The Potful of Wisdom

The stories of Birbal always have been my all-time favorites. Today, I am going to share one of my favorite stories. This story is special to me as my great-grandpa used to tell my mom and my mom told this story to me. Hope you’ll enjoy it too.

One day, an envoy from the court of the kingdom of Ceylon came to Emperor Akbar’s court on an unusual mission. He announced, “I have been sent by my king to ask you for a potful of wisdom. You have very wise men at your court, so my king’s request will be fulfilled here. ” Everybody including Akbar was surprised by this strange request. Was it ever possible to accomplish this request? Emperor Akbar knew only Birbal could solve this mystery. Birbal had proved himself to be the most reliable minister at the court, time and again. So Akbar ordered Birbal to take care of this matter. Birbal assured him that the king of Ceylon would have his potful of wisdom. But to finish this task he asked for some time-perhaps a few weeks. The envoy agreed for this.

That evening Birbal sent for his attendant to bring a few clay pots with narrow necks. When he came back, Birbal told him to follow him to the pumpkin patch. Then Birbal carefully placed the pot over a pumpkin flower. Next, he directed the attendant to place the other pots the same way. When he finished placing the last pot, Birbal said, “Keep an eye on the pots and don’t let them be moved. I’ll have them collected later.”

After few weeks the Emperor asked Birbal if he had finished the task. Birbal replied, “I should be able to have the pot filled in a fortnight.” A fortnight later, he came to the pumpkin patch to check on the pots. He was very pleased to see the pumpkins were as big as the pots. He was very satisfied with his attendant’s work. Later Birbal had the envoy summoned to the court. He informed that the potful of the wisdom is ready. The next moment his attendant came, in carrying a tray with a pot in it. Birbal presented the pot to the envoy and enunciated to the envoy, ”You may take this to your king. But our valuable pot must be returned empty and intact. The fruit of wisdom that it contains, to be of any value, must be removed without a scratch!” Birbal also added that they had more if the king needed any extra wisdom.

 The envoy asked the Emperor permission to leave and returned to his country. He offered the potful of wisdom to the king and informed the king of Birbal’s message. When king took a look of the pot, he just found a pumpkin inside the pot. He realized that there is no match for Birbal. He admired Birbal a lot.

Back at the court, Emperor Akbar eagerly wanted to eye Birbal’s pot of wisdom. To his surprise, it was just a pumpkin inside the pot. He was very pleased with Birbal. Once again, Birbal saved the Emperor’s honor!!!