Birbal had proved himself to be the most reliable minister at
court, time and again. He dispensed justice, dealt
diplomatically with other rulers, led military expeditions and
composed poetry. In addition, he also rescued Akbar from the
dangers of arrogance and unfettered power. Most importantly, he
made the Great Mughal laugh. Birbal, a real person with the name
'Maheshdas', was one of the 'nine gems' of court advisers of
Akbar the Great. He also composed poetry by the pen name
'Brahma'. He led an expedition into faraway Afghanistan and
managed to subdue the turbulence there. Hearing the news of his
death there, Akbar burst forth: "Birbal, you always gave the
helpless whatever you had. I am helpless now and yet you have
left nothng for me!" Birbal's name however does not rest on
these achievements. He is turned into a legend by the
innumerable stories of his wit and wisdom, sense of justice and
fairplay, and above all, his uncanny skill in turning the tables
on his detractors including the king himself. In t