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Akbar Birbal PDF
Akbar Birbal PDF
Akbar Birbal PDF
Contents
1. Akbar, the Great
2. Raja Birbal
3. Akbar's meeting with Mahesh Das
4. Mahesh's meeting with Akbar
5. How Mahesh Became Birbal?
6. Clever Birbal
7. The impossible task
8. The upper hand
9. The face that brought bad luck
10. The holy book
11. The smell of sweets
12. Red hot iron rods
13. Re-union of Friends
14. Best answers
15. The parrot neither eats, nor drinks...
16. Mangoes
17. Borrowing in the dream
18. Doodh bhai
19. Give what ever you like
Navratnas
Akbar's court had Navaratnas (Nine Jewels), meaning a group of nine extraordinary people. They
included:
Raja Birbal
Raja Birbal was the Grand Vizier (Wazr-e Azam) of the Mughal court in the administration of the
Mughal emperor Akbar and one of his most trusted members along with being a part of Akbar's inner
council of nine advisors, known as the navaratna.
Early years
Mahesh Das was born in 1528 in the village of Kalpi, Uttar Pradesh. He was a Brahmin by birth, Birbal
grew up in a moderate Brahmin household and, was educated in the regional as well as the Persian
languages. Birbal was a poet and author whose wit and wisdom led the Emperor Akbar to invite him to
be a part of the royal court and to bestow upon him a new name - Birbal (Bir means Brain, Bal means
Strong). Akbar also conferred on him the title of Raja.
Death
"The Yousafzai and Khattak tribes of the Afghans in the North West had started low level skirmishes
and looting raids against the Mughal Empire's outposts and trading routes along the East Bank of the
River Indus, Attock and Malandari pass. Attempting to crush the unrest, Akbar sent troops for the
battle. However, the troops faced resilient resistance from the Afghans and suffered many losses. At
this time, the Afghan Lashkar's (army) front was concentrated on one end in what is now the Katlang
area of Lund Khwar to the other end near the Malandari Pass at the head of the Barkua Stream, about
30 miles N. E. of Hoti Mardan.
After a succession of defeats in the February of 1583 A.D. Akbar sent Birbal his Grand Vizier (Wazr-e
Azam), closest advisor and chief among the navaratnas to help Zain Khan in the battle. Birbal took
command of the troops and around mid February marched into a concentrated formation of the Afghans
in the Katlang area of Lund Khwar. On the 16th of February, 1583 A.D. during a major skirmish and
while in the thick of the battle, Birbal along with his personal troops advanced into a narrow pass in
katlang at night. The Yousafzai and the Khattak Afghans were well prepared and were ready on the
hills. Many men on Birbals side lost their way or were killed in the holes and the caverns and it was a
terrible defeat, in which Birbal fought with bravery but died on 16 Feb 1583 A.D. Birbals death was
said to be caused by treachery, not military defeat. Akbar was very shocked by the death of Birbal and
he didnt attend court for two full days and didnt eat or drink anything and mourned for a long time.".
Birbal's last wish was that upon his death, his ashes be immersed in the River Ganga at Haridwar.
Akbar did not grant this wish, instead burying the ashes at a well he had dug near the river.
Clever Birbal
In the olden days, artists often visited various cities and showed their skills at town squares or market
places to informally gathered crowds. It was in a way similar to the concerts and the tours that most
recording artists do today, except it wasn't at such scale and was not professionally managed as it done
today.
This artist called 'bahuroobiya or a mimic. He was no ordinary mimic just doing voices or different
personalities but could mimic even animals. He was an expert performer and an entertainer too. Soon, a
crowd began to gather at the market place. People were soon talking about his skill and he was the talk
of the little town Tiwkapur.
The mookhiya - local head, heard about this artist and arranged for a performance. The whole village
was invited. Men and women, old and young, everyone gathered for the performance. The show began
and as the artist had mastered his craft very well, everyone watching was engrossed. The climax of the
show reached when the Bahuroobiya turned himself into a bull. The imitation of the bull was so good,
the crowd was spellbound. The mookhiya gave the artist a bag of gold coins.
A little boy in the crowd threw a small pebble at the bull. The bull quivered just as a bull. The boy was
so pleased, he could not contain his admiration. Wow, what great imitation! he exclaimed. He had
nothing to give other than his old battered cap. He took his topi off and gave it to the artist, take my
reward.
The crowd began to laugh and giggle at the boy. Who cares for the old battered cap. What use is it to
the artist. It will not even fit his head. they said. The boy came forward and said very courageously,
The real appreciation is in testing and finding the real value, not just giving away expensive rewards. I
threw a stone at the imitation bull and he shivered just like a bull. It was a true test. The artist agreed
with the boy. He is right. He alone tested me and I treasure this dirty old cap. It will remain as one of
my prized possessions.
