This incident dates back to the first meeting between Emperor Akbar and Birbal. At that time, everyone knew Birbal by the name Mahesh Das. One day, pleased with Mahesh Das’s cleverness in the market, Emperor Akbar summoned him to the court to reward him and presented him with a ring as a token of appreciation.
After some time, Mahesh Das, now eager to meet Sultan Akbar, set out towards the palace. Upon reaching there, he observed a long line outside the palace, with the guards accepting something from each person before allowing them inside. When Mahesh Das’s turn came, he declared that the emperor had called him to receive a reward and showed them the emperor’s ring. The guard, tempted, proposed a condition – he would let Mahesh Das inside if he gave him half of whatever reward he received.
Considering the proposal, Mahesh Das agreed and entered the palace. Inside the court, he waited for his turn. When Mahesh Das’s turn arrived and he stood before Emperor Akbar, the king immediately recognized him and praised him before the courtiers. Akbar asked what reward he desired.
At this point, Mahesh Das asked, “Your Majesty, what can you give me as a reward?” Akbar replied, “Anything you wish; just ask.” Mahesh Das then said, “Grant me the reward of receiving 100 lashes on my back.” The courtiers were astonished, and Akbar, intrigued, asked why he desired such a reward.
Mahesh Das narrated the entire incident with the guard and concluded, “I have promised the guard that I will give him half of whatever reward I receive.” Angered, Akbar ordered the guard to be given 100 lashes and, impressed by Mahesh Das’s cleverness, appointed him as the chief advisor in his court. From that day on, Akbar changed his name to Birbal, and the tales of Akbar and Birbal’s wisdom became well-known.
Lesson from the story:
The story teaches us the importance of doing our work with honesty, without succumbing to greed. When we work with the hope of gaining something, we often face unfavorable consequences, as seen in this story with the greedy guard.
