One day King Akbar entered his court before everyone. While he was sitting idle 5 questions just popped up in his head. To check the intelligence level of his courteries he asked them the following questions-
Which flower is the best?
Whose milk is the best?
Which sweetness is the best?
Which leaf is the best?
Which king is the best?
Akbar's 5 questions1. After hearing to their kings questions everyone in the court tried to please him with their answers. Some said rose is the best flower while others declared lotus to be the best. Few other flower names were suggested by the courtiers but Akbar was not satisfied with their answers.
2. Regarding milk some claimed cows milk to be the best while others referred buffalo and goats milk to be the best. Since they had no explanation to their answers Akbar disregarded their answers.
3. Moving forward to the third question – courtiers said sugarcane has the best sweetness, others said pomegranate and sweets (mithai) has the best sweetness.
4. To his fourth question the answer was banana leaf was the best while others replied Neem leaves to be the best.
5. To his final question all the courtiers had a unanimous call – KING AKBAR IS THE BEST!!
Akbar was very elated to see the loyalty of his courtiers but was not fully satisfied with their answers. Can anybody guess what was Birbal’s reply to Akbar’s 5 questions? Not sure..then let’s keep reading.
After few minutes Birbal entered the court and after taking his position in court King Akbar asked him the very same questions. Without wasting a minute Birbal replied –
Cotton flower is the best. It is used to make clothes for everyone and it covers everyone. All of us wear cotton clothes.
Mom’s milk is the best, because of it her child is healthy and fit.
Sweetness is not in a food it’s in a speech; your tongue. If it utters sweet words it pleases everyone and make them happy. That’s why mom always says – talk softly and gently because a softener tone pleases everyone.
Among the leaves Betel leaves (paan ka patta) is the best. By eating betel leaves even enemies become friends.
Among all the kings – king Indra is the best. On his demands it rains and we end up getting good crops. Due to which farmers provide healthy grains and everyone gets fed.
King Akbar was very pleased with Birbals replies and he was fully satisfied with all his answers.
King Akbar loved his royal gardens and during his free times he would love to take a stroll down his gardens. Likewise, one fine day king Akbar and Birbal were strolling in their royal gardens. The topic of their discussion was – recent conquers of Akbar; all the territories and neighboring states that Akbar had conquered. Did you know – Akbar wanted to rule all over Northern India. WHY – because he wanted to establish himself as the supreme lord of Northern India.
Well coming back to the story – While walking the gardens, a question popped up in emperor’s mind and he asked Birbal, “Birbal who is the biggest of all – sabse bada kaun hai?” Birbal understood Akbar wanted Birbal to rave (talk) about his recent conquerors and praise his work.
Birbal immediately replied, “Badshah, a kid is the biggest of all”.
Yeah you heard me right kiddos – you cuties are the biggest of all. Was Akbar pleased with his answer..what do you guys think — Nahh, I thought so.Let’s keep reading…
King Akbar was not pleased with his reply and asked Birbal to prove his point. Birbal knew emperor was not happy and he asked for the next 48 hours to prove his point. Time was granted.
To prove his point Birbal asked his friend for help. His friend had an adorable son who was 2 years old and Birbal wanted to take that baby to the palace. His friend agreed and Birbal brought the baby to the court. King was delighted to see such an adorable kid in his court and asked Birbal to bring the baby close to him.
Akbar took the baby and made him sit in his lap. That little kid made King Akbar forget all his worries and King was having an amazing time with this cute little baby. Suddenly while playing, baby pulled emperor’s mustache and emperor was very angry. He screamed in pain, “Birbal, why did you bring this ill mannered kid to my court? Is he not aware about me? Take him away at once or I will punish him.”
Birbal thought it’s the right time to prove his point. He said,”Jahan pannah, at this point this kid is bigger than you. If that was not the case then how could this cute little baby had the courage to pull your mustache. If some else at his place would have dared to hurt you, he would not be standing alive. No body has the courage to hurt our emperor”. Akbar was flabbergasted to hear Birbal’s explanation and every word he said was true. Not only that kid was alive rather he was smiling and walking around muttering some words. Aww…cho chweet baby!! Birbal had smartly proved his point once again. After listening to Birbal’s explanation, King Akbar had calmed down, he hugged the little kid and praised Birbal.
The King of Iran had heard that Birbal was one of the wisest men in the East and desirous of meeting him sent him an invitation to visit his country.
In due course, Birbal arrived in Iran.
When he entered the palace he was flabbergasted to find not one but six kings seated there.
All looked alike. All were dressed in kingly robes. Who was the real king?
The very next moment he got his answer. Confidently, he approached the king and bowed to him.
"But how did you identify me?" the king asked, puzzled.
Birbal smiled and explained: "The false kings were all looking at you, while you yourself looked straight ahead. Even in regal robes, the common people will always look to their king for support."
Overjoyed, the king embraced Birbal and showered him with gifts.
