One evening, Akbar and Birbal were deeply involved in witty conversations. Sometimes, Birbal made fun of Akbar’s sense of humour. Akbar was not in a mood to take any jokes on him. So, he fired Birbal angrily. In fact, he ordered him to vanish away from Agra. Feeling hurt, Birbal left that palace without questioning the punishment.
After a few days, Akbar regretted his haste decision of firing his favourite minister. He was badly missing him. So, he sent his servants to search for Birbal. While Birbal was leaving the kingdom, he made sure that nobody knew where he was going.
Then one day, a saint visited the Emperor with two of his disciples. Both of them claimed that the saint was the wisest man on the Earth. So, Akbar thought that it would be better if he appointed the saint as his next minister, who would distract his mind. But Akbar wasn’t simply going to tell him to take the chair of his favourite minister. He decided to test his wit and see if the saint was good enough.
Akbar asked his other ministers to ask the saint extremely hard questions. If he managed to answer them correctly then he would be appointed as the minister. The first minister asked, “Who is man’s best friend on the earth?” “His own good sense,” replied the saint.
• “Which is the most superior thing on the earth?”
“Knowledge.”
• “Which is the deepest trench in the world?”
“A woman’s heart.”
• “What is that which cannot be regained after it is lost?”
“Life.”
• “What is undying in music?”
“Notes.”
• “Which is the sweetest and most melodious voice at night?
“The voice that prays to God.”
• “What travels more speedily than the wind?”
“Man’s thought.”
• “Which is the sweetest thing on the earth?”
“A baby’s smile.”
This way, the sage was asked many questions. And he answered each question with perfection. All ministers as well as the Emperor were very impressed by the saint. Then the Akbar himself thought of putting even harder questions to him. So, he asked, “What are the necessary requirements for ruling a kingdom?” The saint answered, “Cleverness.” Another question came, “What is the gravest enemy of a king?” “Selfishness,” said the saint.
Lastly, the Emperor asked the saint if he could perform any miracles. The saint replied that he could summon the person Emperor Akbar wanted to meet desperately. Listening to the answer, Akbar got very excited. And, he instantly said that he wanted to meet his favourite minister, Birbal.
The very next moment, the saint pulled off his fake beard and wig. Everyone was surprised and Akbar couldn’t help laughing as the saint was none other than Birbal.
