How Birbal met Akbar

How Birbal Met Akbar

Emperor Akbar travelled across his vast kingdom with a mobile court, and one day, they arrived in a village in present-day Madhya Pradesh. In this village lived a young and intelligent Brahmin farmer named Mahesh Das. One morning, Mahesh heard a royal herald proclaim that Emperor Akbar would reward a thousand gold coins to the artist who could create the most lifelike portrait of the Emperor.

On the appointed day, numerous artists gathered at the court, each carrying a carefully covered portrait of the Emperor. Excitement filled the air as the courtiers eagerly awaited the announcement of the winner. One by one, the artists unveiled their portraits before the Emperor, hoping to impress him. However, Akbar, known for his keen eye and sharp wit, dismissed each one with a humorous remark.

"No, this does not capture me as I am now," he said, rejecting one. "This one is too flattering," he chuckled at another.

Mahesh Das patiently waited for his turn, observing everything. He was the last to present his work. By then, Emperor Akbar had grown impatient. He looked at Mahesh with curiosity and asked, "Are you yet another artist who has failed to capture my true likeness?"

Without hesitation, yet with utmost humility, Mahesh replied, "My Emperor, please look into it yourself and decide."

To everyone's surprise, instead of a painting, Mahesh revealed a mirror from within the folds of his garments. As Akbar gazed into it, he saw his own reflection—an exact and undeniable likeness of himself.

The court erupted in admiration. "The perfect replica of Emperor Akbar!" they exclaimed in unison.

Impressed by Mahesh's wisdom and creativity, Akbar embraced him warmly and rewarded him with a thousand gold coins. As a mark of his favor, the Emperor also presented Mahesh with a ring bearing the royal seal and invited him to join his court at Fatehpur Sikri. Thus began the legendary journey of Mahesh Das, who would later be known as Birbal, Akbar’s most trusted and celebrated advisor.