Talk:Birbal, the Witty, Wise and Brave Minister of Emperor Akbar
By Vishal Agarwal
Emperor Akbar and Bīrbala
Emperor Akbar ruled India from 1556–1605 C.E. Compared to many other Muslim rulers, he was not as harsh towards the Hindus. He also employed many Hindus in positions of importance in his government. One of these was Bīrbala, who was born in a Brāhmaṇa family of Uttar Pradesh. He was a favorite of Akbar, who even had a house built for Bīrbala close to his own palace. Bīrbala died in a military campaign in the North Western Frontier Province (Pakistan) around 1598 C.E. Emperor Akbar was so grieved that he did not eat for two days.
It is said that Bīrbala was not just brave and learned, but also very clever and witty. He entertained the emperor with his humor and wisdom. Many stories are told of Bīrbala getting the better of Akbar or his other courtiers. These stories teach us that wisdom should be used not only for supporting dharm, but also for bringing joy and cheer to others.
Story: Who pulled the King’s beard?
One day, emperor Akbar asked a strange question in his palace. He said, “Someone pulled my beard this morning. What punishment should I give him?”
Everyone was shocked. One courtier said, “He should be killed.” Another said, “He should be sent to jail.” A third said, “He should be beaten up.”
Then Akbar turned to Bīrbala. Bīrbala smiled and said, “Mahārāj, you should give candy to the person who pulled your beard.”
The courtiers were surprised. They asked, “How can we give candy to such a man?” Bīrbala replied, “Only one person can dare to pull the king’s beard – your grandson. Children do such pranks with their elders. Therefore, instead of punishing, we should lovingly reward them.”
Akbar laughed and admitted, “You are correct Bīrbala. It was indeed my grandson Khurram who pulled my beard. You are truly wise!”
Story: The straw in the thief’s beard
One day, a man came crying to Akbar’s court. “Your Majesty, someone has stolen my gold necklace.”
Akbar asked, “Do you suspect anyone?” The man replied, “No. But my neighbors in the building saw me wearing it on Dīpāvalī.”
Akbar could not think of a way to find the thief, so he asked Bīrbala. Bīrbala said, “Arrest every man in that building and keep them in jail for two weeks without shaving. Bring them all before me with their beards grown.”
Accordingly, 25 men were brought after two weeks. Bīrbala looked at them and announced, “The thief has a straw stuck in his beard!” At once, the guilty man nervously touched his beard.
Bīrbala immediately ordered his arrest. The man confessed and revealed where he had hidden the necklace.
Akbar asked in wonder, “Bīrbala, how did you put a straw in his beard?” Bīrbala laughed, “I never put any straw there. His guilt made him believe it, and his own actions gave him away.”
Who is the Greatest Emperor?
One evening, king Akbar invited his friends and Bīrbala to dinner. The king boasted, “I think I am the greatest king in the world. In fact, I am even greater than God.”
His friends were too afraid to disagree. But Bīrbala said, “Yes, Mahārāj, you are greater than God.”
Akbar was pleased and asked, “Are you sure?” Bīrbala replied, “Of course. If someone annoys you, you can banish them from your kingdom. But God cannot banish anyone from His kingdom. Wherever they go, they are still inside His universe. This means Bhagavān is truly the greatest emperor.”
Hearing this, Akbar felt ashamed and realized that Bhagavān is the ruler of the whole universe.
Bhagavān Loves us like His Own Children
One day, Bīrbala narrated the story of Gajendra and Viṣṇu. Akbar asked, “Why did Bhagavān Viṣṇu Himself come to save the elephant? He could have sent a servant.”
Bīrbala smiled and set up a trick. He had a wax statue of the prince made and arranged for it to be thrown into a pond. When Akbar saw it, he rushed to save his son, only to realize it was wax.
Bīrbala explained, “You did not wait for a servant because it was your son. In the same way, Bhagavān considers us His children. Out of love, He Himself comes down as avatāras like Kṛṣṇa and Rāma to save His bhaktas.”
Akbar now understood why Hindus believe Bhagavān personally protects His devotees.
Story: Say it Nicely
Once, an astrologer predicted to a rich man, “You will see all your relatives die before you.” The man became furious, beat the astrologer, and drove him away.
The astrologer came to Bīrbala, who advised, “Say the same truth in a gentler way. Tell him: ‘You will live long, longer than all your relatives.’”
The astrologer did so. The rich man was delighted and rewarded him with gold coins.
Bīrbala explained, “The truth must be spoken with wisdom and compassion. Words can hurt, but when spoken gently, they bring joy.”