Birbal The Clever Courtier

Book excerpt: The cleverness of Birbal, the most famous minister in the Mughal emporer Akbar's court, is legendary. Whenever Emporer Akbar had a problem to solve, or a philosophic question to ask, it was Birbal he turned to. And Birbal would provide him with thought-provoking or bizzarre answers, which resolved the monarch's dilemma. So whether it was why the palms of people's hands are hairless, or if a mango tree could stand witness in court, or whether all sons-in-law should be hanged, Birbal could suggest an intelligent and funny solution to these problems. This made him Akbar's favourite, which in turn earned Birbal the envy of the other courtiers. This collection of twenty-one fabulously funny stories contains all the wit and wisdom that make the stories of Birbal so widely read and loved.