Akbar’s Quest for the Most Beautiful Child

Once, Emperor Akbar proudly declared in his court, “My grandson is the most beautiful child in the entire kingdom.” Akbar deeply adored his newborn grandson, so much so that he spent most of his days playing with him, neglecting his royal duties. This worried his ministers greatly.

When Akbar proclaimed his grandson’s unmatched beauty, Birbal, as always, offered a different perspective. “Your Majesty,” Birbal said with a respectful bow, “Your grandson is indeed beautiful, but I believe there might be children even more beautiful than him.”

Akbar, visibly offended, said, “How dare you suggest that? I order all my ministers to bring forth the most beautiful child they know. If any child is more beautiful than my grandson, I will agree with you, Birbal.”

The Search Begins

The next day, ministers arrived at the court, each bringing a child they believed to be the most beautiful. However, Birbal was nowhere to be seen. After some time, he entered the court, disheveled and covered in sweat.

“Where is the child you claim to be more beautiful than my grandson?” Akbar demanded.

Bowing respectfully, Birbal replied, “Your Majesty, I tried to bring the child, but his mother wouldn’t allow it. If you’re willing to disguise yourself as a commoner, I can take you to see him.”

Intrigued, Akbar and a few ministers changed into simple clothing and followed Birbal.

A Surprising Revelation

After a long journey, they arrived at a small hut. Outside, a child was playing in a pile of dirt. He was bald, covered in dust, and had one eye smaller than the other. His nose was runny, and he looked far from beautiful.

Akbar turned to Birbal, aghast. “You think this child is more beautiful than my grandson? This is absurd!”

Just as Akbar said this, the child’s mother emerged from the hut. Seeing strangers near her child, she became furious. “Who are you to call my child ugly?” she demanded. “Get away from here!” She picked up her child, wiped his face lovingly with her saree, and kissed him.

Turning to the child, she said tenderly, “Don’t listen to them, my dear. You are the most beautiful child in the world.” She then carried him inside the hut, cradling him protectively.

The Lesson

Akbar stood silently, realizing Birbal’s wisdom. He said, “Now I understand, Birbal. To every parent, their child is the most beautiful in the world.”

Smiling, Birbal added, “And in time, every grandparent feels the same about their grandchild.”

The court erupted in laughter, and Akbar, humbled by the experience, returned to his duties with a deeper understanding of love and perspective.

Moral of the Story:

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Love and affection make every child precious in their parents’ eyes.