1. A Castle in the Air

Emperor Akbar was known to have great inspirations. He is said to dream about new architectural ventures and attempted to implement them.

Once Akbar expressed his desire to built a unique castle - 'I want to make a like never before structure. It would be a castle in the air' he told his courtiers. One of the courtiers stood up and flattered, 'My Majesty, it is an incredible idea. In fact, I wonder if anyone ever thought about it'. Akbar smiled.

Another courtier added, 'Indeed My Majesty! Your inspirations are great. They can certainly come true with help of intellect people like Birbal in your court'. Akbar was pleased to hear them. He turned to Birbal and said, 'Birbal, what do you think about this unique architectural idea?'

Birbal contended, 'My Majesty, indeed it is great idea to build a castle in the air. Though it is difficult to build a castle in the air, it is not impossible'.

'So Birbal, you can do it for me', asked Akbar in excitement.

Birbal bowed before Akbar in agreement and said, 'Yes My Majesty, sure I can build a castle in the air for you'.

Akbar was pleased. Birbal continued, 'but you need to make the arrangements for it. I also require three months time to find architects of acumen to handle this task'.

The king readily agreed. Thus Birbal left the country according to his secret plan.

Birbal got himself acquainted to a bird-seller and asked him to arrange a troop of around two hundred intelligent parrots. After few days, the bird seller sold those two hundred parrots to Birbal.

Birbal began training the parrot to talk. He taught them to speak, 'Get the bricks, get the cement right up here, right up here. Hurry, hurry'. After three months, Birbal returned to the capital with the troop of trained parrots.

Birbal went to Akbar and said, 'My Majesty, the architects for building the castle have come. They are ready to commence the work'.

Akbar's face brightened up when he heard Birbal keeping up his promise. Birbal led the king to the royal garden. He asked his servant to release the parrots from the cage. The parrots flew all around and settled on the branches of the nearby trees. Soon they starting shouting, 'Get the bricks, get the cement, right up here. Hurry, hurry!'

Birbal watched around in surprise. He was wordless. Just then Birbal pepped in and asked, 'My Majesty, the architects are demanding material for building the castle. Ask your servants to reach them with the required material'.

Meanwhile the parrots continued screeching.

Now Akbar realized his unrealistic demand. He laughed and told Birbal, 'How can my men reach them with material? I have understood Birbal. Ask your architects to go. We need not build the castle in the air!'

Birbal smiled contentedly. He said, 'My Majesty, these parrots are creatures of open air. They do not live in castles like us. They will screech, shout and after some time fly away for a new destination'.

Thus the parrots flew away after sometime. But from that day onwards, Akbar gave up such silly aspirations.