The little boy was Maheshdas who grew up to be Birbal.
Re-Union of Friends
This is an interesting and emotional story about friendship shared between King Akbar and Birbal. One
day, Birbal made a harmless comment about Kings sense of humour. Akbar felt offended and ordered
Birbal to not only leave the palace but also the kingdom. Birbal was terribly hurt but without uttering
any word he left the place.
After few days, King Akbar started to miss Birbal who was his friend, confidant and curt-jester. He
started to regret over his angry and impulsive decision of banishing Birbal. So, he sent out a search
party to look for Birbal but no one had any clue regarding whereabouts of Him. Birbal had left the town
without informing anyone. Soldier looked everywhere but could not trace him.
The emperor was despondent and sad because of unavailability of Birbal. Then, one day a wise saint
came in the town to visit the palace. His disciples claimed that he is the wisest man on the entire earth.
The King decided to test the wisdom of the saint and he also thought in case he manages to pass the
test, he would keep him company like Birbal did. The holy man had thick beard, sparkling eyes and
long hair. The emperor told the saint that he will have to go through some questions posed by his wise
ministers. Only when he gives answer to the satisfaction of all, he would be given a respectable place in
the palace else he would be beheaded. The holy man agreed to this condition and got ready for the test.
The round of questioning began. First question was which was the most superior thing on earth to
which saint replied, knowledge. Next question was fired at him, what travels more speedily than the
wind and holy man calmly replied, mans thoughts. Then, who is a mans best friend and the answer
given was his own good sense.
Which is the deepest trench in the world and the answer was a womans heart. Next up was, which
is the sweetest and most melodious voice at night time to which wise man answered, the voice that
prays to the God. All the courtiers were impressed with his answers yet the King thought of asking
some questions himself.
Akbar asked, what is the most essential requirement to rule over a kingdom and the saint said,
cleverness. King was really thrilled with holy mans answers. He offered the saint a seat of honour
and asked whether he could perform any miracles. The saint simply removed his artificial beard and
hair and to everyones surprise it was Birbal himself.
King could not stop himself and stepped down. The Emperor embraced Birbal and had tears in his
eyes. He was extremely happy and showered Birbal with valuable gifts to express his delight.
Best Answers
One fine day King Akbar was attending to usual matters of the court when he suddenly came up with
three questions. By coincidence Birbal was not present at that time in the court so King posed these
questions to his courtiers;
Whose son is best?
Whose tooth is best?
Which quality is best?
All the courtiers accepted the challenge of answering the questions and discussed among themselves.
After brainstorming for long enough, one of the elder courtiers replied on behalf of all the other
courtiers, My Lord, a Kings son is always the best; an elephants tooth is best and as far as best
quality is concerned, it must be knowledge.
The King appreciated his reply but somehow he felt Birbal would have been better suited to answer
these questions. So, he sent for Birbal who came at once to the darbar. Now it was Birbals turn to
ponder over these questions. He thought for a while and started to reply,
A cow's son is the best of all simply because it is he who ploughs the earth. We can also use his dung as
fertilizer. Because of cows son, we can grow crops and produce food for all.
About the second question of whose tooth is best, he replied, plough's tooth is the best because it
helps in ploughing the land and makes it fertile. Other benefits include, enabling men to raise a variety
of crops. Nourishment of many living organisms is also possible by it.
As far as last question is concerned, the answer is definitely courage. Although knowledge, skill and
intelligence are also important but without courage none of them counts. King Akbar was very pleased
with Birbals wise answers and detailed explanations.
Mangoes
Akbar and his Begum Sahiba are eating mangoes. Birbal, two other Lords and there or four servants are
also in the room. Birbal is sitting closest to Akbar. One servant is fanning the queen, another is fanning
Akbar.
Akbar- Birbal, will you not join us? The mangoes are really sweet.
Birbal- Sir, they are from Lucknow, Specially sent for you. I find pleasure in seeing you enjoy them!
Akbar- as usual, you know how to turn a refusal into a compliment!
Suddenly in a playful mood, Akbar pushed all the skins and seeds of the mangoes he has eaten onto the
queens plate while she is not looking. He wants to tease her and have some fun!
Akbar- begum, it seems that you were starving for mangoes pointing to her plate. That pile shows how
many mangoes you ate. What do you say Birbal?
The queen startled at seeing the plate heaped with skins and seeds) oh! (Her hand files to her lips and
she looks appealingly at Birbal or help.
Birbal Badshah salamat, I think it was you who were starving for mangoes. While the begum Sahiba
enjoyed the pulp and the juice Sir, you have swallowed the skins and seeds as well!
Akbar laughing at Birbals clever answers, as usual ,for that I will send you a basketful of Lucknavi
mangoes!
Doodh Bai
Akbar lost his mother as an infant. A young governess took care of him. The governess also had an
infant child to Akbar. So besides her child she also breast fed chhota Akbar to provide essential
nourishment required to an infant. Both the children grew & spent their childhood together.
