It was the winter season, and Emperor Akbar was strolling in his garden with Birbal and another minister. While walking, Emperor Akbar remarked, “This year, the cold is quite intense. Even stepping out of the palace has become difficult due to the cold. Is it affecting people’s activities outside?”
The minister responded, “Certainly, Your Majesty. You are correct. This year, the cold is so severe that people are reluctant to leave their homes.”
As they continued their stroll, Emperor Akbar reached the edge of a pond in the garden. When he dipped his hand into the water, he realized how cold it was, almost like ice. Taking his hand out of the water, Akbar commented, “You are right; it is incredibly cold. No one would want to venture out in this weather.”
Observing silently, Birbal caught the emperor’s attention. Akbar inquired, “What is your opinion on this matter, Birbal?” Birbal, bowing his head, replied, “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I don’t entirely agree with both of you on this matter.”
Surprised, Emperor Akbar asked, “Really? What is your perspective, Birbal?” Birbal said, “Your Majesty, I believe that for a poor person, money is the most crucial factor. It doesn’t matter how cold or hot the weather is; what matters is their need for money.”
Amused by Birbal’s response, Akbar challenged him, “So, you are suggesting that even in this harsh winter, a poor man would be willing to do any work for money?” Birbal confidently replied, “Yes, Your Majesty. That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
To test Birbal’s assertion, Emperor Akbar proposed a challenge, “Alright then, if you can prove your point by having someone stand in this icy pond all night, we will reward the chosen poor person with twenty gold coins.”
Agreeing to the challenge, Birbal promised to present a candidate the next day.
The following day, in the court, Emperor Akbar asked Birbal about the person he had brought who had spent the night in the freezing pond. Birbal introduced Ganga Dhar, a poor man, and declared that he was ready to stand in the pond all night for the promised reward.
Curious, Akbar asked Ganga Dhar how he managed to endure the cold. Ganga Dhar replied, “Your Majesty, it was difficult at first, but then I noticed a lamp burning in one of the palace windows. I spent the night watching that lamp, and it gave me warmth.”
Emperor Akbar, surprised, exclaimed, “This is deception! You benefited from the warmth of the palace lamp, not the cold pond. We won’t give you the reward, but you are also not deserving of punishment.”
Despite this, Akbar was intrigued by Birbal’s cleverness and acknowledged the wisdom behind the decision. He rewarded Birbal for his intelligence.
The story teaches us the importance of considering different perspectives and the value of intelligence and resourcefulness.
