Counting of Crows by Birbal

There was a king named Akbar, Birbal was one of his ministers. He was cleverest of all his ministers. He had a sharp mind and an answer for all kinds of situations. Birbal was Known for his sense of humour and wit.

Once a scholar from another kingdom came to the court of Akbar. Birbal's fame for wit and intelligence had spread far and wide. This scholar challenged Birbal openly.

Scholar asked Birbal "If you are as intelligent as everybody claims, can you tell me how many crows live in your city?"

"I will give you the answer tomorrow", replied Birbal.

King Akbar got worried and called Birbal aside, he told Birbal, "Though you are one of the cleverest ministers of mine yet is impossible to count the crows in Agra by any human being.

Birbal reassured the king. "Have faith in me, O king. I shall not let our kingdom down".

Next day, the scholar asked Birbal if he had the answer.

In front of evreybody in the court Birbal claimed that there were excatly 47,835 crows in the city of Agra. The scholar, Akbar as well as others in the court were really astonished.

"How can you be so sure?" asked the scholar.

Birbal replied "My lord I have counted all the crows who live in this city along with the crows who migrated from neighbouring state. If you have any doubt, you can count them yourself and check if I am correct or not.

The scholar immediately realized that Birbal had him cornered. there was no way he could verify the answer which Birbal had given him. He felt ashamed of himself. he realized his mistake in wanting to test Birbal.

Akbar was very happy with Birbal and rewarded him.