Stories of Birbal
Akbar's Advisor?
<<
Go back to the index of Birbal Stories
Several courtiers were vying to be the Royal
Advisor of Emperor Akbar. So one day, when they came to the court, they said to
the Emperor, "We want to be your Royal Advisor." Akbar said, "No
problem, but you will have to pass the test before you could be my Royal
Advisor. And whoever would pass the test will be appointed my Advisor."
They agreed.
The King unfastened his waist cloth and lay
down on the floor, and asked the candidates to cover him with that cloth from
head to toe. Now everybody tried to cover him, but in vain. If one wanted to
cover the head, then feet remained uncovered, or if the feet were covered, then
his head remained open.
Just then Birbal entered the court, the king
asked Birbal also, if he could cover him with that cloth from head to toe.
Birbal paused a moment, then asked the Emperor politely, "Huzoor, Could you
pull up your knees a little bit?" The King did so, and Birbal could cover
him from head to toe with that cloth.
Realizing that they failed the test, the
courtiers left the court quietly and then they never thought about being the
King's Advisor.
<<
Go back to the index of Birbal Stories
|