One day, a widow sought Birbal’s help. Her husband had left a strange will. She was not able to understand what it meant. Birbal saw the will. It read: Divide the property among the three daughters equally. None of them should be able to use it. Each daughter should give one thousand gold coins to […]
One day, Akbar said to Birbal, “I want to know whether the farmers of my kingdom are happy. Let’s go and find out.” Akbar and Birbal set off on horseback. The countryside was beautiful. On the way, they came across a field of cabbages. Akbar said, “I just love cabbages. Don’t you like those?” Birbal
Occasionally, Akbar would disguise himself as a common man and walk the streets alone. Birbal would advise him to take along his guards, but Akbar never listened to him. One day, Akbar took to the streets, ignoring Birbal’s advice. After a while, a bearded man started following him. Akbar asked the man, “Who are you?
One day, Akbar asked his courtiers, “Which is the finest season?” One courtier said, “Your Majesty! It’s spring, when flowers are in bloom, and the buzzing of bees and chirping of birds fills the air. “No, winter is the best,” said another courtier, “when people enjoy the warm rays of the sun. Vegetables abound and
One day, after the usual session at the court, Akbar and Birbal were strolling in the royal garden. Birbal was talking and Akbar was listening. As they walked on, Birbal said some things that Akbar did not like. Akbar went on listening to Birbal. However, Birbal did not know that he had annoyed Akbar. As
One morning, Birbal was going to the court. A wicked man was hiding near the palace. When Birbal passed by, the man threw a stone at him. Birbal was hurt. He chased the man and caught him. Then Birbal gave the man some money. The man was surprised. He asked, “Why are you rewarding me
A wrestling competition was once held in the palace. Wrestlers from all over Akbar’s kingdom participated in the competition. Emperor Akbar, Birbal and the other courtiers watched the competition. When it ended, the winner boasted, “I am the champion! I am the most powerful man in the country. Does anybody want to challenge me?” Birbal
Emperor Akbar thought Birbal was very wise. He always wanted to learn from Birbal. One day, he asked, “Birbal! Tell us something about the path to freedom and the path to slavery!” Birbal said, “Your Majesty, at the outset, the path to freedom will be full of obstacles and steep climbs. In fact, there will
One day, the royal guards brought a robber to Akbar’s court and said, “Your Majesty, this man has robbed many people’s gold and money.” Akbar roared, “Why did you rob so many people?” The robber said, “Your Majesty, it is God’s will. How can I be punished for things that were directed by God?” Birbal
Once, Birbal was on holiday. That day, his son told him, “Father, please come with me to the park! My friends and I want to play with you!” Birbal went with his son and began playing with all the children. After some time, a courtier passed by. He saw Birbal playing like a child among
Once, an old woman and a doctor went to Akbar’s court. But Birbal, as usual, solved it with his intelligence. The old woman said she was blind, while the doctor said she could see. Birbal took the old woman to another room and asked her, “What is the matter?” The old woman said, “I had
One day, Akbar asked, “Who is the most fearless person in this world?” All the courtiers except Birbal, replied, “Of course, it’s you, Your Majesty!” Since Birbal was quiet, Akbar asked him, “Tell me who the bravest person in this world is.” “A child, Your Majesty!” said Birbal. Everyone was surprised with Birbal’s answer. “Prove
It was the birthday of the emperor himself. The whole kingdom was bubbling with joy. Kings from faraway lands, ministers and courtiers filled the palace with the finest of gifts. But Akbar’s mind was elsewhere. His eyes were searching for his most precious gem — Birbal. One courtier told Akbar, “Your Majesty, everyone has arrived,
Akbar praised Birbal a lot and this did not go down well with some jealous courtiers. Mulla was one of them. One day, when Birbal entered the court wearing a classy turban, Akbar said, “Your turban looks very good on you. It has been tied so neatly!” But before Birbal could reply, Mulla interrupted, “Your
One night, Birbal was invited to a grand feast. Next day, during lunch, Akbar asked, “How was the feast, Birbal?” Birbal described the lavish feast and listed the items that were served. He had to stop when a courtier entered with a message for the emperor. In the court, Akbar asked, “What else, Birbal?” Birbal’s