One morning, Akbar and Birbal were strolling in the royal garden. Akbar said, “My subjects always obey me.” Birbal replied, “But they also fear you, Your Majesty!” Akbar said, “Unbelievable! Prove it.” Birbal said, “Your Majesty, announce that the subjects should pour a pot of milk into a tub placed in the royal courtyard.” Akbar did so and added that he was going on a hunting trip for a few days. When he returned, he found that the tub was full of water. Birbal said, “Your Majesty, announce that the subjects should fill the tub with milk and say that you will check the tub once you are back after hunting.” Akbar did so and left for his hunting trip once again. When he returned, he saw that the tub was full of milk. Birbal asked Akbar, “Now do you believe that your subjects obey you out of fear, Your Majesty?” Akbar nodded and smiled.
The Tub of Milk
