One day, Akbar and Birbal went for a long walk. They passed by many lush fields. As they continued to walk, enjoying the beautiful weather, they passed a tobacco field. Just then, a hungry donkey walked into the tobacco field. But when the donkey went near the tobacco plants, it turned away in disgust. Since […]
One day, during lunch, Akbar and Birbal were served a dish made of brinjal. Akbar liked it very much. He said, “Birbal, there is nothing tastier than this dish, is there?” Birbal said, “You are right, Your Majesty.” Akbar called his chef and said, “This dish is very tasty. Please give Birbal some more brinjal.”
One day, when the court was in session, Akbar’s favourite queen sent word that she wanted to see him. Akbar wanted to finish his work before he left. Soon, the queen sent another messenger asking for the emperor. As Akbar got up to leave, he saw Birbal smiling in a silly manner. Furious, he said,
One day, Akbar asked, “What is the whitest and brightest of all?” All the courtiers began discussing what it could be. Some of them felt cotton is the brightest and whitest, while others said it is milk. When Akbar asked Birbal, he replied, “Sunlight, Your Majesty.” Akbar asked Birbal to prove it. When Akbar went
Akbar was in the royal court, listening to the complaints of the people of his kingdom. Birbal was also near him. Just then, a farmer and his neighbour entered the court. The farmer said, “Your Majesty, I am a poor farmer. My neighbour sold me his well a few months ago. But now he also
Once, a horse trader came to visit Akbar. He had some fine horses and wanted the emperor to buy them. Akbar liked the horses and bought a few of them. He wanted more horses and paid money in advance to the trader. The trader said, “I shall bring the horses tomorrow, Your Majesty,” and left.
Akbar was very intelligent. He liked to sharpen his knowledge and test his courtiers’ intelligence as well. One day, he asked them, “What is that one thing in the world which is ever moving?” The courtiers began discussing among themselves and came up with many answers. Some said it is the sun. Some said it
One evening, Akbar and Birbal were enjoying a stroll in the garden Akbar said, “Birbal! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a person who becomes an emperor is allowed to reign forever?” Birbal said, “Yes, Your Majesty! That sounds great. But there is a problem.” Akbar asked, “What is it?” Birbal said, “If such a rule
One day, Akbar’s courtiers were discussing the best weapon. All the courtiers named different weapons. But Birbal said, “There is no such weapon. Whatever comes handy at the time of danger is the best weapon.” Akbar did not agree. Next day, when Akbar and Birbal were walking through the city, a mad elephant chased them.
There were many reasons why Akbar was fond of Birbal. He offered valuable advice, cheered him up and fulfilled all his wishes, no matter how unusual they were. One day, Akbar asked Birbal to bring the most learned person to his court. Birbal agreed. But he had two conditions. He wanted a week’s holiday and
Akbar was not only a generous, just ruler, but he was also very cheerful and jovial. He loved to play pranks and have fun occasionally. One day, he was in the mood for a joke. He was waiting for Birbal, since he knew Birbal’s witty answers would add to the fun. When Birbal entered the
One day, Akbar decided to ask Birbal a difficult question. He asked, “Birbal, what is the difference between a foolish man and a learned man?” Birbal smiled and replied, “Your Majesty! A learned man always uses his brains when he is in a difficult situation. He is always calm and does not lose control.” Akbar
Akbar always sought Birbal’s advice on important matters. One day, after solving a difficult case and passing a judgement, Akbar asked Birbal, “Tell me when God shows His justice.” Birbal thought for a while. Then he said, “Your Majesty, when your judgement is not right, we can see God’s justice.” Akbar said, “I did not
Birbal noticed that Akbar had been absent from the court for long stretches of time. This worried him a lot. So he went to the palace to enquire about his well-being. Just as he entered the palace, he overheard Akbar saying silly things to himself. Then he entered Akbar’s bedroom and looked around. He found
One day, a jealous courtier tried to plot against Birbal. Before Birbal entered the royal court, the courtier had whispered in Akbar’s ear, “Your Majesty, Birbal is neglecting his duty and indulging in useless pursuits. I’ve heard that he is learning magic.” When Birbal came to the court, Akbar asked, “Birbal, I heard you know