The Clever Story of Akbar and Birbal

The Mughal court of Emperor Akbar was one of the grandest in history, filled with ministers, scholars, poets, and wise men. Among them, one name stood out—Birbal. He was not only Akbar’s trusted advisor but also his dearest friend. Known for his intelligence, quick wit, and ability to solve even the trickiest problems, Birbal’s tales have been passed down for generations as lessons in wisdom and humor.

One such story shows why Birbal was truly unforgettable.

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The Story of the Foolish Courtier

One bright morning in Agra, Emperor Akbar gathered his courtiers in the magnificent hall of his palace. The polished marble gleamed in the sunlight, and the courtiers stood in neat rows, waiting eagerly to hear what the Emperor would say.

Akbar, always curious and playful, looked around and asked,

“Tell me, my friends, do you know who the most foolish man in my kingdom is?”

The courtiers were taken aback. None dared to answer. To call someone foolish in the Emperor’s presence could easily lead to trouble. But Akbar, smiling mischievously, turned to Birbal.

“Birbal, I am sure you can find him for me. Bring the most foolish man in my kingdom to court tomorrow.”

Birbal bowed respectfully and said, “As you command, Jahanpanah (Your Majesty). I will bring him to you.”

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Birbal’s Search

The next morning, Birbal walked through the bustling streets of Agra. Merchants were shouting their prices, children were playing, and travelers were passing through the crowded bazaars. Birbal carefully observed everyone, looking for someone who truly fit the title of “the most foolish man.”

At last, near the city gates, Birbal noticed a man sitting on a donkey. The man looked worried and muttered to himself. Curious, Birbal approached him.

“Friend, why do you look so troubled?” asked Birbal.

The man replied, “I am going to a faraway village to deliver this bag of gold to my brother. But I’m afraid of being robbed along the way. So I’ve tied the bag to the donkey’s tail. No thief will think of looking there!”

Birbal almost laughed out loud but kept a straight face. The man, thinking he was clever, had tied the bag in the most foolish place—where it would easily fall or be noticed by thieves. Birbal knew at once that he had found his man.

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Back at the Court

The next day, Birbal brought the donkey and the man into Akbar’s court. The courtiers laughed as Birbal explained the man’s strange reasoning. Akbar chuckled and said,

“Indeed, Birbal, this man is foolish. You have fulfilled my command well.”

But Birbal wasn’t done. With a twinkle in his eye, he added,

“Jahanpanah, if I may say so, this man is not the most foolish person in your kingdom.”

Akbar raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? Did you not bring me the most foolish man?”

Birbal bowed politely and said,

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but the most foolish man is not him—it is you.”

The entire court gasped. How dare anyone call the mighty Emperor foolish? But Birbal calmly explained:

“Your Majesty, you are the great ruler of Hindustan. You have ministers, soldiers, and wise men all around you. Yet you sent me to search the streets of Agra to find a foolish man. Who could be more foolish than one who gives such a task?”

For a moment, silence filled the court. Then Akbar threw back his head and laughed heartily. He was never angry at Birbal’s cleverness—on the contrary, he loved it.

“You are right, Birbal!” Akbar said, still laughing. “Once again, you have shown me the truth with your wit.”

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The Lesson

The courtiers admired Birbal’s courage and intelligence. He had not only completed Akbar’s command but had also turned the lesson back to the Emperor in a way that made everyone laugh.

This story reminds us that:

True wisdom lies in seeing the humor in life.

Speaking the truth, if done with wit and respect, can win even the hearts of kings.