RAS question
Akbar's 'Navaratnas' (Nine Jewels) included:
Correct answer: (B) Birbal, Tansen, Abul Fazl, Todar Mal, Man Singh among others.
Akbar's Navaratnas included Birbal, Tansen, Abul Fazl, Raja Todar Mal and Raja Man Singh, along with other distinguished figures of his court.
Explanation
Akbar's Navaratnas were not a single type of courtier; they represented the range of talent around the Mughal emperor. The list fits because it includes Birbal as a witty adviser, Tansen as a musician, Abul Fazl as a historian, Raja Todar Mal in finance and Raja Man Singh as a general. Akbar's court was shaped by figures who wrote history, reformed taxes, offered wit, composed music and led armies. The wider list also includes Faizi, Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana, Fakir Aziao-Din and Mullah Do-Piaza, which reinforces that the Navaratnas were remembered for intellectual, artistic, administrative, military and advisory roles.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) The Navaratnas were not only poets, because the list includes a musician, historian, finance administrator, adviser and general.
- (C) They were not only military generals, since Tansen, Abul Fazl, Birbal, Raja Todar Mal and poets such as Faizi and Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana had non-military roles.
- (D) They were not only religious scholars, because the recognised group included court artists, writers, administrators and commanders as well as advisory figures.
Concept
This tests the Mughal court-culture and administration strand of medieval Indian history. RAS repeats such questions because Akbar's court links personalities with governance, arts and imperial consolidation.