The son of the governess was named Husif. Since Akbar shared milk with Husif, Husif was called
Akbar's Dhhodh bai. Akbar respected the governess like his mother & treated Husif like his younger
brother. Later on, Akbar ascended the throne of Delhi. He appointed Husif as a senior courtier in his
court. All the luxuries were provided to him.
The emperor always loved him like his own brother. One day Akbar asked , Husif do u have any other
wish or requirement? I would be too happy to fulfill it.
Husif replied, No your majesty! I don't require anything. But I always wished to get a wonderful
companion like Birbal. If I get a companion like him, I will be the happiest man. Akbar was always
eager to satisfy the wishes of the Dhoodh bai. So he called Birbal and told him everything.
He asked Birbal to bring a worthy man like him who can always accompany Husif.
Birbal listened to Akbar peacefully but he did not say anything. He realized that the demand for a
person like him for Husif is quite unjustified.
Akbar was a great and able emperor. An intelligent and worthy man like Birbal was well suited for him.
However, an ordinary man like Husif did not deserve such a companion.
Birbal had a unique style of working. He never said no to any of the orders but transpired his thoughts
with his acts at the appropriate time.
After few days when Akbar and Husif were sitting together, Birbal came and said, Your Majesty, I've
brought my Dhoodh bai who will give company to your Doodh bai. I think that it will be the best
combination. Both Akbar and Husif were happy to hear this. Akbar then asked Birbal to bring his
brother immediately. Within a few minutes, Birbal returned with a healthy bull. Astonished to see this,
Akbar asked, Where is your brother? And why have you brought this bull here? Your Majesty, Didn't
you recognize my Dhoodh bai? When I was an infant I drank the milk of a cow whose calf this bull is.
We both grew up with the same milk. This way this bull is my Dhoodh bai. Your Dhoodh bai best
deserves a companion like my Dhoodh bai replied clever Birbal. This explanation of Birbal made
Akbar burst into laughter while Husif raged in anger.
Pickle Clue
One day a man gave a jar to his neighbor to keep until he comes back from the pilgrimage. The jar had
his life's earnings. After keeping it safely, the man left for the pilgrimage. After six months when he
returned from the pilgrimage, he went to his neighbor and asked for his jar.
The neighbor brought the jar and gave it to the man. The man opened the jar and found the mango
pickle, instead of his money. He said to the neighbor politely, "Sir I gave the money to you in this jar,
now it contains pickle." The neighbor said, "I don't know anything about your money. Whatever you
gave to me I kept it, and only now I am bringing it out to give it to you."
The man got very sad and went to Birbal for justice. Birbal asked the neighbor, "Where is the money
which was kept in this jar." The neighbor said, "I have already told that I do not know anything about
the money kept in this jar. I didn't open it before, and I didn't open it now. I just took it and kept it as it
was, and took it out as it was."
Then Birbal called some women from the Royal kitchen, and asked them, "How old this pickle is?"
They said it is definitely not six months old. It is very new, maybe a month old only."
Now the neighbor got caught. He returned all the money he took out from the jar.
Now Birbal asked - "Then how do you know that the tree he claimed that he gave the money to you, is
so far from here?" After all the friend had to accept his lie and returned the money to the old man.
So sooner or later the truth comes out in light, because to hide a truth we have to tell many lies and
somewhere they clash and we are caught in them. While truth is one and easy to remember.
Whose Bag?
Once it so happened that there was an oil merchant. When the villagers came to buy oil from him he
gave them the oil and collected money from them. One day he and a villager come to the court, both
fighting for a bag of money. Each claimed that the bag belonged to him.
The merchant said that it was his bag, when he turned to give the customer his oil he pulled the bag
from him and started fighting. The villager said it was his bag, when he was looking at some other
things he placed it in front of the merchant and the merchant started to claim it.
Everybody in the court were surprised and was waiting eagerly how Akbar would solve this problem.
Akbar asked Birbal to solve this case. He asked a servant to get some water in a bowl. The servant
brought the water. He then placed the bag in the bowl. After sometime everybody saw some oily
substance floating on water. Birbal told that the bag belonged to the oil merchant not to the villager.
Everybody praised Birbal and the customer was punished.
Colorful Bird
Akbar was very fond of birds. One day a bird catcher came to his kingdom . He had a very colorful
bird. The Bird catcher said to emperor Akbar that this bird is not only colorful like a peacock, but it can
dance also like one and also fly. The bird catcher was immediately rewarded with 50 gold coins. He left
the kingdom in a hurry.
When the bird catcher had gone Birbal said to Emperor - "This bird cannot dance like a peacock and it
has not bathed for many months." Birbal further suggested - "Let me give it a bath." and asked for a
glass of water.
