One day, a mysterious old traveller arrived in the court. His hair was white, and his eyes had a strange sparkle. He bowed to Akbar and said, “Your Majesty, I have three magical questions. Whoever answers them correctly will be called truly wise.”

Akbar showed interest and said, “Ask your questions.”

The old man asked the first question: “What is it that increases the more you share it?”

The courtiers began thinking. Someone said “money”; someone said “land”. All were wrong.

Birbal smiled and said, “Knowledge. Knowledge increases the more you share it. It never decreases by giving.”

The old man nodded and asked the second question: “What is it that everyone has, but no one can see?”

Silence fell over the court again. No one could give the right answer.

Birbal said calmly, “The mind. Everyone has a mind, but no one can see it with their eyes.”

The old man’s eyes lit up. He asked the third and final question: “What is it that belongs to you, yet is used more by others?”

This time everyone was completely puzzled.

Birbal smiled gently and answered, “Your name. The name belongs to you, but it is others who call it and use it.”

The old traveller laughed loudly. He said, “Well done, Birbal! You have given the true answers to all three magical questions. The magic was not in the questions — it was in your wisdom.”

Akbar was very pleased. He praised Birbal and sent the old traveller off with honour.

From that day, everyone in the court said — true magic lies in intelligence.

Moral: Real magic is not found in magical things, but in clear thinking and wisdom.