second wife of Akbar. Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana. Fakir Aziao-Din who was a mystic and visionary advisor to Emperor Akbar. His advice was sought for many important issues. an advisor to Akbar. Neela Subramaniam. N.net 2. www. Ltd.salagram. Kher & Jaideep Aggarwal. 2006 Edition. 2009 Edition. www.. Kolkata 2.N. Sura Books Pvt.wn.worldofbiography. www. Birbal and his Presence of Mind.Bibliography Books Referred: 1.com 3. Pitambar Publishing Company Pvt. Dr. A Short History of India. A Text Book of Social Sciences. Oriental Book Company Pvt.. 2007 Edition. Ltd.com 31 . Kalyan Chowdhury. Ltd. Chennai Websites Referred: 1. New Delhi 3..