Centre of the Earth

King Akbar was very fond of Birbal.

A courtier in the kingdom was very jealous. this courtier always wanted to be the chief minister, but this was not possible. As Birbal was the chief minister.

The courtier got an idea to replace Birbal.

One day he went to the king and told him “Your Majesty, I am more intelligent than Birbal and you should make me the chief minister.

Akbar told him that Birbal was outstanding and He would not replace him.

Courtier suggested that To prove that he was more intelligent he would ask Birbal two questions. If Birbal could answer all two questions, he would accept the fact that Birbal is more intelligent. Otherwise, Akbar would make him the chief minister.

Akbar always wanted to test Birbal’s wit, and knowing that Birbal would win this contest anyway, Akbar readily agreed. He called them both to his court and asked the jealous courtier to ask his questions:

The courtier was sure to win. He posed his two questions to Birbal in front of everybody:

1. How many stars are there in the sky?

2. Where is the center of the Earth?

Immediately Akbar asked Birbal the two questions and informed him that if he could not answer them, he would have to resign as chief minister.

Birbal brought a hairy sheep and said,

“There are as many stars in the sky as there is hair on the sheep’s body. My friend the courtier is welcome to count them if he likes.”

Birbal drew a couple of lines on the floor, bore an iron rod in it, and said, “This is the center of the Earth, the courtier may measure it himself if he has any doubts.”

The jealous courtier was stumped! All the other courtiers were bursting with laughter. King Akbar smiled and told Birbal “You have proven that you are the most intelligent minister in this kingdom. Here are 1000 gold coins as your reward”.

Birbal was pleased and smiled wryly at the jealous courtier whose anger knew no bounds!