When Birbal gave the bath to the bird, everybody was surprised to see that it was not any special bird
but was actually a pigeon and the bird catcher had fooled every body by painting it.
Everybody asked Birbal that how did he know this. Birbal told that he saw colors on the nails of the
bird catcher. The bird catcher was caught and given a punishment. The reward that was given to the
bird catcher was now given to Birbal.
Three Idols
As you know Akbar considered Birbal the most intelligent person of his kingdom. Once a sculptor
challenged Baadshaah Akbar that he would show three idols to him, which would look exactly like
each other to his courtiers and they would have to rate them good, ok and bad.
Akbar agreed. All the courtiers tried to rate them but failed, because they were so alike that they did not
know how to rate them. Now it was Birbal's turn. He noticed a small hole in the ears of the idols. Birbal
got curious, so he took three wires and inserted them in those holes.
In the case of the first idol the wire came out from the other ear. In the second case idol, it came out of
the mouth; but in the case of the third idol, it remained inside. He got the answer and he rated the third
idol as good, first idol ok and the second idol bad.
The sculptor could not understand what was the basis of rating the idols. He asked Birbal that how was
he so sure? Birbal said - ''The third idol (from whose ear the wire remained inside) did not tell others
what somebody else had told it, that is why it was good. The first idol was OK (from whose ear the
wire came out from the other ear) because it did not remember or tell others what somebody had told it.
But the third idol (from whose ear the wire came out from the mouth) remembered everything and gave
out the secret what was told to it to others.''
The sculptor was speechless and Akbar was very happy. He gave lots of reward to Birbal.
Thief
One fine morning , a minister from Emperor Akbar's court had gathered in the assembly hall. He
informed the Emperor that all his valuables had been stolen by a thief the previous night. Akbar was
shocked to hear this beause the place where that minister lived was the safest place in the kingdom. He
invited Birbal to solve the mystery.
Akbar said "It is definitely not possible for an outsider to enter into the minister's house and steal the
valuables. This blunder is definitely committed only by another minister of that court." Saying so he
arranged for a donkey to be tied to a pillar . He ordered all the courtiers to lift the donkey's tail and say
"I have not stolen." Birbal added "Only then we can judge the culprit." After everyone had finished, he
asked the courtiers to show their palm to him. All the courtiers except Alim Khan had a black patch of
paint on their palm. Birbal had actually painted the donkey's tail with a black coat of paint. In the
fright, the guilty minister did not touch the donkey's tail at all. Thus Birbal once again proved his
intelligence and was rewarded by the king with 1000 gold coins.
Magic sticks
It so happened that once a rich merchant's house was robbed. The merchant suspected that the thief was
one of his servants. So he went to Birbal and mentioned the incident. Birbal went to his house and
assembled all of his servants and asked that who stole the merchant's things. Everybody denied.
Birbal thought for a moment, then gave a stick of equal length to all the servants of the merchant and
said to them that the stick of the real thief will be longer by two inches tomorrow. All the servants
should be present here again tomorrow with heir sticks. All the servants went to their homes and
gathered again at the same place the next day. Birbal asked them to show him their sticks. One of
the servants had his stick shorter by two inches. Birbal said, "This is your thief, merchant."
Later the merchant asked Birbal, "How did you catch him?" Birbal said, "The thief had already cut his
stick short by two inches in the night fearing that his stick will be longer by two inches by morning."
Akbar's Advisor
Several courtiers were vying to be the Royal Advisor of Emperor Akbar. So one day, when they came
to the court, they said to the Emperor, "We want to be your Royal Advisor." Akbar said, "No problem,
but you will have to pass the test before you could be my Royal Advisor. And whoever would pass the
test will be appointed my Advisor." They agreed.
The King unfastened his waist cloth and lay down on the floor, and asked the candidates to cover him
with that cloth from head to toe. Now everybody tried to cover him, but in vain. If one wanted to cover
the head, then feet remained uncovered, or if the feet were covered, then his head remained open.
Just then Birbal entered the court, the king asked Birbal also, if he could cover him with that cloth from
head to toe. Birbal paused a moment, then asked the Emperor politely, "Huzoor, Could you pull
up your knees a little bit?" The King did so, and Birbal could cover him from head to toe with that
cloth.
Realizing that they failed the test, the courtiers left the court quietly and then they never thought about
being the King's Advisor.
Real Flowers
One day Akbar was taking a walk in his Royal gardens with several courtiers. Many flowers were
flowering at that time of season. A poet pointed out towards a beautiful flower and said, "Look
Jahaanpanaah, how beautiful flowers that is? No man can produce such a beautiful thing as this."
Birbal was also there. He said, "I don't agree with this, sometimes man can make more beautiful things
than this." Akbar said, "Oh no Birbal, you are talking nonsense. This flower is really very beautiful."
