Emperor Akbar once ruled over India. He was a wise and intelligent ruler, and he had in his court the Nine Gems, his nine advisors, who were each known for a particular skill. One of these Gems was Birbal, known for his wit and wisdom. The story below is one of the examples of his wit. Do you have it in you to find out the answer?
One day, Emperor Akbar startled his courtiers with a strange question.
“If somebody pulled my moustache, what sort of punishment should be given to him?” he asked.
“He should be flogged!” said one courtier.
“He should be hanged!” said another.
“He should be beheaded!” said a third.
“And what about you, Birbal?” asked the Emperor. “What do you think would be the right thing to do if somebody pulled my whiskers?”
“He should be given sweets,” said Birbal.
“Sweets?” gasped the other courtiers.
Why do you think Birbal gave such a strange answer to the Emperor’s strange question?
Answer
Birbal continued, “Yes, sweets. Because the only one who would dare pull His Majesty’s moustache is a small child such as your grandson.”
Birbal said this because he knew no adult person, however close to the Emperor, would get away with something like that, as a moustache was a symbol of power and not something to be taken lightly.
So pleased was the Emperor with the answer that he took off his necklace and gave it to Birbal as a reward for his quick wit.
