Birbal and the Mystery of the Mother Tongue

One day, a stranger arrived at Emperor Akbar’s court. Bowing respectfully, he said, “Your Majesty, I can speak many languages fluently. If you grant me a place in your court, I can serve you excellently.”

Impressed by the claim, Akbar decided to test the man. He instructed his ministers, each hailing from different regions, to converse with the stranger in their respective languages. To everyone’s astonishment, the stranger responded fluently in every language spoken.

The ministers praised the man’s linguistic skills, and Akbar, impressed, offered him a position in his court. However, the stranger added a challenge. “Your Majesty, I have demonstrated my skills. Now, can anyone in your court identify my mother tongue?”

The ministers tried but failed, and the stranger mocked them. “I’ve heard that your court is full of wise men,” he said, “but clearly, that’s a myth.”

Akbar, feeling humiliated, turned to Birbal for help. “Solve this puzzle,” he commanded.

Birbal’s Plan

Birbal approached the stranger and said, “My friend, you seem tired after such a long journey. Please rest tonight, and I will answer your question tomorrow.”

The stranger, indeed weary, accepted the offer and retired to the royal guest chamber.

Later that night, when the palace was silent, Birbal wrapped himself in black cloth and quietly entered the stranger’s room. Using a blade of grass, he tickled the stranger’s ear. Startled, the man awoke and, seeing the dark figure in the room, screamed in panic, “He Jagannath! Mo bhuta mara!” (“Oh Lord Jagannath, save me! A ghost is attacking me!”) in Odia, his native language.

Satisfied, Birbal slipped out unnoticed.

The Next Morning

In court the next morning, Akbar and his ministers awaited Birbal’s answer. The stranger, confident no one could uncover his secret, smirked.

Birbal stepped forward and declared, “Your Majesty, this man’s mother tongue is Odia, as he hails from Odisha.”

The stranger’s face turned pale. “How did you know?” he asked.

Birbal explained, “No matter how many languages a person speaks, in moments of fear or surprise, they instinctively cry out in their mother tongue.”

Akbar, impressed by Birbal’s clever solution, said, “You’ve proven once again that wisdom and quick thinking can solve even the trickiest puzzles.”

The stranger admitted defeat, and the court applauded Birbal’s brilliance.

Moral of the Story:

True character reveals itself in moments of fear or surprise, and wisdom always finds a way to uncover the truth.

This tale showcases Birbal’s ingenuity and reinforces why he remains one of history’s most celebrated problem solvers.