Author: PTI
Publication: Niticentral.com
Date: March 7, 2015
URL:   http://www.niticentral.com/2015/03/07/agra-installing-statues-of-akbars-nine-gems-a-distortion-of-history-claims-historians-305576.html

Agra, Mar 6 (PTI) The Agra Development Authority’s move to install the statues of legendary “nine gems” (navaratnas) of Mughal emperor Akbar’s court in Fatehpur Sikri has been slammed by the historians, who termed it as an attempt to distort history.

Agra Divisional Commissioner and Agra Development Authority (ADA) Chairman, Pradip Bhatnagar had taken a decision in March, 2014 to install the statues as an added attraction in Fatehpur Sikri, a world heritage site.

Calling the decision an attempt to distort history, local historian Rajkishore Raje said, “There is no authentic evidence in any contemporary work of Akbar having announced a list of his nine gems.”

He claimed to have asked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to stall the project.

The Mughal Emperor’s nine gems (navaratnas) are believed to represent a pool of talents from diverse fields.

They were Abul Fazl, Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana, Birbal, Mulla Do-Piyaza, Faizi, Raja Man Singh, Raja Todar Mal, Faqir Azio-Din and Tansen.

“If Akbar had indeed anointed his nine jewels, there would have been some mention of this in Ain-i-Akbari or some other contemporary account,” Surendra Sharma, president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society said.

“The officials should tread cautiously on such sticky wickets without inviting controversies.

The statues can be installed in the Taj Municipal Museum in Paliwal Park in the city,” he added.

“A panel of historians should decide such matters.