Birbal had been invited to lunch by a rich man. Birbal went to the man’s house and found him in a hall full of people. His host greeted him warmly. “I did not know there would be so many guests,” said Birbal who hated large gatherings. “They are not guests,” said the man. “They are … Read more
One day the Emperor Akbar stumbled on a rock in his garden. He was in a foul mood that day and the accident made him so angry that he ordered the gardener’s arrest and execution. The next day when the gardener was asked what his last wish was before he was hanged, he requested an … Read more
One day Akbar and Birbal were riding through the countryside and they happened to pass by a cabbage patch. “Cabbages are such delightful vegetables!” said Akbar. “I just love cabbage.” “The cabbage is king of vegetables!” said Birbal. A few weeks later they were riding past the cabbage patch again. This time however, the emperor … Read more
Birbal arrived late for a function and the emperor was displeased. “My child was crying and I had to placate him,” explained the courtier. “Does it take so long to calm down a child?” asked the emperor. “It appears you know nothing about child rearing. Now you pretend to be a child and I shall … Read more
One day Akbar asked his courtiers if they could tell him the difference between truth and falsehood in three words or less. The courtiers looked at one another in bewilderment. “What about you, Birbal?” asked the emperor. “I’m surprised that you too are silent.” “I’m silent because I want to give others a chance to … Read more
One day the Emperor Akbar startled his courtiers with a strange question. “If somebody pulled my whiskers what sort of punishment should be given him?” he asked. “He should be flogged!” said one courtier. “He should be hanged!” said another. “He should be beheaded!” said a third. “And what about you, Birbal?” asked the emperor. … Read more
A nobleman’s prized racehorse began to limp for no apparent reason. Veterinarians who were called found nothing wrong with the leg – no fracture, no sprain, no soreness – and they were baffled. The nobleman finally consulted a sage, a man known for his wisdom. “Has anything changed for the horse in the last few … Read more
Ramu and Shamu both claimed ownership of the same mango tree. One day they approached Birbal and asked him to settle the dispute. Birbal said to them: “There is only one way to settle the matter. Pluck all the fruits on the tree and divide them equally between the two of you. Then cut down … Read more
Famous musicians once gathered at Akbar’s court for a competition. The one who could capture a bull’s interest was to be declared the winner. One by one, they played the most heavenly music but the bull paid no attention. Then Birbal took the stage. His music sounded like the droning of mosquitoes and the mooing … Read more
Once Akbar told Birbal ‘Birbal, make me a painting. Use imagination in it. To which the reply was ‘But hoozoor, I am a minister, how can I possibly paint?’.The king was angry and said ‘If I don’t get a good painting by one week then you shall be hanged!’. The clever Birbal had an idea. … Read more