King Akbar was one of the greatest Kings Indian history has ever witnessed. His sense of justice was very famous. He is hailed as the most prolific Emperor in Mughal History. Though Akbar’s education remained incomplete, he knew value of wisdom, judgement and knowledge. He had a keen sense for intelligent people and as a proof of that his court was adorned with intelligent men from all over the world. His empire was also famous for ‘Navratnas’ that referred to ensemble of nine very intelligent court members who all had important duties to perform. Birbal was one of those Ratnas who was a master at answering all the difficult questions and for that King was very fond of him.
Birbal’s wit and wisdom had spread beyond the boundaries. Once, the King of Egypt heard about Birbal’s intelligence and expressed his desire to examine his acumen. So the king sent a request to King Akbar to send Birbal to his court. Akbar acquiesced to the request and sent Birbal to Egypt. After few days, Birbal arrived in Egypt and was welcomed by the Minister of the King of Egypt. He was also informed that the King will see him next morning.
So after properly resting that night, next morning Birbal entered the court of the King and was immediately perplexed with what he witnessed. He saw no less than five identical Kings sitting in the court on different royal thrones. All of them were wearing same attire, jewelry and make up. Birbal felt confused for a while but he decided to observe each one of them carefully.
After some time, he walked up to one of the kings and greeted him with ‘Long Live the King!’ Now, it was turn of the king to feel surprised. He couldn’t help asking Birbal about how did he manage to identify him as the real king.
Birbal replied in his usual intelligent way, ‘My King, after observing other four kings, I found them watching you very closely and trying to imitate you actions, postures and manners. But when I looked at you, I could see a cool, calm and relaxed demeanour and that indicated true stature of you.’ King was pleasantly surprised and very impressed with Birbal’s wit and presence of mind. He showered heaps of praises on him and gifted him with jewels and many presents.