After a few days, Birbal presented Akbar a very skilled craftsman from Agra. He presented a beautiful
carved marble bouquet of flowers. The Emperor was very happy to see it, and gave him one thousand
gold coins.
Just then a boy came and presented the Emperor a beautiful bouquet of real flowers. The Emperor was
very happy to see it too, so he gave a silver coin to the boy. Birbal said, "So the carving was more
beautiful than the real thing."
Akbar understood that he had fallen in the hands of his witty minister once again.
Fast Horse
One day, when Akbar saw Hodja coming on foot, he promised him to give a horse. Accordingly, he
instructed his stable man to give a horse to Hodja. Now, it so happened that the stable man selected a
very weak and sick horse from the stable and sent it to Hodja's house. The horse was so weak and sick
that it died on the same night it was delivered.
When next day Akbar saw Hodja coming on foot again, he asked in surprise, "What happened to your
horse, I arranged yesterday?" Hodja said, "Jahaanpanaah, the horse had a fleet of feet that it crossed the
distance from earth to Heaven in one night."
Akbar was very sorry to know this, and this time he arranged a very good horse for him.
Four Fools
Once Akbar asked Birbal to bring four fools of the first order to him. He said - "It is not difficult
because this world is full of fools. Birbal said - "OK" and asked some time to find them, which Akbar
readily gave to him.
Now Birbal started looking for fools. He was going somewhere that he saw a man carrying a large plate
on which were kept some clothes, betel leaves and sweets. He looked like a fool to Birbal, so he asked
him - "Where are you going to? And to whom you are carrying this?" The man replied - "My wife has
remarried. Now they have a child so I am taking this gift for them." Birbal got convinced that he was a
fool, so he considered him a candidate to take to the king.
At another time he saw a man riding a buffalo carrying a bundle of grass on his head. Birbal thought he
was also a fool, so he asked him - "Why are you carrying this bundle on your head?" The man replied "In fact my buffalo is pregnant, so I thought that she should not carry too much load that is why I have
put this bundle on my own head instead of putting it on it." Birbal considered him also a candidate to
take to the king.
So next morning he took those people to Akbar's court and presented them to him as the biggest fools.
"But these are only two fools; where are the other two? I asked you to bring four fools." King asked.
Birbal folded his hands and bending a little said - "Jehaanpanaah, The third fool is you who asked me
to bring the fools; and the fourth fool is me who has brought these fools for you."
When the king heard about them, he laughed a lot on their foolishness
Tit Bits?
Akbar's court was famous for the witty question answer sessions. On one such occasion - Akbar asked
his courtiers whether they could tell the difference between the truth and the false within three words.
All courtiers got busy in finding out the three words or less to tell the difference between the truth and
the false. But enough time passed and they could not tell. "
What about you, Birbal?" "His Majesty!" Birbal looked around and replied, "Four fingers" The King
got surprised and asked him, "How, Birbal?" "Yes, Your Majesty, this is the difference between truth
and false. Because what your eyes see is truth, and what your ears hear, more often than not, may be
false."
"That is right, but then why do you say "four fingers"?" Akbar said. Birbal bowed a little and said,
"Because Your Majesty, only four fingers is the distance between ear and eyes." Akbar was very
astonished to hear this reply.
On another occasion - Akbar drew a line on the floor and asked his courtiers to shorten it without
touching it. No courtier could do it. The Birbal came forward and drew another longer line beside it.
Now the King's line was shorter than Birbal's line.
On another occasion, Akbar asked what is that thing which sun and moon cannot see but others can
see. As usual his courtiers could not get a even a clue. Then Birbal said, "Darkness,Huzoor."
Akbar's Dream
Once Akbar had a dream that his all teeth have fallen down except one. In the morning he invited all
the astrologers and asked them to interpret this dream. All the astrologers sat to interpret that dream. At
last they all reached on this conclusion that it meant that - all of his relatives will die before him. So
they said to Akbar.
Hearing this Akbar felt very bad and got concerned about his relatives. He sent all the astrologers away
without giving anything. He got restless. The whole day passed, but he could not find rest in his mind.
In the evening Birbal came. Akbar told his dream to Birbal too and asked him to interpret it.
Birbal thought for a minute and said, "This means Huzoor, that you will live very long and much
fufiled life than any of your relatives."
Hearing this Akbar got very pleased and he rewarded him heavily.
Birbal's Khichdee
Once Akbar and Birbal were taking a stroll. It was winter season. Winter was at its peak at that time of
season. A thought came to Birbal's mind, and he expressed to the Emperor, "A man can do anything for
money." Emperor also thought something, and he just dipped his finger in the almost freezing water of
a nearby pond. He drew his hand immediately, and replied Birbal, "I don't think so. Do you think
somebody can stand in this almost freezing water for the whole night for money?" Birbal said, "I think
so."
