Akbar was very fond of hunting. He would frequently go on hunting expeditions. Slowly, the animals of the forest were decreasing. Birbal was worried. He wanted to let the emperor know that it was wrong to kill animals and birds for pleasure. The next time Akbar went hunting, Birbal accompanied him. Once in the forest, Birbal pretended to know the language of birds. When they passed by a huge banyan tree, they heard a group of parrots chirping loudly. Akbar asked Birbal what they were saying. Birbal said, “They are discussing marriage plans. The groom’s father is asking for five forests that have no animals in them.” “Go on,” said Akbar. “The bride’s father says he can give not five, but ten empty forests. He says the king of this land is so fond of hunting that he can arrange for more, if needed.” Akbar was shocked. He stopped hunting from that day on.
The Parrots’ Wedding
