Once upon a time, Birbal was not present in the royal court. Seizing this opportunity, some ministers began to complain against Birbal to Emperor Akbar, stating that the emperor favored Birbal excessively, giving him all responsibilities and seeking his advice for every matter. They insinuated that the emperor considered them incompetent.
Emperor Akbar held a great fondness for Birbal and did not want to hear anything negative about him. However, to dispel the ministers’ disappointment, he devised a solution. Akbar said, “I have a question for all of you. Remember, the answer should be precise; I don’t want any clever or evasive responses. If you fail to answer, you will face the punishment of hanging.”
Reluctantly, the ministers agreed to the emperor’s condition and requested him to pose the question.
Akbar asked, “What is the biggest thing in the world?”
Upon hearing the question, the ministers began to ponder, and Emperor Akbar warned them that the answer must be accurate.
The ministers, over several days, requested more time to find the solution. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t provide a satisfactory answer.
As the deadline approached and no one could answer the question, the ministers became anxious about facing the consequence of hanging.
In desperation, they approached Birbal and explained the situation. Birbal agreed to help but informed them that they must follow his instructions precisely.
The next day, Birbal arranged for a palanquin and assigned two ministers to carry it. Another minister was given a hookah, and the fourth minister had to carry Birbal’s shoes. Birbal himself sat comfortably in the palanquin.
As they entered the court, Emperor Akbar was surprised by the sight. Before he could inquire, Birbal spoke, “Your Majesty, the biggest thing in the world is ‘echo.’ Due to its sound, even a small voice can be heard over long distances.”
Emperor Akbar was impressed by Birbal’s clever response. He smiled and accepted the explanation, while the ministers, relieved to have escaped the punishment, learned a valuable lesson.
The moral of the story is that instead of envying someone’s abilities, one should learn from them and strive to improve oneself.
