Short stories Akbar Birbal
Short stories Akbar Birbal are witty, moral tales featuring Emperor Akbar and his wise advisor, Birbal. Known for their humour and wisdom, these stories offer clever solutions to life’s challenges. They are perfect for kids. They are entertaining and impart valuable lessons in honesty, kindness, and intelligence. Here are 20 captivating short stories of Akbar and Birbal, showcasing their unique bond and timeless teachings.
Table of Contents
20 Short Stories Akbar Birbal
5 Moral Short Stories Akbar Birbal
1. The Three Questions
Story :
One afternoon, Akbar called Birbal and posed three difficult questions to test his wisdom. "Birbal, answer me truthfully. What is the most important thing in life?" Birbal thought for a moment and said, "The most important thing in life is to live in the present. The past is gone, and the future is uncertain, but the present is where we have the power to act." Akbar nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "What is the most important time?" Birbal responded, "Now, because it is the only time we can control." Finally, Akbar asked, "Who is the most important person?" Birbal smiled and replied, "The person you are with, because you can only help them in this moment."
Akbar, impressed by the depth of Birbal’s answers, realized the importance of focusing on the present and the people around him.
Moral : The present moment is all we can control; focus on it and the people who matter.
Summary : Akbar asked Birbal three questions about life, time, and people. Birbal’s answers emphasized living in the present, valuing the current moment, and focusing on the person you're with. Akbar admired Birbal's wisdom, realizing the importance of these principles.
2. The Wise Fool
Story :
One day, Akbar asked his courtiers to find a fool who could not speak the truth. The courtiers searched the kingdom for a man who would fit the description, and eventually, they brought a man who appeared to be a simpleton. When Akbar asked him, "Are you a fool?" the man confidently replied, "Yes, I am a fool." But then, to Akbar’s surprise, the man began to offer sound advice. He said, "A wise man knows when to speak and when to remain silent, but a fool speaks when he should stay quiet." The courtiers were puzzled, but Birbal, as always, had a quick explanation. "Sometimes, a person may appear foolish, but their words can contain great wisdom." Akbar, who had expected a simple answer, realized that wisdom can sometimes come from unexpected places.
Moral : Wisdom can be found in the most unlikely of places.
Summary : Akbar sought a fool who couldn't tell the truth and found a man who, though claiming to be a fool, offered wise advice. Birbal explained that wisdom can come from unexpected sources, teaching that appearances can be deceptive.
💡 Did you know?
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Birbal's first meeting with Akbar and his employment at the court is estimated to be between 1556 and 1562. Legend has it that Birbal caught Akbar's attention during a hunting expedition with his witty remarks.
3. The Donkey and the Gold
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar asked Birbal, "Which is more valuable, a donkey or a pot of gold?" Birbal thought for a moment and replied, "A donkey is more valuable, Your Majesty." Akbar was surprised and asked, "Why?" Birbal smiled and said, "A donkey can carry gold, but gold can’t carry a donkey!" Akbar was amazed and then laughed, realizing how clever Birbal was. Birbal had shown that sometimes value comes from what something can do, not just how it looks.
Moral : Value is often about what something can do, not just what it seems.
Summary : Emperor Akbar asked Birbal whether a donkey or a pot of gold is more valuable. Birbal cleverly responded that a donkey is more valuable, as it can carry gold, while gold can't carry a donkey, highlighting practical value over appearance.
💡 Did you know?
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Birbal’s real name was Mahesh Das. Akbar gave Birbal the title "Raja" and the name "Birbal", which comes from Bir Bar or Vir Var, meaning "quick thinker".
4. The Stolen Horse
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar’s favourite horse went missing, and he suspected it had been stolen by someone in his court. He asked Birbal to find the thief without directly accusing anyone. Birbal thought of a clever plan. He gathered all the nobles and gave each a straw, announcing that the straw of the thief would grow longer by the next morning.
The next day, Birbal examined everyone’s straw and noticed that one noble's straw was shorter. The guilty man had cut his straw, thinking it would otherwise grow and reveal his crime. Realizing his mistake, he confessed to stealing the horse. Akbar was pleased with Birbal's clever strategy for exposing the truth without causing conflict or suspicion among the others, showing his wisdom and understanding of human nature.
