Question

Read different stories about intelligent ministers of kings, whose judgments helped to bring about law and order in society. For example - Birbal, Tenalirama, etc. Write 5 such stories in your notebook.

Answer 1

1. Birbal and the Farmer’s Cow
   A poor farmer came to Akbar’s court, claiming a rich man had stolen his cow. The rich man denied it. Birbal asked the rich man and the farmer to come back the next day and secretly instructed the guards to mix cow dung with the rich man’s walking stick. The next day, Birbal ordered both men to plant their sticks in the ground. The farmer’s stick grew roots because it was dry and unaltered, while the rich man’s stick, tainted with dung, did not. This revealed the truth, and Birbal restored the cow to the farmer.
2. Tenalirama and the Golden Mangoes
   A wealthy man gifted the king two golden mangoes. Tenalirama observed that the man wanted favors in return. After the king accepted the mangoes, Tenalirama brought a basket of rotten fruits to the king, claiming it was a humble gift. When the king showed his displeasure, Tenalirama explained that genuine loyalty and gifts come without expectation. The king appreciated the lesson and rewarded Tenalirama for his wisdom.
3. Birbal and the Test of Truth
   Akbar doubted the honesty of his courtiers. Birbal proposed a test: he asked everyone to bring a pot of milk at night and pour it into a common tub. Fearing that no one would notice, each courtier secretly poured water instead of milk. The next day, the tub was filled only with water, exposing the dishonesty of the courtiers. Birbal’s clever plan demonstrated the lack of integrity among them.
4. Tenalirama and the Greedy Merchant
   A merchant claimed that a large sum of gold had been stolen from his house. Tenalirama suspected that the merchant was lying to avoid paying taxes. He asked the merchant to burn incense in the alleged thief’s house, claiming it would force the stolen gold to make a sound. The merchant hesitated, fearing exposure, and ultimately confessed to hiding the gold. Tenalirama restored justice and prevented fraud.
5. Birbal and the Obedient Servant
   Akbar once asked Birbal to find the most obedient servant. Birbal disguised himself and observed the palace servants. He found one servant who always followed the rules, even at personal cost. Birbal presented him to Akbar, demonstrating that true obedience requires selflessness and dedication. The king rewarded both the servant and Birbal for his insight.