There is an interesting story behind how Akbar and Birbal first met. Akbar used to love going out on hunting expeditions. Once, when Akbar was out on one such expedition, he and some of his courtiers lost their way somehow. They tried their level best to find the route, but in vain. They were all hungry and extremely exhausted.
At last, they came to a junction of three roads. Akbar was very happy to see the roads as he thought that now he could reach his capital, Agra through one of these roads. But, he was not sure as to which of the three roads led to Agra. None of the courtiers was also able to tell which road went to the Emperor’s capital.
Just then, they saw a young boy coming towards them through one of the three roads. Akbar called the boy, “Wait up young man!” and asked him, “Could you tell us that which road goes to Agra?"
The boy smiled and said, "Sir, none of these roads go to Agra.”
Everybody was shocked to see the young boy’s audacity and thought that now he would not escape the wrath of the Emperor. Akbar held back his anger for a while and asked the young boy again,
“What do you mean?”
The boy said again, "People travel, not the roads. Do they?"
sir! Now tell me about yourself. Who are you and what is your name?"
Akbar said, "You are talking to Emperor Akbar, the king of Hindustan! I need fearless and witty people like you in my court.” He took off his ring, gifted it to the young boy and said, “If you are desirous of being a part of my royal court, come to meet me with this ring and I will recognise you immediately. Now, show us the way to reach Agra. All of us are exhausted and need to reach Agra before the sun sets.”
Mahesh Das bowed down in front of the Emperor and showed them the road that led to Agra. This is how the Emperor Akbar met the future Birbal.
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