Moral : Moral: Guilt often shows itself, and smart thinking can uncover the truth without direct blame.
Summary : Akbar's horse was stolen, and he sought Birbal's help to find the thief. Birbal announced that the thief's straw would appear longer. The guilty noble shortened his straw, revealing himself, and Birbal identified him, impressing Akbar.
💡 Did you know?
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Akbar was the Mughal emperor who was known for being liberal. He was born in Sindh, India on October 15 1542, to the Mughal emperor, Humayun, and Hamida.
5. The farmer who bought a well
Story :
A poor farmer bought a well from a rich man to irrigate his land. After paying the price, the farmer went to draw water, but the rich man stopped him, saying the farmer only bought the well, not the water.
The farmer went to Akbar’s court, where Birbal handled the case. Birbal visited the rich man and told him, “You sold the well, but not the water. Either remove the water or pay rent to the farmer to keep it in the well. The rich man realized his trick wouldn’t work and allowed the farmer to use the water. Birbal's clever solution brought justice.
Moral : Do not try to deceive people as you will end up paying the price.
Summary : A farmer bought a well but was stopped from using the water by the rich man. Birbal, solving the issue, told the rich man to either remove the water or pay rent. The rich man allowed the farmer to use it.
Read fun and magical tales for kids on the Children’s Stories Blog by safehugs, perfect for teaching life lessons.
5 Funny Short Stories Akbar Birbal
1. Birbal's Magical Elephant
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar, in a playful mood, decided to challenge his clever advisor, Birbal, with an impossible request: he asked Birbal to bring him a talking elephant. Unfazed, Birbal assured the emperor that he would fulfil the request and returned the next day with a grandly adorned elephant, accompanied by musicians and fanfare. Eager to witness this marvel, Akbar approached the elephant, only to find it completely silent. Disappointed, Akbar reminded Birbal of his promise, questioning why the elephant wasn’t speaking. Birbal, with a calm smile, explained that the elephant did indeed speak, but in its own language—"Elephantese"—which only elephants could understand. Chuckling, he added that it was a language Akbar wouldn’t want to try to handle. Akbar laughed, delighted by Birbal’s clever twist.
Summary : Akbar asked Birbal to show him a talking elephant. Birbal brought an elephant that remained silent. When Akbar questioned it, Birbal explained that the elephant speaks "Elephantese," a language only elephants understand, leaving Akbar laughing at Birbal's cleverness.
💡 Did you know?
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Birbal, a Hindu advisor, poet, and singer in Akbar’s court, was born in 1528 near Kalpi in the Mughal Empire (now Uttar Pradesh, India) and wrote under the pen name "Brahm," with his works preserved in the Bharatpur Museum, Rajasthan.
2. The Foolish Donkey
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar, in a mischievous mood, challenged Birbal with a question: could he find a donkey smarter than Birbal himself? Without hesitation, Birbal accepted and promised to bring such a donkey to the court. The following day, Birbal arrived with a donkey wearing a pair of glasses. The sight immediately made Akbar burst into laughter. Amused but puzzled, Akbar asked how this donkey was supposed to be smarter than his advisor. Birbal, ever ready with a clever twist, replied that he hadn’t claimed the donkey was smarter than him—only that it might outsmart the emperor. Pointing to the donkey’s glasses, he added, “Just look at him! He’s clearly been reading your royal decrees!” Akbar laughed so hard at Birbal’s clever response that he nearly fell off his throne.
Summary : Akbar challenged Birbal to find a smarter donkey. Birbal brought a donkey wearing glasses and joked it could outsmart the emperor by reading royal decrees. Akbar laughed at Birbal's cleverness, realizing the playful trick
3. The Invisible Gold
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar presented Birbal with a tricky challenge: he wanted a pile of gold that couldn’t be seen but could still be felt and touched. Birbal pondered the request, then returned the next day with a large, empty sack and set it before the emperor. Akbar, looking puzzled, asked where the gold was. With a sly smile, Birbal replied that it was "invisible gold." Akbar scoffed, questioning the idea of “invisible gold.” Birbal encouraged him to feel the sack’s weight, saying, “See, Your Majesty? You can feel it—it’s there, just like many of your royal decisions!” The courtiers erupted in laughter, and Akbar couldn’t help but join in, delighted by Birbal’s clever humour.
