Emperor Akbar was renowned for his wit and wisdom. He often tested the intellect of his courtiers with perplexing riddles and questions. One day, he posed an especially puzzling question that left his courtiers scratching their heads.
As the courtiers pondered in silence, their furrowed brows mirrored their bewilderment. It was at this moment that Birbal, known for his sharp mind and quick thinking, entered the courtyard. He assessed the situation and approached the emperor, seeking permission to help find a solution.
With Akbar’s consent, Birbal inquired, “May I ask a question in an attempt to find the answer?”
Akbar, intrigued, nodded in agreement.
The emperor’s enigmatic question was this: “How many ravens are there in this city?”
Birbal didn’t hesitate for a second. “There are fifty thousand five hundred and eighty-nine ravens here, my lord,” he responded with confidence.
Akbar, surprised by Birbal’s swift reply, asked, “How can you be so sure?”
Moral: Sometimes you have to learn to think outside of the box./ A witty answer will serve its purpose
Birbal, with his trademark wisdom, calmly explained, “My lord, I suggest you to conduct a count. If you find more ravens, then some have come to visit their relatives here. If you find fewer ravens, then some have gone to visit their relatives elsewhere.”
The clever response left Akbar thoroughly impressed with Birbal’s ingenuity and quick thinking. It was yet another example of how Birbal’s wit and wisdom consistently delighted and amazed the emperor and his court.
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