Birbal told that he can find such a man who can stand in this water for the whole night for money.
Akbar couldn't believe, so he accepted the challenge and said that he would give one thousand gold
coins to that man.
Next day Birbal brought a man who was very poor and thin. He told the King that that man would
stand in that water. "Good" the King said and sent him to that pond. Because he did not believe this, so
he sent some guards too to see whether he was really standing in that almost freezing water for the
whole night.
The man went away. Next day the man came back to claim his prize. Akbar asked his guards about the
whole thing and they said, "Yes Huzoor, he stood there the whole night." Akbar asked that man, "Just
tell me how did you stand in that cold water the whole water?" The man said, "There was a lamp post
at some distance. I just gazed at it for the whole night. Heat of that lamp was my only hope." Akbar
refused to give him his prize saying that since he got the heat from that lamp, he was not in the cold
water absolutely. Hearing this, the man got very disappointed and went away.
When Birbal heard this, he didn't like it. Next day he didn't come in the court. Akbar got worried about
him and send his men to bring him to the court. The men went to his house and came back with the
message that Birbal was cooking his Khichdee and only after eating that he will come to the court. One
hour passed, two hours passed, several hours passed. Evening fell, but there was no sign of Birbal. Now
Akbar got impatient, and got ready to see him himself. So he went to Birbal's house. What he sees, that
Birbal is sitting in a room, fire was burning and a pot was hung about 8-10 feet higher than the fire. The
King asked, "Birbal what are you doing?" Birbal replied, "Huzoor I am cooking my Khichdee."
Hearing this King and his people laughed loudly. Akbar said to him, "Birbal you can't cook your
Khichdee in this way. It is not getting enough heat to be cooked."Birbal said, "If that man can get the
heat from such a distance to keep him enough warm to stand in this cold water for the whole night, then
why my Khichdee can't be cooked in this way?"
King understood, and returned to his palace. Next day he called that man and gave his prize to him.
Birbals Painting
Once Akbar told Birbal 'Birbal, make me a painting. Use imagination in it. To which the reply was 'But
hoozoor, I am a minister, how can I possibly paint?'.The king was angry and said 'If I dont get a good
painting by one week then you shall be hanged!'. The clever Birbal had an idea. After one week,he
went to the court and with him he carried a covered frame. Akbar was happy to see that Birbal had
obeyed him, until he opened the cover. The courtiers rushed to see what was wrong. What they saw
made them feel very happy. At last, they would not see Birbal in court! The painting was nothing but
ground and sky. There were a few specs of green on the ground. The Emperor, angrily, told Birbal 'what
is this!' To which the reply was 'A cow eating grass hoozoor!'. Akbar said 'where is the cow and grass?'
and Birbal told 'I used my imagination. The cow ate the grass and returned to its shed!'
Birbal's Choice
One day Emperor Akbar asked Birbal what he would choose if he were given a choice between justice
and a gold coin.
The gold coin, said Birbal.
Akbar was taken aback.
You would prefer a gold coin to justice? he asked, incredulously.
Yes, said Birbal.
The other courtiers were amazed by Birbals display of idiocy.
For years they had been trying to discredit Birbal in the emperors eyes but without success and now
the man had gone and done it himself!
They could not believe their good fortune.
I would have been dismayed if even the lowliest of my servants had said this, continued the emperor.
But coming from you its. . . its shocking - and sad. I did not know you were so debased!
One asks for what one does not have, Your Majesty! said Birbal, quietly. You have seen to it that in
our country justice is available to everybody. So as justice is already available to me and as Im always
short of money I said I would choose the gold coin.
The emperor was so pleased with Birbals reply that he gave him not one but a thousand gold coins.
Re United
One day, when Akbar and Birbal were in discussions, Birbal happened to pass a harmless comment
about Akbars sense of humour. But Emperor Akbar was in a foul mood and took great offense to this
remark. He asked Birbal, his court-jester, friend and confidant, to not only leave the palace but also to
leave the walls of the city of Agra. Birbal was terribly hurt at being banished.
A couple of days later, Akbar began to miss his best friend. He regretted his earlier decision of
banishing him from the courts. He just could not do without Birbal and so sent out a search party to
look for him. But Birbal had left town without letting anybody know of his destination. The soldiers
searched high and low but were unable to find him anywhere.
Then one day a wise saint came to visit the palace accompanied by two of his disciples. The disciples
claimed that their teacher was the wisest man to walk the earth. Since Akbar was missing Birbal
terribly he thought it would be a good idea to have a wise man that could keep him company. But he
decided that he would first test the holy mans wisdom.
