Story Summary
Discover Birbal Counts the Crows, a clever tale where the witty minister answers Emperor Akbar's impossible question about the number of birds in the kingdom.
One evening, Emperor Akbar was taking a stroll in his palace gardens with his favorite minister, Birbal. Looking up at the many crows perched on the trees, Akbar decided to test Birbal's wit. 'Birbal,' he asked, 'how many crows are there in my kingdom?' Without a moment's hesitation, Birbal replied, 'There are ninety-five thousand, four hundred and sixty-three crows, Your Majesty.' Amazed by the quick response, Akbar asked, 'How can you be so sure? What if the count is different?' Birbal smiled and said, 'If there are more, then some crows from neighboring kingdoms must be visiting their relatives here. If there are fewer, then some of our crows must have gone to visit their relatives elsewhere.' Akbar laughed, delighted by Birbal's presence of mind and his ability to provide a logical answer to an impossible question.
The Moral
Wit and presence of mind can help you find a clever solution to even the most impossible or trickiest of questions.
“If there are more, their relatives are visiting; if there are fewer, they have gone to visit their relatives.”
Fun Fact
Birbal's real name was Mahesh Das, and he was one of the 'Navaratnas' or nine jewels in Emperor Akbar's court, known specifically for his wisdom and humor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Birbal Counts the Crows?
The moral is that wit and presence of mind can help one navigate impossible questions or tricky situations. Birbal demonstrates that logic is often about how you frame your answer.
Why couldn't Akbar verify Birbal's count?
It is impossible to count every crow in a kingdom simultaneously because birds are constantly moving. Birbal knew Akbar had no way to prove him wrong, which is why his witty explanation worked so well.
What specific number did Birbal give the Emperor?
Birbal stated there were exactly ninety-five thousand, four hundred and sixty-three crows. He chose a very specific number to make his answer sound calculated and authoritative.
How did Birbal explain a discrepancy in the numbers?
He cleverly suggested that if there were more crows, they were visiting relatives from elsewhere. If there were fewer, then the local crows had flown away to visit their own kin.
Was Birbal a real person in Indian history?
Yes, Birbal was a real person named Mahesh Das who served as a counselor and commander in the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He was famous for his intelligence.
What does this story teach children about intelligence?
It teaches children that intelligence isn't just about facts, but about being resourceful and thinking on your feet. It encourages creative problem-solving when faced with absurd demands.