One day, Akbar’s guards brought a man to the court and said, “Your Majesty, this granary officer was caught taking bribes.” Akbar said, “Put him in prison.” Another courtier said, “Your Majesty, let him count the waves of the Yamuna.” Akbar agreed. After a few days, Akbar asked Birbal, “What about that corrupt granary officer? Is he still taking bribes?” Birbal said, “Your Majesty, we won’t know unless we find out for ourselves.” Akbar and Birbal disguised themselves as fishermen and were walking on the banks of the Yamuna, when the officer saw them. “What are you doing here?” he roared. “Sir, we are poor fishermen. We have come to cast our nets.” “Well, you cannot. You disturbed me while I was performing an important task. Pay me a fine of two hundred coins. Akbar said, “You will be jailed for this!” Akbar’s guards caught the officer and imprisoned him.
Royal Fishermen