Summary : Akbar asked Birbal to bring invisible gold that he could feel. Birbal presented an empty sack, claiming it contained invisible gold. When Akbar felt its weight, Birbal joked it was like Akbar’s royal decisions—visible only by their effects—making everyone laugh.
💡 Did you know?
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Akbar and Birbal shared a deep friendship that transcended their roles. Akbar’s tests of Birbal’s cleverness only deepened their mutual respect, proving that true friendship knows no rank; it thrives on trust and humility.
4. The Clever Painter
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar challenged Birbal to prove his cleverness through art. Smiling, Birbal accepted and promised to create a painting more valuable than gold. He took a blank canvas and painted a simple image of a tree. Beneath it, he attached a note: "Whoever can make this tree grow without touching it will own this masterpiece." When Akbar saw the painting, he laughed, remarking that the task was impossible. Birbal, however, explained that the value lay in the mystery and challenge itself. Sometimes, he said, the real worth isn’t in what’s visible, but in the curiosity and intrigue it inspires. Akbar, impressed by Birbal’s creativity, acknowledged the cleverness behind his “priceless” artwork.
Summary : Birbal painted a simple tree and added a note stating the tree's owner would be whoever could make it grow without touching it. He explained that the challenge, not the image, made it priceless.
5. The King’s New Clothes
Story :
Emperor Akbar, wanting to test Birbal’s loyalty, decided to play a trick on him. He pretended to be dressed in invisible clothes and instructed his courtiers to praise the "garments" he was supposedly wearing. When Birbal entered the room, Akbar asked him with a smile, “Birbal, do you like my new clothes?” Understanding the ruse, Birbal replied enthusiastically, “Your Majesty, they are the finest garments I have ever seen!” Pleased, Akbar pressed further, asking what made them so special. Birbal, keeping his composure, replied, “They are so light and fine that only the truly wise can see them.” Akbar, delighted with the answer, smiled—only for Birbal to lean in and whisper, “Of course, only the emperor would believe they’re real!” Akbar and his courtiers burst into laughter at Birbal’s clever wit.
Summary : Akbar pretended to wear invisible clothes to test Birbal’s loyalty. Birbal praised them, claiming they were visible only to the wise. He then subtly pointed out that only the emperor believed they were real, making Akbar laugh.
Also read: safehugs Friendship Moral Stories Blog, full of stories that show the importance of kindness and friendship
5 Clever Short Stories Akbar Birbal
1. The Watermelon Thief
Story :
One day, a farmer came to Akbar’s court, upset that his prized watermelon had been stolen. Akbar called Birbal to solve the case. Birbal asked all the villagers to bring a stick of the same length, announcing that the thief’s stick would magically grow overnight. The next day, Birbal inspected the sticks and found one slightly shorter than the others. He pointed to the owner of the shortened stick as the thief. The man confessed, admitting that he had cut his stick in fear, thinking it would grow. Birbal’s clever strategy revealed that guilt often exposes itself.
Moral : Guilt reveals itself when honesty is absent.
Summary : Birbal asked villagers to bring sticks of the same length, claiming the thief’s stick would grow overnight. The next day, he identified the thief by the shorter stick, revealing the man's guilt.
2. The Lost Ring
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar realized he had lost his precious ring and was deeply troubled. He asked Birbal to find the thief among the courtiers. Birbal gathered everyone in the court and, after a moment, announced, “I have a way to identify the thief. The guilty one will have a straw hidden in his beard.” Immediately, one of the courtiers instinctively touched his beard to check. Birbal smiled, pointing to him as the thief. Caught off guard, the man confessed to stealing the ring. Through his clever use of psychology, Birbal solved the mystery effortlessly.
Moral : A guilty mind often betrays itself.
Summary : When Akbar lost his ring, Birbal claimed the thief would have a straw in his beard. One courtier instinctively checked his beard, revealing his guilt. Birbal’s clever psychology solved the case easily.
