Once, an astrologer visited the court of Emperor Akbar. He was boasting off his knowledge of the universe and specifically about the earth’s shape.
Akbar was caught by curiosity, so he was listening to his words with excitement and concentration. He said to the astrologer, “As you have said that the earth, our planet, is round in shape. So, if anyone travels from one point, wouldn’t he reach the same point from where he started?”
The astrologer answered, “Your majesty, as the theories suggest, you are right. In the end, one would reach the starting point.”
Akbar exclaimed, “Theories! Wouldn’t that happen in real?”
The astrologer said, “Your majesty, it is not possible to travel in such a manner as one would have to pass through bound-less oceans, gigantic mountains and dense forests to follow the straight path.”
“I don’t think that it is a problem. That can be taken care of. All you need to do is to sail through the boundless oceans, make tunnels through the gigantic mountains and ride on elephants to get through dense forests,” suggested Akbar.
But the astrologer said, “Your majesty, it is not possible as it will take many years to complete the journey around the earth.” With even more curiosity Akbar asked, “Why is it so? Tell me how many years it will take to go round the earth.”
“I will not be able to count how many years it takes. It will be a very long journey. Your majesty, do not forget that the earth is a very big planet. In fact, it may take a hundred or more years to complete the journey,” explained the astrologer.
“Hundred? Are you sure? Well, you leave the task of calculating the years. My courtiers will do that for me,” said the Emperor.
Akbar asked his ministers to calculate the years. He confidently claimed that his ministers had answers to everything. Then he turned towards them and waited for them to start speaking. After a moment, answers started coming from them. Some said that it was not possible to calculate. One answer came that it would take twenty-five years. Another said, Around fifty years, a thousand days, etc.” But Birbal sat quietly.
Akbar said, “Birbal, don’t you have anything to say? I was expecting the first and correct answer to come from you.”
Birbal replied, “Your majesty, I took time to calculate the answer. I did not want to blabber anything and embarrass you.”
“What is your answer?” asked Akbar.
“One day,” said Birbal.
Everyone was shocked. Then he explained, “Your Majesty, only if you travel at the speed of the sun.”
