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Birbal was one of the most famous and wise advisors in the court of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Known for his sharp intelligence, quick wit, and clever problem-solving, Birbal became a trusted member of Akbar’s inner circle. His real name was Mahesh Das, and he was born in 1528 in a Brahmin family in present-day Madhya Pradesh. Birbal was not only a skilled poet and singer but also a great thinker who helped Akbar in many important decisions. He was given the title “Raja” by Akbar and was one of the nine gems, or Navratnas, of the Mughal court. Today, Birbal is remembered through many humorous and wise stories that teach lessons in honesty, intelligence, and justice. This blog gives an overview of Birbal’s life, role, and contributions for students to learn and enjoy.
Who is Birbal?
As we all are familiar with the intelligence and wit that Birbal carried, he was a renowned Mukhya Senapati and Brahmin advisor during the rule of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar.
- The real name of Birbal was Mahesh Das and is rumoured to be born in the year 1528.
- Born in the small village of Ghogra in Uttar Pradesh, his father’s name is Ganga Das and his mother’s name is Anabha Davito.
- He showed exceptional intelligence from a young age and was sent to study at a local school.
- His thirst for knowledge led him to become well-versed in various subjects like Sanskrit, Hindi and Persian and specialised in poetry in the language of Braj, philosophy, music and politics.
- He was serving as “Brahma Kavi” under the Rajput king Raja Ram Chandra of Rewa.
- Birbal’s sharp intellect caught the attention of Emperor Akbar, who invited him to his court.
Rise to Prominence
It is uncertain when Birbal first met Emperor Akbar and joined his court, but it is believed that they met between 1556 and 1562.
- Within a few years of his appointment, Birbal became the “Kavi Priya” or the Emperor’s poet laureate.
- Akbar gave him the name ‘Birbal’ along with the title of “Raja”.
- The name Birbal is derived from Bir Bar or Vir Var, which means quick thinker.
- According to S. H. Hodivala, this name may have been taken from a character in the folk tale Vetal Panchvinshati, which features a loyal courtier named Vir Var.
Akbar had a love for literature and encouraged the translation of works from Sanskrit and other local languages into Persian. He also gave titles to his ministers according to their special skills and thus Birbal was named as Raja Birbal due to his intelligence and quick wit.
It is believed that he carried a private Diary to keep all the details about Akbar’s administration and contained his feelings and thoughts too. Only Akbar could access the diary as he became such a close confidante.
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Why is Birbal so Famous?
Birbal’s reputation grew over time and he became one of Akbar’s nine jewels, known as the Navaratnas of Akbar. He was also bestowed with the title of “Diwan-i-Khas”
- He served as a military figure, religious advisor and a close friend of the Emperor for nearly 30 years.
- Birbal’s first military role was in 1572 when he was part of a large army sent to help Husain Quli Khan against an attack from Akbar’s brother, Hakim Mirza.
- Despite having no military background, Birbal actively participated in Akbar’s campaigns and was given leadership positions. He was also a trusted companion who accompanied the Emperor during his Gujarat campaigns.
- Abu’l-Fazl ibn Mubarak, a historian of the courts and a member of the navratna, wrote about Birbal in his accounts, stating that he held twenty-five honorific titles and held the rank of a commander of two thousand.
- Despite being fourteen years older than Akbar, Birbal had a close relationship with him and was considered one of the brightest jewels of Akbar’s court.
- He was considered the eye and ear of the administration of Akbar and was the only courtier to have a two-storeyed house at Fatehpur Sikri near Akbar’s palace. One of the seven gates of the fort is named “ Birbal Gate”.
Legacy of Birbal
Birbal’s legacy lives on in the form of numerous folk tales and anecdotes that highlight his wisdom and cleverness. These folklores have mainly passed through oral traditions.
- These stories, often involving riddles, puzzles, and moral dilemmas, continue to captivate readers and listeners of all ages.
- From outsmarting jealous courtiers to solving conundrums posed by Akbar himself, Birbal’s wit and intelligence have continued in Indian folklore.
Stories and tales about Akbar and Birbal are legends that our grandmothers have recited so as to make us aware of the intelligentsia that one can possess. Birbal passed away during the battle of Malandari Pass in 1586 while trying to resolve a conflict that had erupted among the Afghan or Pashtun tribes in Northwest India. Akbar was deeply saddened by the loss of his clever and intelligent friend and mourned his death for a significant period.
FAQs
Birbal is famous because he was very clever and wise, and he helped Emperor Akbar solve many problems in smart and funny ways. People loved his quick thinking and sense of humor, which made him stand out in the Mughal court. Many stories and tales about Birbal’s cleverness have been told for hundreds of years, teaching important lessons about intelligence, kindness, and fairness. That’s why Birbal is still remembered and loved by people, especially students, even today.
Birbal died in the Battle of Swat, also known as the Battle of Kiratpur, in 1586. This battle was fought between the Mughal army, led by Birbal, and the Pashtun tribes in the northwest region of the Mughal Empire (in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan). Birbal was sent by Emperor Akbar to handle the conflict, but sadly, he lost his life during this battle. His death was a big loss for Akbar’s court because Birbal was not only a brave soldier but also a wise advisor and friend to the emperor.
The central figure in Tenali Rama stories is Tenali Rama himself. He was a very clever and funny poet and advisor in the court of King Krishnadevaraya, who ruled the Vijayanagara Empire in South India. Tenali Rama was known for his quick thinking, sharp wit, and smart solutions to problems. He used his intelligence and humor to help the king and teach important lessons to others. Many people enjoy his stories because they are both entertaining and full of wisdom.
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