💡 Did you know?
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As a Muslim ruler, Akbar respected Birbal, a Hindu Brahmin, reflecting his commitment to religious tolerance. Their friendship symbolised Akbar's “Sulh-e-Kul” policy, promoting peace and harmony across religions in his empire.
3. The Real Mother
Story :
Two women came to Akbar’s court, both claiming to be the mother of the same child. Unable to resolve the dispute, Akbar turned to Birbal for advice. Birbal thought for a moment and suggested cutting the child in half, giving each woman an equal share. One woman quickly agreed, but the other cried out in horror, begging to let the child live, even if it meant giving him to the other woman. Birbal pointed to the second woman and declared her the real mother, explaining that only a true mother would prioritize her child’s life over her desires.
Moral : True love is selfless.
Summary : Two women claimed the same child. Birbal suggested splitting the child, prompting one woman to concede to save him. Birbal identified her as the true mother, revealing selfless love’s true nature.
4. Oil and Sand
Story :
One day, a merchant filled a pot with oil and challenged Birbal to remove the oil without spilling a drop. Birbal pondered the situation and then asked for sand. Carefully, he filled the pot with sand, which absorbed the oil completely. Birbal then scooped out the sand, carrying the oil along with it, and left the pot clean and empty. The merchant and Akbar, who were watching closely, marvelled at Birbal’s clever solution. By using his ingenuity, Birbal had managed to achieve what seemed impossible without spilling a single drop.
Moral : With creativity, even impossible tasks can be accomplished.
Summary : A merchant challenged Birbal to remove oil from a pot without spilling. Birbal added sand to absorb the oil, then removed it cleanly, impressing Akbar and demonstrating that creativity solves challenges.
5. Count The crows
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar asked Birbal to determine the exact number of crows in the city. Without hesitation, Birbal replied, “There are exactly 407 crows, Your Majesty.” Amused, Akbar questioned what would happen if the count turned out different. Birbal replied, “If there are more, then crows from neighbouring towns must be visiting us. If there are fewer, then some of our crows must be travelling.” Akbar laughed heartily, impressed by Birbal’s quick wit and creative answer, which elegantly avoided a difficult task.
Moral : Quick thinking can often turn any question into a clever answer.
Summary : When Akbar asked Birbal to count the city’s crows, Birbal declared there were 407. He explained any difference meant crows were either visiting or travelling, impressing Akbar with his quick wit.
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5 Puzzle Short Stories Akbar Birbal
1. The pomegranate puzzle
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar handed Birbal a single pomegranate and challenged him to divide it among all his ministers so that no one felt less important. After thinking for a moment, Birbal squeezed the pomegranate into juice, then poured equal portions into small glasses and distributed them to each minister. He explained, “The juice holds the fruit’s essence, and in sharing it, everyone receives an equal part of its worth.” Akbar and the ministers admired Birbal’s wisdom in creating fairness, realizing that true equality lies in sharing the essence rather than dividing the pieces.
Moral : Fairness focuses on shared essence, not just exact division.
Summary : Akbar challenged Birbal to divide a pomegranate equally among ministers. Birbal made juice and distributed equal portions, explaining that true equality lies in sharing the essence, not dividing parts, and impressing everyone.
💡 Did you know?
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Akbar valued Birbal’s versatility, appointing him as a military commander and entrusting him with key administrative duties, recognizing his skills beyond mere courtly wit.
2. The Priceless Diamond
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar asked Birbal to estimate the value of his prized diamond without touching it. Birbal thought for a moment and replied, “This diamond is priceless to someone who appreciates its beauty, yet it holds no worth to one who does not understand its value.” Akbar realized that Birbal was teaching him a deeper truth: value is not always defined by material worth but by the appreciation and understanding of the beholder. Akbar was impressed by Birbal’s wisdom, realizing that true worth often lies beyond mere estimation.
Moral : Value is often defined by appreciation and understanding.
Summary : Akbar asked Birbal to estimate his diamond’s value without touching it. Birbal responded that its worth depended on the beholder’s appreciation, teaching that true value lies in understanding, not material worth. Akbar was impressed.
