Birbal’s Journey to Heaven: Outsmarting the Plotters

Since Birbal joined Emperor Akbar’s court, his sharp wit and wisdom had made him a favorite. However, not everyone was pleased. Some jealous ministers began plotting against him, envious of the emperor’s trust in Birbal. They enlisted the royal barber, offering him gold coins to help carry out their devious plan.

Reluctantly, the barber agreed. One day, while trimming Akbar’s hair, he said, “Your Majesty, last night I had a dream. Your late father appeared to me and said he is happy in heaven but feels lonely. He wishes for Birbal to join him, as he admires Birbal’s wit and humor.”

The emperor, deeply moved, remembered his father with great fondness and said, “Did he say anything else?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the barber replied. “He said that Birbal’s company in heaven would bring him great joy.”

Akbar Orders Birbal to Heaven

Akbar, torn between his father’s supposed wish and his attachment to Birbal, called him to court. “Birbal,” he said, “I am delighted with your service, but my late father has requested your presence in heaven. Though it pains me, I must send you there.”

Realizing the conspiracy, Birbal thought of a plan. “Your Majesty,” he said, “I am honored to fulfill this duty. However, as per tradition, I must be buried near my home before ascending to heaven. I have already prepared a pit outside my house.”

Akbar agreed to Birbal’s wish, and the next day, Birbal was ceremoniously buried alive. Unbeknownst to the court, Birbal had dug a tunnel from the pit to his home and safely escaped.

Birbal’s Return

Three weeks later, Birbal walked into the royal court, leaving everyone stunned. Akbar exclaimed, “Birbal! You’ve returned from heaven! How is my father, and why do you look so disheveled?”

Birbal bowed and replied, “Your Majesty, your father is well and sends his blessings. However, there is a problem—there are no barbers in heaven. As you can see, I have not been groomed.”

Akbar, amused yet concerned, asked, “What should be done?”

“With your permission, Your Majesty,” Birbal suggested, “perhaps the royal barber could be sent to serve your father.”

Justice Delivered

Akbar immediately ordered the barber to be sent to heaven the same way Birbal had gone. Terrified, the barber fell at Akbar’s feet, confessing the entire plot and naming the conspiring ministers.

Outraged, Akbar dismissed the jealous ministers from court and punished the barber with ten lashes for his deceit.

Moral of the Story:

Envy and deceit never lead to success. Wisdom and integrity will always triumph over cunning schemes.

This tale of Birbal’s ingenuity highlights his ability to outsmart even the most devious plans while maintaining his humor and grace, earning Akbar’s trust anew.