Birbal was Akbar’s favourite courtier and this caused resentment among many other courtiers. They told Akbar, “Your Majesty, Birbal is not the only intelligent courtier. Please give us a chance to prove ourselves.” Akbar controlled his anger and said, “Get a shawl that is two metres long.” The courtiers rushed out and brought a shawl. When they returned, they saw Akbar lying on his bed. Akbar said, “Drape me with the shawl such that my body is covered.” Akbar was tall and could not be covered with the shawl. Just then, Birbal entered the room. Akbar asked him to cover him with the shawl. He said, “Your Majesty, please bend your knees and curl up a bit.” Akbar did so and Birbal easily covered him with the shawl. Akbar said, “One should stretch one’s legs according to the length of the shawl.” The embarrassed courtiers understood that Akbar wanted them to stay within their limits.
The Courtiers and the Shawl
