Many years ago, the great emperor Akbar ruled a large kingdom in India. He was known for his wisdom and kindness. Emperor Akbar always liked intelligent and honest people around him.
In a small village there lived a poor but very clever boy named Mahesh. Mahesh was not rich and his family had many difficulties. Every day he went to the forest to collect firewood and carried it to the village to sell.
One day Emperor Akbar went hunting in the forest with his soldiers. While chasing an animal he lost his way and became separated from his companions. The forest was very big and he could not find the way back.
After walking for some time, he saw a village boy carrying a bundle of wood on his head. The emperor went near him and asked, "Boy, is there any village near this forest?"
The boy replied politely, "Yes, there is a village nearby. If you walk along this path you will reach it."
Akbar was surprised by the boy's confidence and intelligence. He asked the boy, "What is your name?"
The boy looked at him and said, "My name is Mahesh. But why do you want to know my name? What benefit will you get from knowing it?"
Akbar was very surprised by this clever answer. He smiled and said, "You are a very intelligent boy. One day you will become a great person."
Before leaving, Akbar gave Mahesh a ring and said, "If you ever come to the royal court, show this ring to the guards. They will allow you to meet me."
Many years passed. Mahesh grew up and became a young man. But his family was still poor. One day he decided to go to the capital city and try his luck.
When he reached the royal palace, the guards stopped him. But Mahesh showed them the ring given by the emperor. The guards immediately allowed him to enter the royal court.
Inside the court Emperor Akbar was sitting with his ministers. When Mahesh came near him, the emperor recognized him as the clever boy from the forest.
Akbar asked him many difficult questions to test his wisdom. Mahesh answered every question very wisely. All the ministers in the court were amazed at his intelligence.
One day Emperor Akbar asked in the court, "Which is the most beautiful flower in the world?"
Some ministers said the rose. Some said the lotus. But Mahesh said, "Your Majesty, the most beautiful flower is the cotton flower, because from it we make clothes that protect people."
Akbar was very happy with this answer. He understood that Mahesh was truly intelligent and wise.
From that day Akbar made Mahesh one of his special advisors and gave him a new name – Birbal.
Thus the poor village boy Mahesh became the famous Birbal, known for his wisdom and cleverness throughout the kingdom.