Once, Emperor Akbar received a magnificent gift from a faraway kingdom: a sparkling basket overflowing with large red pomegranates, sweet grapes, and juicy mangoes. Along with it came a letter that read: “Your Majesty, these fruits have been specially chosen for you. May they bring you everlasting health and happiness.”
Akbar was delighted. He had the basket brought into the court and praised it in front of everyone. Then he announced, “Today we shall taste these fruits ourselves!”
Birbal was present in the court that day. The moment he saw the basket, his brow furrowed for a second. He quietly stepped closer and examined the fruits carefully. Suddenly, he caught the emperor’s hand and whispered, “Your Majesty, forgive me, but please do not eat these fruits yet. I have a suspicion.”
The court fell silent. Akbar asked in surprise, “Suspicion? These are gifts from a friendly kingdom, Birbal!”
Birbal replied calmly, “Sire, I request permission to conduct a small test.”
Akbar agreed. Birbal immediately called over a little monkey that often roamed the palace. He handed the monkey a pomegranate. The monkey eagerly ate it. Within moments, it began writhing on the floor, foam came from its mouth, and soon it lay dead.
Panic spread through the court. All the courtiers stepped back. Akbar’s face turned pale. Birbal bowed and said, “Your Majesty, these fruits were soaked in deadly poison. Had you eaten them, we would have lost you today.”
Akbar took a deep breath and asked, “But Birbal, how did you know beforehand?”
Birbal smiled and explained, “Sire, three things struck me as odd. First: How could fruits of different seasons be fresh together at this time? Second: There was a faint white coating inside the wooden basket that carried the smell of poison. Third: The letter wished you ‘everlasting health and happiness’, yet the kingdom that sent this is currently preparing for war. An enemy does not write words of joy.”
Akbar embraced Birbal and declared before the entire court, “Birbal, today you saved my life. Your alertness and wisdom make all riches pale in comparison.”
From that day onward, Akbar made a rule that no food or drink from outside would be served without being tested first. And he bestowed upon Birbal the title “Rakshak-e-Jahanpanah” (Protector of the Emperor).
Moral Lesson: Paying attention to small details and staying cautious can sometimes save the greatest of lives.