Story Summary
Discover the wit of Birbal and the Three Questions. Learn how Birbal uses clever logic to answer impossible riddles in Emperor Akbar's court to defeat his rivals.
One day, a jealous courtier challenged Birbal’s intelligence in the presence of Emperor Akbar. He posed three seemingly impossible questions: 'Where is the center of the Earth?', 'How many stars are in the sky?', and 'How many men and women are there in the world?' Birbal remained calm. He drew a circle on the ground and planted his staff in the middle, stating, 'This is the center of the Earth. If you doubt it, please measure the world yourself.' For the second question, Birbal brought a woolly sheep and claimed, 'There are as many stars as there are hairs on this sheep’s back.' Finally, for the third question, Birbal said, 'It is difficult to give an exact count because of people like you, whose gender is uncertain due to your foolishness. If we eliminate you, I can provide the exact number.' Akbar burst into laughter at Birbal's cleverness, and the courtier retreated in silence.
The Moral
Wit and presence of mind can provide clever solutions to even the most illogical or impossible challenges.
“If you doubt my word, you are welcome to measure the earth yourself.”
Fun Fact
Though Birbal's wit is legendary in folklore, he was actually one of the 'Navaratnas' (Nine Gems) in Akbar's court and served as a trusted military commander.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three questions asked of Birbal?
The courtier asked Birbal to find the center of the Earth, count the number of stars in the sky, and state the exact number of men and women in the world.
How did Birbal find the center of the Earth?
Birbal planted his staff in the ground and claimed that spot was the exact center. He challenged the courtier to measure the entire Earth if he wanted to prove him wrong.
How did Birbal answer the question about the stars?
Birbal brought a sheep to the court and stated that the number of stars in the sky was exactly equal to the number of hairs on the sheep's body.
What was the moral of Birbal and the Three Questions?
The story teaches that presence of mind and quick thinking can help one navigate through traps set by envious people.
Who was the primary rival of Birbal in this story?
The rival was a jealous courtier who wanted to prove that Birbal was not as smart as Emperor Akbar believed him to be.
Is Birbal and the Three Questions a true story?
While Birbal and Akbar were real historical figures, this story is part of Indian folklore and serves as a legendary example of Birbal's legendary wit.
