The court of Mughal Emperor Akbar was renowned for its grandeur and splendor. Adorned with golden arches, vibrant carpets, and silken curtains, it was a sight to behold. On that particular day, an unusual question echoed through the court. A wealthy merchant named Malik Ramdas stood before the emperor with a peculiar complaint.
“Your Majesty,” Ramdas said, bowing deeply, “my donkey eats silver. Every night, I serve its food on a silver platter, and by morning, the platter is empty. Yet, my donkey remains hungry. Is this magic or some trick? I cannot understand. Please help me!”
A hush fell over the court. Some courtiers chuckled, while others scratched their heads. A donkey that eats silver? It seemed impossible! Akbar twirled his mustache, smiled, and turned to Birbal.
“Birbal, your wit is unmatched! Unravel this mystery. Does this donkey truly eat silver, or is something else at play?”
Birbal adjusted his turban and said calmly, “Your Majesty, allow me to meet this donkey. The truth will soon reveal itself.”
The next day, Birbal arrived at Ramdas’s home, which resembled a small palace adorned with gold and silver decorations. He was led to a modest stable where a simple donkey was quietly chewing hay. Nearby stood a silver platter, completely empty.
“Look, Birbal ji,” Ramdas said, “every night I place food in this platter, and by morning, it’s gone.”
Birbal examined the platter closely, then turned to the donkey. He inspected its teeth and mouth, then studied the surrounding walls and floor. After a moment, he smiled and said, “Ramdas ji, I’ll stay here tonight. I want to see this donkey’s meal with my own eyes.”
Ramdas seemed uneasy but agreed. That night, Birbal had food placed in the silver platter and hid in a dark corner of the stable. In the middle of the night, he saw a figure sneak into the stable. The person took the food from the platter and stuffed it into a sack. Birbal caught him red-handed—it was none other than Ramdas’s servant.
The next day, Birbal returned to the court and narrated the tale. “Your Majesty, the donkey doesn’t eat silver. Ramdas’s servant was stealing the food every night and leaving the platter empty. Ramdas was so blinded by his wealth and pride that he suspected magic in his donkey rather than dishonesty in his servant.”
The court erupted in laughter. Akbar roared with amusement and said, “Birbal, you’ve proven once again that no weapon is greater than wit in uncovering the truth! Ramdas, punish your servant and keep your eyes open henceforth.”
Ramdas hung his head in embarrassment and apologized. Birbal, with a gentle smile, said, “Wealth is fleeting, Ramdas ji, but wisdom is priceless. Never forget that.”
Moral of the story: Wisdom and discernment are more valuable than wealth and grandeur, for they reveal the truth.