3. The Sweets Test
Story :
Emperor Akbar placed a tray of sweets before his ministers, asking each to take only as many as they felt they “deserved.” Most took generous handfuls, but Birbal took only one sweet. Curious, Akbar asked why Birbal chose so little. Birbal replied, “I believe in earning my share, not assuming I deserve more without merit.” Akbar was moved by Birbal’s humility and self-restraint, understanding that true worth is shown by those who practice moderation. Through this small gesture, Birbal reminded everyone of the importance of humility and fairness in all actions.
Moral : True worth is reflected in humility and restraint.
Summary : Akbar offered sweets, asking each minister to take what they “deserved.” While most took many, Birbal took only one, explaining he believes in earning his share. His humility impressed Akbar, highlighting true worth through moderation.
💡 Did you know?
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Birbal, known for his wit, was also a brave warrior. He lost his life in a campaign against rebels, leaving Akbar deeply saddened and in mourning for months.
4. The Line Puzzle
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar drew a line on the floor and challenged Birbal to make it shorter without erasing or altering it. Birbal thought for a moment, then drew a longer line right beside it. When Akbar looked at both lines, the first line now appeared shorter in comparison. Akbar instantly understood Birbal’s clever solution: the relative value of things often depends on comparison. Birbal had subtly demonstrated that the true worth of something might only become apparent when compared to something else, shifting perception without altering the original.
Moral : The true worth of things often becomes clear only in comparison.
Summary : Birbal made a line appear shorter by drawing a longer one beside it, illustrating that perception often depends on comparison, without altering the original, highlighting the relativity of value.
5. The Missing Coin
Story :
One day, Emperor Akbar gave a coin to one of his ministers and asked him to hide it where no one could find it. The minister carefully hid it in a secret spot, thinking no one would find it. However, when Birbal entered the room, he immediately pointed to the spot where the coin was hidden. Surprised, the minister asked how he knew. Birbal smiled and explained, "If you want to hide something so well that no one will find it, the best place is right in front of them, where they would never expect to look."
Moral : The best hiding places are often right in front of us.
Summary : Birbal revealed the hidden coin by pointing to a spot right in front of everyone. He explained that the best place to hide something is where people least expect to look.
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Tools
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500+ Akbar Birbal Stories
Discover endless tales with the 500+ Akbar Birbal Stories app, featuring a vast collection of witty and engaging stories between Emperor Akbar and his advisor Birbal. Perfect for children, this app makes reading fun, enhancing comprehension and storytelling skills through classic, humorous tales that teach valuable life lessons.
Check out the Mango Juniors YouTube playlist of animated Akbar Birbal stories in English! These fun, colourful animations bring the clever tales to life, making it easy for kids to enjoy and learn important life lessons.
Explore the Rajshri Kids YouTube playlist for animated Akbar and Birbal stories in Hindi! These engaging tales are perfect for children to enjoy valuable lessons and humour in their language.
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In these timeless Akbar-Birbal stories, humour and wisdom come together to teach valuable lessons through clever dialogues and entertaining plots. Whether reading or watching, these stories offer a fun way for children to learn and grow.
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FAQ'S
1. What is the best story of Akbar and Birbal?
The story where Birbal outwits a dishonest merchant by proving the importance of truth and wisdom.
2. How many Akbar Birbal stories are there?
There are hundreds of Akbar-Birbal stories, with collections varying depending on the source and tradition.
3. What is the moral of the short story of Birbal?
Birbal's stories often teach morals like wisdom, justice, honesty, and the importance of clever problem-solving.
4. What is the summary of Akbar and Birbal?
Akbar, the Mughal emperor, trusted Birbal, a wise advisor known for his wit, intelligence, and resourcefulness.
5. Who was Birbal in short?
Birbal was a legendary advisor to Emperor Akbar, renowned for his intelligence, wit, and problem-solving abilities.
6.Why did Akbar love Birbal the most?
Akbar valued Birbal for his sharp intellect, loyalty, humour, and ability to solve difficult problems wisely.
7. What is the full name of Akbar?
Akbar's full name was Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-Din Muhammad Akbar, the third Mughal emperor of India.
