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.

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.

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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 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.

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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

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

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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 says

that the symbols 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 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.

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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 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

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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 moved one hand

in approval 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 creator of

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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 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

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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 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.

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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.

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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

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

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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. 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.

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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

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.

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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.

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.

20

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

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

21

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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24

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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

Akbar looked at Mullah 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. 

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).

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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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