Birbal was Akbar’s favourite courtier and this caused resentment among many other courtiers. They told Akbar, “Your Majesty, Birbal is not the only intelligent courtier. Please give us a chance to prove ourselves.” Akbar controlled his anger and said, “Get a shawl that is two metres long.” The courtiers rushed out and brought a shawl. […]
When Akbar was young, his nurse took care of him like her son. She would feed him her milk when his mother was away. Akbar respected her a lot and treated her like his mother. He considered the nurse’s son as his half-brother. Akbar loved his half-brother and made lavish arrangements whenever his half-brother came
One morning, Akbar looked into the mirror. Suddenly, he called his servant and said, “Go and call him now.” The obedient servant rushed out but soon realised that he didn’t know who he was supposed to call. But he was terrified of asking Akbar lest the emperor should be furious. So he went to Birbal
One day, one of Akbar’s courtiers told him about a man named Manohar. He said, “Your Majesty, whoever sees Manohar’s face gets into trouble.” Akbar said, “I don’t believe you. I want to see Manohar tomorrow.” Next day, Manohar entered the court. Akbar had barely seen him when he received news that one of his
It was the season of mangoes. Akbar’s subjects gifted him with many boxes of the fruit. After Akbar and Birbal had lunch together, they sunk their teeth into the juicy mangoes and relished their taste. They were having a good time, chatting and eating mangoes. When they would finish eating mangoes, they would throw the
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