Akbar’s kingdom was famous for its beauty and grandeur. One day, a messenger from a distant land came to Akbar’s court. He said, “Our king sends his greetings. He wants to visit your kingdom. But our king is old. He wants to know the number of turns in the streets of your kingdom as he doesn’t want to lose his way.” Akbar said, “I welcome your king to my kingdom. As for the number of turns, it will take a month to count them all. I will send word to your king after it is done.” The messenger said, “Your Majesty! If I go back without your answer, my king will punish me. I can wait until tomorrow.” Akbar asked the messenger to go and rest. Then he called Birbal. Birbal said, “Your Majesty, every street in the world has only two turns — left turn and right turn.” Once again, Birbal saved the court’s honour.
The Old King’s Request
