The Man Who Planted Stones
An Odd FarmerA man was seen planting colored stones in his field. When questioned, he said, “They will become fruits of fortune.” Birbal’s LessonHe told the man, “Stones will bear…
An Odd FarmerA man was seen planting colored stones in his field. When questioned, he said, “They will become fruits of fortune.” Birbal’s LessonHe told the man, “Stones will bear…
A Broken GiftA nobleman gifted Akbar a clock with no hands. “It is a symbol,” he said. “Of what?” asked the emperor. Birbal’s InterpretationBirbal said, “It shows the time of…
A Royal CuriosityAkbar received a golden birdcage from a visiting king, but no bird inside. “A cage without a bird?” he asked. Birbal’s UnderstandingHe said, “It is a gift that…
A Sinking SurpriseA man built a beautiful boat but forgot to seal a small hole. It sank on its first voyage. Birbal’s Comment“Even a golden vessel sinks if one hole…
A Strange AccusationA man came to court claiming, “My neighbor stole my moonlight by blocking my window with his wall!” Birbal’s RemedyHe suggested moving the man’s seat to another window.…
A Royal ChallengeAkbar said, “I wear the crown, but what is the true crown of a king?” Birbal brought no object but bowed and said, “The love of your people—that…
A Market ArgumentTwo merchants quarreled noisily over a small coin. Akbar was irritated and fined them both. Birbal’s Remark“For the sake of one coin, they lost their voice, their peace,…
A Cold NightAkbar asked his ministers, “Is there such a thing as fire without flame?” None could answer. Birbal simply brought a woolen blanket and placed it over the emperor.…
An Unusual RequestA man asked if Birbal could make a full pot float on water. Birbal placed an empty pot and filled it with flowers until it floated. Akbar’s Curiosity“How…
A Strange ComplaintA man came to court claiming, “My neighbor has stolen my shadow!” Everyone laughed, but Birbal asked, “Where did you see it last?” A Lesson in AbsurdityBirbal then…