The saint had bright sparkling eyes, a thick beard and long hair. The next day, when they came to visit
the court Akbar informed the holy man that since he was the wisest man on earth, he would like to test
him. All his ministers would put forward a question and if his answers were satisfactory he would be
made a minister. But if he could not, then he would be beheaded. The saint answered that he had never
claimed to be the wisest man on earth, even though other people seemed to think so. Nor was he eager
to display his cleverness but as he enjoyed answering questions, he was ready for the test.One of the
ministers, Raja Todarmal, began the round of questioning. He asked Who is a mans best friend on
earth? To which the wise saint replied, His own good sense. Next Faizi asked which was the most
superior thing on earth? Knowledge, answered the saint. Which is the deepest trench in the world?,
asked Abdul Fazal. And the saints answer was a womans heart. What is that which cannot be
regained after it is lost? questioned another courtier and the reply he received was life. What is
undying in music asked the court musician Tansen. The wise saint replied that it was the notes. And
then he asked which is the sweetest and most melodious voice at night -time? And the answer he
received was the voice that prays to God.
Maharaj Mansingh of Jaipur, who was a guest at the palace asked, what travels more speedily than the
wind? the saint replied that it was mans thought. He then asked, which was the sweetest thing on
earth? and the saint said that it was a babys smile.
Emperor Akbar and all his courtiers were very impressed with his answers, but wanted to test the saint
himself. Firstly he asked what were the necessary requirements to rule over a kingdom, for which he
was answered cleverness. Then he asked what was the gravest enemy of a king. The saint replied that
it was selfishness. The emperor was pleased and offered the saint a seat of honour and asked him
whether he could perform any miracles. The saint said that he could manifest any person the king
wished to meet. Akbar was thrilled and immediately asked to meet his minister and best friend Birbal.
The saint simply pulled off his artificial beard and hair much to the surprise of the other courtiers.
Akbar was stunned and could not believe his eyes. He stepped down to embrace the saint because he
was none other than Birbal.
Akbar had tears in his eyes as he told Birbal that he had suspected it to be him and had therefore asked
him whether he could perform miracles. He showered Birbal with many valuable gifts to show him
how happy he was at his return.
Where all the members, including those three arrived the court, Birbal looked at the poor man,
Daridranatha. Daridranatha caught Birbals idea. He loudly called twice, Lakshmi, Lakshmi?
Lakshmi, beside Muthamma turned at the side where the voice from. At once Birbal asked her- Why
did you see that side so fearfully?
Lakshmi, trembling, said I thought that was my fathers voice.Birbal smilingly said Yesterday
you told that you know nothing of your father. Muthamma said that your name is Gowri. Both of you
are the liars. Both of you should be punished.
Muthamma now, was very much afraid of. She told the real fact- your honour, your words are true. I
purchased the young girl from a Muslim. Her name is Lakshmi. I was calling her Gowri
Lakshmi felt frightned, she rushed at her father and embraced him with a bitter cry. Akbar and the
courtmen were quite astonished and admired the intelligence of Birbal in settling the case.
Birbal said Daridranatha Perform your daughters marriage at an early date. I ll arrange for
payment of expenditure amount by Muthamma. Muthamma also accepted his settlement without a
word.
The poor man and his daughter saluted both Akbar and Birbal, went back joyously to their home.
Hasty Punishment
ONCE when Akbar was riding near a mango grove, an arrow whizzed past him. His soldiers rushed
into the grove and caught hold of the archer, a young man, and brought him before Akbar.
Why did you try to kill me? Akbar shouted at the youth. Jahanpannah, I wasnt trying to kill you. I
was only trying to knock the mango down with my arrow! said the youth, who was already very
afraid.
The king was too angry to listen to him.
Put him to death in the same manner he tried to kill me, he ordered to his soldiers.
Receiving the King's orders soldiers tied the youth to a mango tree and another steadied his bow and
arrow to shoot him.
This is not fair! shouted Birbal who had been watching quietly. If you want to shoot him the same
way he tried to shoot the emperor, you will have to aim at the mango and the arrow will have to miss
the mango and then strike him.
Akbar, who had calmed down by now, realized he had been unfair to the youth and ordered his soldiers
to release him. The young man bowed and thanked the king & Birbal .
Strange message
Akbar was ruling India as an Emperor. He was not just a king but a versatile personality. He had a very
clever witted minister in his palace named Birbal. Birbal was also his good friend and company.
Akbar has always heard clever and straight answers of Birbal in solving many problems and mysteries.
At one time Akbar got bored of his straight forward manners and decided to remove him from his
minister post. Birbal has a lot of self-respect. He couldnt tolerate this situation and went away from the
kingdom of Akbar without letting anyone know where he was going.
Since that time Akbar went into a depressing mode due to absence of Birbal in his palace. He sent his
men to search for Birbal all around his kingdom. But those men couldnt find him.
Akbar thought a lot about this and got an idea. He felt that Birbal must have settled as a minister in a
neighboring kingdom. He immediately sent an invitation message to all neighboring kings. That
invitation message was strange. It said The marriage of a Sea in our kingdom has been fixed. We are
inviting all of the rivers in your kingdom to attend this ceremony.
