Dances of India St. Louis brings the story of a 16th century king to new audiences

The reign of Mughal emperor of India Akbar the Great was more than four centuries ago, but for Dances of India President Nartana Premachandra, the story of his court — and its welcoming of all nationalities, religions and perspectives — is as salient as ever. She shares some of that history in her original dance-theater production, “Nine Jewels: Music, Art, & Splendor in the Court of Akbar the Great,” which takes the stage this weekend as part of Dances of India’s 48th annual performance.