The Birbal Story

The Birbal Story

Akbar, the Great, one of the prominent Mughal emperors who ruled India, went hunting one day in the summer, accompanied by a group of attendants. They searched the entire forest but did not find a single animal. He traveled many miles on horseback. Akbar and his team were exhausted due to extreme fatigue and thirst. If only we had some water! Their tongues were parched and they searched everywhere for water. "Let's go to the nearest village," Akbar said. When they went some distance, they saw a boy walking carrying a small bag. Akbar asked the boy: "We are very thirsty; where can we get some water?" "There is a pond near my house. "I will show you the way there," replied the boy. The boy was very eager to show the way to the horsemen. A man put the boy on his horse. The horses galloped away with loud hoofs. They quickly reached the pond.

The boy fetched water from the pool and gave it to everyone. When he poured water for Akbar with a smile, the emperor asked the boy: "What is your name?" "What is your name?" - The boy turned and asked a question. Akbar was shocked to hear this unexpected question. The emotion in his mind was also reflected on his face. The emperor's face became more serious. "Do you know who I am?" he asked in a rather high-pitched voice. The boy laughed without hesitation and asked another question. "Do you know the Brahmin priest in this village?" "I don't know," said Akbar. "Yes, I want to tell you the answer." The boy replied confidently.

The attendants waited anxiously to see what was about to happen. Suddenly, Akbar's face became clear like the cloudless sky. He laughed; took off his ring and gave it to the child; Then he said: "Let this be for giving us water and speaking as a lime. That ring will speak who I am." While the boy was looking at the ring back and forth, Akbar and his team got on the horse. On that ring studded with a sparkling ruby ​​stone was written: "Akbar"! The boy stared at Emperor Akbar in wonder. When you grow old you should come to my palace in Delhi. Show that ring and you can enter it. Saying this, Akbar left the place driving the horse and then the team of horses. Then the boy remembered something. He said he had not told him his name and ran back. "My name is Mahesh Das.......Mahesh Das "Who will listen? No one heard the boy shouting over the sound of horses' hooves!

When Mahesh was sixteen, he came to Delhi to meet Emperor Akbar. He approached the guard standing at the palace gate. He told the story of Akbar coming to his village years back. The guards looked at him in disdain (since he was not very well dressed) and asked why they should let him in. He showed them the ring that was given to him by the emperor as proof. One of the guards realized that this individual was important to the emperor and gave him permission to enter, based on one condition: the young man would share half of what he received from the emperor with the guard. Mahesh Das promised to do so and was given access to the court of Emperor Akbar.

The palace was a wonderful sight for Mahesh. He walked through the vast and beautiful palace and reached Akbar's audience. Mahesh sat on a chair and saw Akbar sitting on a golden throne. Akbar asked the audience in front: "Which is the most beautiful flower in the world?" Many people said many names. Mahesh said loudly, “ Cotton is the best flower in my opinion. It has no smell.” The crowd in unison laughed. When the noise was contained, Akbar asked: "What is the reason for saying cotton? Can you explain?" Mahesh stood up again and said. "O Lord! From cotton, the famous fabrics of your country are woven. Muslin and voile yield it. They are as delicate as the gentle breeze and beautiful as the rainbow. I prefer cotton to any other flower." Akbar liked the explanation. Akbar asked. "What is your name?" Where do you come from?" "My name is Mahesh. You came to my village seven years ago while hunting. I fetched water from the village pool for your thirsty group to drink. You gave me a ring that day. You said that I should come here when I am old." Akbar laughed and said, "I remember, and happy that you have come. You can stay in the palace as long as you wish." Akbar remembered the rash boy of that day.  And benevolent King asked him if anything else in particular he wanted.

 The young man thought a while and asked the emperor for fifty lashes of the whip. The emperor was amazed but he knew that Mahesh Das was a very astute young man and asked him the reason for his wish. Mahesh Das revealed to the emperor the deal that he had made with the guard outside the fort. The emperor was thoroughly amused and angry at the same time. He awarded fifty lashes to the guard for his impertinence and his habit of bullying people. He rewarded Mahesh Das by including him in his court and giving him all the comforts he could desire. He also bestowed on him the name of Birbal.

 Birbal, an Indian folk hero noted for his wit and cleverness, was one of the nine gems of Akbar. To this day, this duo is remembered by everyone, especially children through the fancy and witty tales.