Though the other kings felt weird about this message and didnt like it, they had to accept it because
Akbar is their Emperor. So nobody dared to ask against it though it was not at all clear to them.
After a few days Akbar got a reply from one of his kings. That message said I am sending all the
rivers in my kingdom. To take them please send all the wells in your kingdom.
Akbar was surprised and satisfied by the witted nature of the response. He realized that only Birbal
could send such a response. So he immediately arranged for his family to visit that kingdom which has
sent the reply.
Akbar, after reaching the kingdom, found Birbal as a minister there. So it was Birbal who as a minister
could reply to Akbars strange message. Akbar asked Birbal to pardon him for his mistake and to come
back to his kingdom. Birbal immediately accepted his invitation as he too was missing the association
of Emperor Akbar for a long time.
Unfaithful Govind
ONCE an old man, Ramdas, thought of going on a pilgrimage but he was worried about his money so
before setting out on a a pilgrimage to the holy places, he had entrusted a jar containing money to his
neighbor, Govind.
Ramdas returned six months later and went to his neighbors house and asked for the jar. Govind
returned the jar to him, but the money was not there in the jar.
It had been replaced with mango pickle. Confused Ramdas went to Govind's house and asked for his
money but Govind denied that he had not taken his money. Nobody could help Ramdas and finally he
complained to the emperor.
Akbar asked Birbal to decide the case. Birbal carefully examined the jar of pickle.
"Are you sure this is the same jar that was given to you?" he asked Govind."Yes," said Govind. "That
was the jar that was entrusted to my care six months ago."
"And now it contains pickle," said Birbal. "It must always have contained pickle, I never looked inside
it" said Govind.
Birbal sent for some women from the royal kitchen and when they came Birbal asked them to inspect
the pickle.
"How old is the pickle?" he asked them. "Less than a month old," said the women. "The mango pieces
are still fresh." Turning towards Govind, Birbal said that he was lying & he should confess in front of
the king and he shall be pardoned.
Govind admitted to the theft and begged for mercy.
Heavy Burden
Once a distraught old woman came to Birbal for help. The emperor had decided to build a palace on
her property. She didnt want to leave the place as it had been her ancestral property. Birbal assured her
and said that hed do his best.
The construction began. When Birbal visited the site with Akbar, he saw many gunny bags lying next
to a pile of mud. He began to fill the bags with mud.
Why are you doing this? asked Akbar. To earn merit in my next life, Huzoor, replied Birbal.
Amused, Akbar too joined Birbal. Afterwards Birbal requested Akbar to help him lift one of the sacks.
Aaah, this is very heavy! said Akbar, staggering under the weight of a bag. Your Majesty, said
Birbal, A bag of mud is so heavy. Imagine how much mud there must be in this piece of land. Will it
not weigh heavily on your conscience to destroy somebody ancestral property?
Akbar realized his mistake and gave orders to discontinue the construction.
Footmark of an Elephant
One day Birbal had to go out for few days. So the king appointed his brother-in-law in Birbal's
place.
One day King went to Bazaar. While returning from there he saw a footmark of an elephant. He
decided to test his brother-in-law's intelligence. He asked him to protect that mark for three days.
Baadshaah went to his palace and his brother-in-law started vigilance around it. The first day passed,
the new Deevaan could not get any food, the second day also passed without any food. The third day he
got very weak. The fourth day he went to the king and said "Look I have protected elephant's footmark
as per instructions."
When Birbal return back the king asked Birbal to protect that footmark of elephant. He fixed an iron
bar near the footmark and tied a 50-yard rope to it and told the villagers that whoever's house will fall
inside the circumference of that rope his house will be demolished to protect that footmark."
People requested him not to do so and gave him Rupees as bribery not to demolish their house. Thus he
collected lots of money. Birbal deposited that money in the royal treasury and told the king that the
work is done.
The king called his brother-in-law and told him, "You were hungry for three days and gained nothing
,but Birbal has earned Rupees in one day only."
Clever Birbal
Once an oil merchant and the villager came to Akbar with a quarrel about the money bag. The
merchant said that when the villager came to buy oil from him he gave them the oil and collected
money from them. But villager said he had never visited oil shop. Each claimed that the bag belonged
to him.
Everybody in the court were surprised and was waiting eagerly how Akbar would solve this
problem. Akbar asked Birbal to find the solution. Birbal asked for some water in a bowl. The servant
brought the water. Birbal placed the bag in the bowl. After sometime everybody saw some oil float on
water. Birbal told that the bag belonged to the oil merchant not to the villager. If the villager wouldn't
have visit the oil shop then there would be no oil on the coins or the bag. Everybody praised Birbal and
the villager was punished.
nor there.
Akbar was very pleased with his answer and gave him gold coins.