navaratna

Noun

navaratna (countable and uncountable, plural navaratnas)

1. (India) ruby, emerald, pearl, yellow sapphire, coral, cat's eye, hessonite, blue sapphire and diamond
   • Other items in the collection include a navaratna (nine gem) pendant or a celestial talisman from Rajasthan. The nine gems when arranged in a certain order are meant to represent the nine planets. Navaratna is popular throughout India, in the form of pendants, rings and other suites.1998, Tom Flynn, Colonisation and the Object-Empire, Material culture and the Museum
2. (India) Nine extraordinary people in an emperor's court.
   • In later times, some of these men came to be known as Akbar's 'nine gems' or navaratna. One of the most renowned of these navaratnas was a Hindu courtier named Birbal.2016, Amita Sen, Akbar and Birbal-Tales of Wit and Wisdom