One day, when Birbal entered the court, he saw Akbar sitting quietly on his throne, staring at his hands. Birbal bowed and asked, “Is all well, Your Majesty?” Akbar asked Birbal, “Why are my palms hairless?” After thinking for a while, Birbal said, “You are very generous, Your Majesty! You always shower everyone around you with gifts and money. You always give away things to the poor and the needy as well. Your palms are always rubbing against the gifts. Hence, no hair can grow on them.” Akbar’s eyes twinkled in amusement. He asked, “Birbal, why doesn’t hair grow on your palms?” Birbal replied, “Your Majesty, you always give me rewards and gifts. My palms rub against them every now and then. So my palms are hairless as well.” Akbar smiled at Birbal’s quick-wittedness. He said, “Here’s one more gift for your quick reply. Take my diamond necklace,” and he handed it to Birbal.
Hairless Palms
