By 
Polished like precious stones in the river of time, Birbal’s stories of wit and insight have delighted children and adults across India for generations. These tales have entertained and taught people of all levels for hundreds of years. Although these tales are charming and funny, they are not fictional. They are true stories of a wise man who lived in ancient India in the palace of Emperor Akbar. Birbal served the Emperor of him with wit and wisdom, and became so famous that even today parents and grandparents use these witty adventures as moral tales.
Birbal was the Grand Vizier and most trusted adviser to the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Birbal’s duties at court were mainly military and administrative. He was a close friend of the emperor and was well known for his wit and wisdom.
One night, Emperor Akbar dreamed that he had lost all his teeth except one. The next morning he invited all the astrologers in his kingdom to interpret this dream.
After a long discussion, the astrologers told Akbar that all his relatives would die before him. Akbar was very upset by this interpretation and sent them all away without any reward.
Later that day, Birbal entered the court. Akbar told Birbal his dream and asked him to interpret it. After thinking for a moment, Birbal replied that the Emperor would live a longer and fuller life than any of his relatives. Akbar was pleased with Birbal’s explanation and rewarded him handsomely.
On another occasion, Emperor Akbar and Birbal were taking a walk in the palace gardens. It was a beautiful summer morning and there were many crows playing happily around the pond. Akbar decided to test Birbal’s wits.
He asked Birbal how many ravens were in his kingdom. After thinking for a while, Birbal replied, “There are ninety-five thousand four hundred and sixty-three crows.”
Amazed by her quick response, Akbar asked, “What if there are more?” Without hesitation, Birbal replied, “If there are more ravens, then some are visiting from other neighboring kingdoms.” “And if there are fewer crows?” Akbar asked. “So some crows from our kingdom have gone on vacation to other places.”
Although he was well liked by Emperor Akbar and the common people due to his wit and attention to justice, the other courtiers in Akbar’s court were jealous of Birbal and continually plotted his downfall, to no avail. It was even said that Birbal’s death in battle was caused by treachery and not defeat. Akbar mourned for several months upon hearing the news.
There are many books, videos and CD ROMs available which have a rich collection of Birbal stories and are useful not only for children but also for young adults living outside of India. Amar Chitra Katha helps them rediscover their heritage from him.