The court of Emperor Akbar had many wise ministers. One day one of his came to the assembly with plea. The minister was in woe. He told Akbar about the theft which took place at his home last night. The minister informed that all his valuables and money were stolen during the night.
Akbar was shocked to hear about the theft. He said, 'We all know that your home is in one of the safest place in the kingdom. I am surprised and worried to hear about this theft. Let's investigate the matter. Birbal, I want you to look into this theft case and report to me earliest as possible'.
Birbal explained, 'My Majesty, the minister's house is well guarded and it is rather impossible for an outsider to enter the house. I feel this theft has been committed by some other minister of that court'. Saying this Birbal left the assembly hall.
Birbal went and arranged for a donkey. He tied the donkey to a pillar in the assembly court and asked all the courtiers to lift the donkey by its tail and say 'I have not stolen the valuables'. All the courtiers did as asked by Birbal turn by turn.
When everyone in the court had finished, Birbal asked all the courtiers to show their respective palms to him. Birbal found that all courtiers except Alim Khan had a black patch of paint on their palms.
Birbal painted the donkey’s tail with a black coat of paint which was caught in the palms. Alim Khan feared that he would be caught. Hence he did not touch the donkey’s tail at all and had a clear palm. He was caught and the king's men recovered all valuables from his home.
Birbal was appreciated for his proven intelligence. He received one thousand gold coins as reward from the emperor.
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