One day, a messenger from a distant kingdom visited Akbar’s court. He said, “O Emperor, our king has heard many tales of your courtiers and their intelligence. He wants a pot of intelligence from your kingdom.” Akbar whispered to Birbal, “This king is making fun of us. How can we fill a pot with intelligence?” Birbal said reassuringly, “I can arrange for that but it will take a few weeks.” The messenger was willing to wait. Birbal bought a few small-mouthed earthen pots. He planted pumpkin seeds in them. After a few weeks, there were little pumpkins in the pots. Next day, Birbal gave the messenger a pot and said, “The fruit of intelligence will be effective only if it is removed without damaging the pot.” But the messenger couldn’t empty the pot without breaking it. He left the court without uttering a word. Akbar said, “Birbal! You have saved my honour!”
A Pot of Intelligence
