The emperor Akbar was travelling to a distant place along with some of his courtiers. It was a hot day and the emperor was tiring of the journey. “Can’t anybody shorten this road for me?” he asked, querulously. “I can,” said Birbal. The other courtiers looked at one another, perplexed. All of them knew there … Read more
A farmer and his neighbour once went to Emperor Akbar’s court with a complaint. “Your Majesty, I bought a well from him,” said the farmer pointing to his neighbour,” and now he wants me to pay for the water.” “That’s right, your Majesty,” said the neighbour. “I sold him the well but not the water!” … Read more
A man who made spears and shields once came to Akbar’s court. “Your Majesty, nobody can make shields and spears to equal mine,” he said. “My shields are so strong that nothing can pierce them and my spears are so sharp that there’s nothing they cannot pierce.” “I can prove you wrong on one count … Read more
One day a man stopped Birbal in the street and began narrating his woes to him. “I’ve walked twenty miles to see you,” he told Birbal finally, “and all along the way people kept saying you were the most generous man in the country.” Birbal knew the man was going to ask him for money. … Read more
Birbal was in Persia at the invitation of the king of that country. Parties were given in his honour and rich presents were heaped on him. On the eve of his departure for home, a nobleman asked him how he would compare the king of Persia to his own king. “Your king is a full … Read more
Emperor Akbar was narrating a dream. The dream began with Akbar and Birbal walking towards each other on a moonless night. It was so dark that they could not see each other – and they collided, and fell. “Fortunately for me,” said the Emperor. “I fell into a pool of payasam. But guess what Birbal … Read more
One day Emperor Akbar asked Birbal what he would choose if he were given a choice between justice and a gold coin. “The gold coin,” said Birbal. Akbar was taken aback. “You would prefer a gold coin to justice?” he asked, incredulously. “Yes,” said Birbal. The other courtiers were amazed by Birbal’s display of idiocy. … Read more
Emperor Akbar asked Birbal if it was possible for a man to be the ‘lowest’ and the ‘noblest’ at the same time. “It is possible,” said Birbal. “Then bring me such a person,” said the emperor. Birbal went out and returned with a beggar. “He is the lowest among your subjects,” he said, presenting him … Read more
Birbal was missing. He and the emperor had a quarrel and Birbal had stormed out of the palace vowing never to return. Now Akbar missed him and wanted him back but no one knew where he was. Then the emperor had a brainwave. He offered a reward of 1000 gold coins to any man who … Read more
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