Akbar and Birbal Stories – Writing an Epic

Akbar always wanted an epic to be written by which his name could become eternal. When he heard about the Mahabharata, he wished it to be written.

He expressed his wish to Birbal saying, “I want the Akbari Mahabharata to be written.”

“That’s a very good thought, Sir. It’s not a very difficult job,” said Birbal.

“Can you write it, then?” questioned Akbar.

“Of course, Your Majesty,” replied Birbal. “I just need some time and money.” Akbar chuckled and said, “Take as much time as you want. You can get money from the royal treasury.”

“Okay, sir. I will soon start writing the epic,” said Birbal. He took some amount from the royal treasury and donated it to temples and orphanages.

After a few days, Birbal arrived in the court with the manuscript which was nothing but a huge bundle of useless papers. Akbar asked him, “Birbal, have you written the epic?”

“Sir, some part of it is still left,” answered Birbal. “That can be completed only if you allow me to ask something from the queen.”

“Permission granted,” said Akbar. Birbal went to the queen and said, “Your Majesty, His Majesty wants me to write an epic for him which should be like the Mahabharata. But, in the Mahabharata, Draupadi had five husbands. So I want to tell me about the rest of your husbands. I know that King Akbar is your husband. But who are the other four husbands of yours? Do let me know.”

The queen started burning with anger. “Birbal, what kind of insolence is this?” she said, “And what sort of senseless epic is this?”  Saying this, she threw the

manuscript into the fire. When Akbar heard this whole incident, he called Birbal and said, “I’ve realised my mistake and I promise you that I’ll never be whimsical

again.”