Two beggars came to Akbar’s court to settle a dispute. Each claimed the ownership of a particular mango tree. Akbar, wanting to resolve the issue fairly, called Birbal for advice. Birbal suggested that the tree should be split in half and each beggar should be given one half. One beggar agreed, but the other cried out and said the tree should be given to the other beggar because he couldn’t bear to see the tree harmed.

Who did the tree belong to?

Akbar once gave Birbal a task to make a list of the ten biggest fools in the kingdom. Birbal returned with a list, and the first name on it was Akbar’s. When Akbar asked for an explanation, Birbal said, “A person who entrusts his precious diamond to a stranger without verifying his background is the biggest fool.”

How did Akbar react?

One day, Akbar asked Birbal to fill a pot with wisdom and bring it to him. Birbal thought for a moment, then took a pot and filled it with water. He covered the pot and presented it to Akbar.

Why did Birbal fill the pot with water?