151 Akbar Birbal Stories

Birbal and his daughter were in the spice market, when a man came to him and said, “Are you the famous Birbal from Akbar’s court?” Birbal said, “Yes, I am.” The man said, “I have heard great tales about your generosity. I have come all the way from a distant city just to meet you. […]

One day, two men entered the royal courtroom. One of them said, “Birbal, please help me. My name is Aamir. I am a tradesman. I had gone abroad after entrusting my servant with my property. But when I returned, I saw that my servant has stolen all my money and is using my name. He

Birbal was not just blessed with a clever mind. He also had a different way of looking at every situation. He had a positive attitude. One morning, Akbar was upset with a dream he had. He sent for many renowned astrologers. When they all reached his palace, he asked them to interpret the dream he

Once, a Brahmin named Sevaram came to visit Birbal. He did not have much wealth and lived a simple life. He was sad. He said to Birbal, “I come from a family of scholars. I do not want wealth. Everyone addressed my ancestors as ‘Panditji’. I want everyone to address me the same way.” Birbal

One day, Akbar wanted to test Birbal’s wit. When Birbal entered court, Akbar said, “I have a few questions for you.” Birbal settled into his seat and said, “I’m ready, Your Majesty. Let’s begin.” Akbar said, “The sun and the moon are high up in the sky. Is there anything they cannot see?” Birbal said,

Akbar woke up in a foul mood one day. Nothing anyone said or did seemed to please him. To top it all, Birbal also played a prank on him. Akbar was furious and he ordered Birbal to leave the city at once. Birbal was very sad. He packed his bags and left. Akbar started missing

Akbar held Birbal’s opinion above everyone else’s. When in a leisurely mood, he would chat with Birbal. Once, he asked Birbal, “If you had to choose between justice and money, which would you prefer?” Birbal replied, “Your Majesty, without a thought, I would go for the money.” Akbar was taken aback. He said, “Take your

Akbar loved to play pranks on his courtiers. One day, it was Birbal’s turn. Before Birbal reached the court, Akbar gave an egg to each courtier and said, “Hide it in the royal courtyard until I ask you for it.” When Birbal arrived, Akbar told him, “Those who bring me eggs from the royal courtyard

Some courtiers, who were jealous of Birbal, decided to get rid of him with the royal barber’s help. They promised the barber a lot of money. The wicked barber agreed. He told Akbar, “Your Majesty, a magician is in town. He can perform a ritual to help you know about the well-being of your ancestors.”

Birbal was the favourite not only of Akbar, but also of his subjects, because he would solve their problems quickly. Once, a merchant came to him. A theft had taken place and he thought one of his five servants must be the thief. “Let’s go to your house,” said Birbal. On the way, he broke

Akbar always praised Birbal for his wit and intelligence. Because of this, one courtier was very jealous of Birbal. He told Akbar, “I have three questions for Birbal. If he answers correctly, I will accept that he is intelligent.” Akbar agreed. The jealous courtier asked Birbal, “Where is the centre of the Earth?” Birbal said,

One morning, Akbar and Birbal were strolling in the royal garden. Akbar said, “My subjects always obey me.” Birbal replied, “But they also fear you, Your Majesty!” Akbar said, “Unbelievable! Prove it.” Birbal said, “Your Majesty, announce that the subjects should pour a pot of milk into a tub placed in the royal courtyard.” Akbar

Once, Akbar went hunting with his courtiers. Birbal was also with him. When some time had passed, Akbar felt thirsty. Soon, they spotted a well. Akbar got off his horse and peeped into it. The well was dry. He was about to turn away, when one of his rings slipped from his finger and into

One evening, Akbar was strolling in his mango orchard. Suddenly, an arrow whizzed by. Akbar ordered, “Soldiers! Find the person who tried to kill me!” Soon, the soldiers fetched the boy who had shot the arrow. Akbar asked, “Why did you try to kill me?” The boy said, “Your Majesty, I was aiming at a

Birbal had a seven-year-old daughter. One day, she said to him, “Father, I’ve heard so much about Emperor Akbar’s court. Will you take me there with you tomorrow?” Birbal said, “Yes dear, we shall go there tomorrow morning.” Next day, they went to the royal court. When Akbar saw Birbal’s daughter, he asked, “Do you