One day, Akbar wanted to know how many blind people lived in his kingdom. He asked Birbal about it and Birbal replied, “Your Majesty, please grant me a week’s holiday to find the answer to your question.” Akbar granted him leave. The next day onwards, Birbal stopped going to the royal court. Instead, he began mending shoes in the local market. People were surprised to see him there. Everyone would stop by and ask, “Birbal, what are you doing here?” Soon, Akbar went to the market and asked Birbal the same question, but Birbal did not respond. After a week, Birbal went back to the royal court with a long list of blind people. Akbar was angry when he saw his name on the list. Birbal explained, “Your Majesty, like the rest, you saw me mending shoes, yet you asked me what I was doing.” Akbar laughed heartily at Birbal’s act.
Birbal Becomes a Cobbler
