It is well know fact that the Mughal emperors including Akbar were great patrons of art. Akbar was fond of art and his court had several creative people including artist, sculptor, painters, illustrators, singers, poets, musicians and so on.
One day Akbar asked Birbal to paint a picture for him using his imagination.
Birbal was stuck. He was a great poet and singer, but look lacked skills in painting. He contended, 'My Majesty, I am a minister in your venerated court. How can I possibly paint?’.
But Akbar was adamant. He replied, 'Birbal, that is no excuse. Make a good piece of art for me with in a week's time or I shall order you to be hanged!’.
Birbal was sad to hear Akbar. But he was quick witted and thought of an idea.
After one week Birbal went to the court with a covered frame with him.
Akbar was happy to see Birbal come with the painting. However, when Birbal took the cover off, the emperor was disappointed. The courtiers gathered around him to see the painting. They all laughed mutely to see that the painting had nothing but plainly painted sky with ground below.
Seeing this Akbar became very angry. He asked Birbal up roaringly,'Birbal, is this a painting that you feel you can present to the emperor?'
Birbal explained, 'My majesty, in this painting a cow is grazing the grass'.
Akbar asked, ‘So where is the cow and grass you are talking about?’
Birbal wittingly replied, ‘I used my imagination. The cow grazed the grass. After it ate sufficiently, it returned to its shed. So you cannot see the grass and the cow'.
Akbar laughed loudly and paused Birbal for it wit and humor.
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