One day, Akbar announced, “I have five questions for everyone today. Let’s see who is the most sensible among all of you.” He asked, “Name the best flower.” All the courtiers named different flowers. Birbal said, “The cotton flower, since cloth can be produced from it.” Akbar asked, “Which is the best leaf?” The courtiers named the neem leaf. Birbal said, “The betel leaf, which is offered to friends and foes.” Akbar asked, “Which is the best milk?” Everyone said, “Cow’s milk!” But Birbal said, “Mother’s milk, since it helps a baby grow. Akbar asked, “Where is sweetness?” While the courtiers named various sweets, Birbal said, “In the tongue, since it is capable of tasting.” Akbar asked, “Who is the best king?” All the courtiers said, “You!” But Birbal said, “King Indra, because he sends rain, which helps crops grow, and we get our food.” Akbar liked all of Birbal’s answers.
Akbar Asks, Birbal Answers
