151 Akbar Birbal Stories

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

One day, when Birbal entered the court, he saw Akbar sitting quietly on his throne, staring at his hands. Birbal bowed and asked, “Is all well, Your Majesty?” Akbar asked Birbal, “Why are my palms hairless?” After thinking for a while, Birbal said, “You are very generous, Your Majesty! You always shower everyone around you

One of Akbar’s courtiers went by the name Abdul Karim. He was blind in one eye. He was also jealous of Birbal. He spared no chance to spoil Akbar’s impression of Birbal. One day, Karim saw Birbal spitting betel nuts on a palace wall. He went to Akbar and complained about Birbal. Akbar was annoyed.

One day, Akbar announced, “I have five questions for everyone today. Let’s see who is the most sensible among all of you.” He asked, “Name the best flower.” All the courtiers named different flowers. Birbal said, “The cotton flower, since cloth can be produced from it.” Akbar asked, “Which is the best leaf?” The courtiers

Akbar occasionally put his courtiers’ intelligence to test and asked them all kinds of difficult questions. One day, he asked them, “What is the difference between truth and falsehood? Tell me your answer in less than three words.” All the courtiers were taken aback. They did not have the answer to his question and they

One of Akbar’s courtiers rushed to him and said, “There was a theft in my house last night. All my valuables are gone.” Akbar said, “How can that be? You live in a safe locality.” Then Akbar called Birbal and said, “One of the courtiers must be the culprit.” Birbal said, “I will find out,