Navaratnas
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- See Navaratna for the talisman.
Navaratnas (Sanskrit dvigu nava-ratna- "nine gems") was a term applied to a group of nine extraordinary people in a king's court in India. Two such well-known groups are Akbar's darbar and that of Vikramaditya.
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In the court of Vikramaditya
Nine gems during the reign of Vikramaditya:
- Dhanvantari
- Kshapanaka
- Amarasimha
- Sanku
- Vetalabhatta
- Ghatakharpara
- Varahamihira
- Vararuchi
- Kalidasa, the most notable among all of them.
In the court of Akbar
The Mughal Emperor Akbar's Navratnas were:
- Abul-Fazel - Akbars's chief advisor and author of Akbarnama, Akbar's biography
- Faizi
- Mian Tansen - known for his voice and music
- Birbal - known for great wit
- Raja Todar Mal
- Raja Man Singh
- Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana
- Fakir Aziao-Din
- Mullah Do Piaza
Other Navartanas
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.
Also, the term Navaratnas is used to refer the nine planetary gems. They are:
- Ruby representing the Sun
- Pearl representing the Moon
- Red Coral for Mars
- Emerald for Mercury
- Yellow Sapphire for Jupiter
- Diamond for Venus
- Blue Sapphire for Saturn
- Hessonite Garnet for Rahu
- Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl for Ketu
Modern usage
A number of institutions in modern India are popularly named for this historic group, particularly public-sector units that perform well.