Akbar and Birbal story 3

Why is camel's Neck Crooked?

Akbar was very impressed with Birbal's wit and wisdom. So one day Akbar promised him for many gifts. But it so happened that several days passed, but there was no sign of gift. Birbal was very disappointed. He didn't know what to do? One day when Akbar was taking a stroll at the bank of Yamunaa with his dear minister Birbal, he happened to notice a camel. He asked Birbal, "Tell me Birbal, why the camel's neck is crooked."

Birbal thought this is good time, so he thought for a moment and spoke, "Your Majesty, it might be possible that the camel has forgotten to honour his promise made to somebody that is why his neck is crooked. Scriptures mention that whoever will forget their promises will have crooked neck. So this might seem the reason of his crooked neck."

Akbar soon realized that he promised to give some gifts to Birbal, but has not yet done so and Birbal is reminding him in this manner. As soon as they arrived at the palace, the King gave him his reward.

So Birbal was so wise that he got what he wanted without asking for it. Fear is the Key

One day, Emperor Akbar said to Birbal, "Birbal, my people love me very much and that is why they are ready to carry out every order of mine willingly." Birbal smiled and said, "This is true, but they fear you too, Jahanpanah." Akbar did not agree with Birbal on this and that is why it was decided that Birbal's statement should be tested.

Next day, according to Birbal's instructions, it was announced that the Emperor would be going for hunting, and people should pour a pot of milk in a big tub kept in the courtyard. The people thought that the Emperor is out and would not come to see the tub himself, so all they poured in the tub, was some water. Next day, when Akbar returned from hunting, he found that there was not even a single drop of milk in the tub, instead there was just some water.

Akbar got very disappointed when he saw this and asked Birbal about his next move.

Birbal said, "Jahanpanah, once again announce that you are going for hunting and this time you will see the tub yourself after coming back."

The Emperor did as Birbal said. Once again, the tub was kept in the courtyard. This time, when the king returned from hunting, he was pleasantly surprised to see the tub overflowing with milk.

Birbal said, "This proves the truthfulness of my statement, Huzoor! It is your fear which makes the people obey you. The first time there was no one to check the tub, so people poured the water, but the second time, they knew that you would check it yourself, that is why

Flowers For Akbar

One day Akbar was taking a walk in his Royal gardens with several courtiers. Many flowers were flowering at that time of season. A poet pointed out towards a beautiful flower and said, "Look Jahaanpanaah, how beautiful flower that is? No man can produce such a beautiful thing as this." Birbal was also there. He said, "I don't agree with this, sometimes man can make more beautiful things than this." Akbar said, "Oh no Birbal, you are talking nonsense. This flower is really very beautiful."

After a few days, Birbal presented Akbar a very skilled craftsman from Agra. He presented a beautiful carved marble bouquet of flowers. The Emperor was very happy to see it, and gave him one thousand gold coins.

Just then a boy came and presented the Emperor a beautiful bouquet of real flowers. The Emperor was very happy to see it too, so he gave a silver coin to the boy. Birbal said, "So the carving was more beautiful than the real thing."

Akbar understood that he had fallen in the hands of his intelligent minister once again.

they brought the milk."

Akbar understood that it is indeed fear that keeps people disciplined.

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