Stories about Akbar and Birbal

A Bitter DishOne day, Akbar tasted a pot of food and found it scorched and bitter. He asked, “Who cooked this?” The Servant’s FearA trembling cook came forward. “I lit…

A Fool’s AmbitionA man once claimed he had counted all the stars in the sky. Akbar summoned him, eager to hear his method. Birbal’s Gentle RebukeBirbal said, “Please bring your…

A Mysterious RequestAkbar once asked Birbal, “Can a boat float without a bottom?” The question was meant to confuse, but Birbal nodded confidently. The Living ExampleBirbal brought a leaf floating…

A Child’s ComplaintA small boy came to Akbar crying, “My mother refuses to give me sweets, though I love them dearly!” Amused, Akbar asked the mother why. The Mother’s ReplyShe…

A Question of WorthAkbar once said, “How valuable is my shadow?” No one could answer. Birbal replied, “Your shadow has no price because it goes where you go, but helps…

An Unlikely GuestA poor shepherd once wandered into the court and impressed everyone with his answers. Akbar asked him, “What is your greatest wealth?” The Shepherd’s ResponseHe bowed and said,…

A Royal PuzzleAkbar drew a line on the floor and said, “Without touching this line, make it shorter.” The ministers were confused. Birbal's Wise StrokeBirbal drew a longer line beside…

The King's CuriosityAkbar once challenged Birbal, “Make a garland of the greatest fools in the city and bring it to me!” Birbal accepted without hesitation. A Garland with a SurpriseThe…

The King's OrderAkbar ordered his men, “Bring me a horse that is neither brown, nor black, nor white.” The ministers were baffled. Birbal was summoned. Birbal's ConditionHe said, “I will…

A Royal PuzzleAkbar, fond of numbers, asked, “What is the total number of fools in my kingdom?” Birbal replied, “It’s hard to count without full investigation, but I have begun…