The Crows of the Kingdom

It was a sparkling spring morning in the magnificent city of Agra. Emperor Akbar and his favorite minister, Birbal, were taking a leisurely stroll in the royal gardens. The flowers were blooming, the fountains were splashing, and the birds were singing.

Akbar loved these morning walks. It was his time to relax and also to test Birbal’s famous wit. As they walked by the pond, Akbar noticed a large flock of Crows cawing loudly. They were swooping down, picking up twigs, and playing by the water.

Akbar stopped and watched them. “Look at them, Birbal,” he said. “They are so noisy and chaotic. It makes me wonder…” He paused, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Birbal,” asked the Emperor, “you know everything about my kingdom. Can you tell me exactly how many Crows are there in Agra right now?”

The courtiers walking behind them held their breath. This was an impossible question! Who could count the crows in a city? The birds were constantly flying, moving, and hiding. Surely, Birbal would fail this time.

But Birbal didn’t even blink. He looked at the sky, then at the trees, and then back at the Emperor. He scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Give me a moment, Your Majesty,” he said. He closed his eyes as if making a complex calculation. Then he opened them and smiled.

“Your Majesty,” announced Birbal confidently, “there are exactly ninety-five thousand, four hundred and sixty-three crows in your kingdom.”

Akbar was stunned. “That is a very specific number, Birbal,” he said. “Are you absolutely sure?” “Positive, My Lord,” said Birbal.

“What if I order my soldiers to go and count every single crow?” challenged Akbar. “What if they find more than that number?” Birbal didn’t panic. He smiled calmly. “If they find more, Your Majesty, it simply means that the crows’ friends and relatives from nearby kingdoms have come to visit them.”

Akbar laughed. “I see,” he said. “And what if they count them and find fewer than your number?” “Ah,” said Birbal, “that is simple too. If there are fewer, it means that some of our crows have gone on a holiday to visit their relatives in other kingdoms.”

Akbar burst into laughter. He clapped Birbal on the back. “Brilliant, Birbal! You always have an answer!” He realized that Birbal had taught him a lesson with humor: some questions don’t just have one boring answer, and wit is often better than a dry fact.

Moral of the Story: A sharp mind can solve any puzzle. Wit is a sign of true intelligence.

Moral of the Story: A witty answer can silence even the most difficult questions.