Brainstorming sessions at Akbar’s court in the evening were very popular among the people of his capital. People always looked forward to Birbal’s witty answers. He always proved why he was the favourite minister of the Emperor.
One fine evening, Akbar started the session by announcing that three questions would be asked. Whosoever gave him the correct answers would be entitled to a hefty reward. All the courtiers and the ministers readied themselves to use their brains, because they all wanted to be rewarded.
The Emperor asked the first question, “Can anybody tell me the difference between truth and untruth? But make sure the answer is given only in three words. One extra word and you lose.”
Akbar waited for them to give the answer, but none came forward. All the courtiers and the ministers tried harder, but they were to unable think what the difference could be within just three words. The Emperor was a little surprised, as his favourite minister Birbal hadn’t said anything till then.
“Birbal, why haven’t you said anything as yet? I am surprised that even you don’t know the answer,” said Akbar with disappointment. Birbal explained to the Emperor that he knew the answer, but he was waiting for others to say something.
Then, Birbal gave the answer, “Your Majesty, it is ‘four fingers’.” Akbar couldn’t under-stand, so he asked him to explain. “Because eyes see the truth, but what ears hear can be false too. So, four fingers is the distance between one’s eyes and ears.”
The courtiers and the other ministers applauded Birbal. “Very well, Birbal. You are absolutely right. You have given a well-thought answer,” Akbar appreciated Birbal.
Then, the Emperor asked the second question. He drew a line on the floor with chalk. He asked everyone to shorten the line without touching it.
As usual, none came forward. All of them tried to think of the ways with which they could shorten the Emperor’s line. Then, Birbal walked ahead. He took a piece of chalk and drew a longer line right beside Akbar’s line. Everyone was stunned at Birbal’s intelligence.
And the last question Akbar asked was, “There is a thing in existence which all of you can see and other creatures can see with their eyes, but the Sun and the Moon cannot see. Can you tell what this thing could be? Think hard. This is the last question.”
Everyone present in the court tried to think and make guesses, but all in vain. They couldn’t come up with the right answer. Then, everyone’s eyes rested on the Emperor’s favourite minister, Birbal.
Birbal said, “It is darkness, Your Majesty.” He once again amazed everybody with his wit.
