Stories about Akbar and Birbal

An Unwise InvestmentA greedy man brought a lump of metal to Birbal and said, “I’ve been told this is gold. I want to sell it.” Birbal inspected it and replied,…

A Simple Man’s TestOne day, Akbar disguised himself and went to the forest. There he met a poor woodcutter. The emperor offered him a golden axe and asked, “Will you…

A Miser’s ComplaintA man came to court, upset. “My neighbor refuses to pay the proper share for the hen we purchased together! He says he wants only the front half!”…

The Royal ChallengeOne day, Emperor Akbar said to Birbal, “Bring me a mute person and make him speak. If you succeed, I shall reward you handsomely.” Birbal’s Inspired StrategyThe next…

A Curious CaseTwo men came to court, quarreling over a donkey. One claimed, “He used my donkey’s shadow to rest without paying!” The other said, “I rented only the donkey—not…

The Royal InvitationAkbar once received an invitation to a feast from a nobleman. The king, along with Birbal, attended. However, when they arrived, the host offered a lavish seat but…

A Mother's DisputeOne morning, two women came before Emperor Akbar, each claiming to be the mother of a beautiful child. They argued fiercely, both pleading for justice. Birbal’s Divine TestAkbar…

A Strange RequestAkbar once asked, “Who among my ministers will shave my beard while I am asleep?” All hesitated—fearing punishment if the emperor awoke. Birbal VolunteersBirbal offered to do it.…

The Sannyāsī's TrickA fake renunciate came to the court claiming that whoever ate the golden mango he brought would have their sins destroyed. Many were attracted, hoping for easy liberation.…