The Missing Money Bag: Birbal’s Clever Judgment

In the bustling city of Agra, there lived an honest butcher. Known for selling fresh and fairly priced meat, his shop was a favorite among locals. Word of his quality spread far and wide, drawing crowds, especially during festivals, when his shop would be brimming with customers.

One busy morning, a grain merchant visited the butcher’s shop. At that moment, the butcher was counting his earnings. The merchant ordered a kilo of meat, and the butcher placed his money bag on the counter before heading to the storeroom to fetch the meat.

When he returned, his heart sank—his money bag was gone. Suspecting the merchant, he said angrily, “Forgive me, but I believe you’ve stolen my money bag. I left it right here on the counter before stepping away.”

The merchant retorted, “How dare you accuse me? That’s my money bag! I brought it with me when I came to your shop.”

The butcher, not backing down, replied, “How can I trust that you didn’t take my bag? Prove that it’s yours.”

The merchant shot back, “And how can I trust that you left a bag on the counter at all? You’re making this up to force me into giving you my bag.”

Their argument grew louder, attracting a crowd outside the shop. A bystander suggested taking the matter to Birbal, renowned for his wisdom.

Birbal’s Investigation

When the duo presented their case, Birbal listened carefully and asked to examine the bag. After a thorough inspection, he turned to the merchant and asked, “Do you deal in blood-related trades?”

The merchant, puzzled, replied, “No, Your Excellency. I trade in grains. I’m squeamish at the sight of blood—it makes me dizzy and nauseous. I avoid it as much as possible.”

Birbal smiled knowingly and handed the bag to the butcher. “This bag belongs to the butcher,” he declared. “It has bloodstains on it, as do some of the coins inside. If you’re so repelled by blood, this bag cannot possibly be yours.”

Justice Served

The merchant, caught in his lie, confessed and was punished for theft. The butcher thanked Birbal for his wisdom and returned to his shop, relieved and happy.

Moral of the Story:

Honesty and observation can uncover the truth. Lies, no matter how convincing, cannot stand against logic and justice.

This tale highlights Birbal’s sharp mind and fairness, teaching us that truth always prevails when guided by wisdom.