67. Birbal solves the problem

The court of Akbar had courtiers who envied the wisdom and wit of Birbal. They resented the position and fondness Akbar had towards him. They felt that the emperor was biased towards Birbal and sought a chance to prove themselves as better candidates for royal advisory. When the emperor heard about their claims he decided to put them all  to a test to prove their worth. 

Soon the Emperor announced that his court needed a royal advisor. The word went around and many courtiers started eyeing the great opportunity.

When the Emperor saw the large number of contenders seeking the significant position, he decided to put them to test. Hearing this all the courtiers became anxious.

Akbar asked all courtiers including Birbal to assemble in his court where he laid down on the floor. He gave his waist cloth (cloak) and asked the courtiers around to cover him from head to toe with that cloak. Each of the courtiers attempted to do it, but their attempts were futile. The clock was short of length and they could not cover the head and toe in one go. Some of them attempted to pull and tug it.

After all the courtiers gave their trail, Birbal stepped in. He asked Akbar to draw up his knees and then wrapped the cloth from head to toe.

The courtiers who were contending for the royal advisory soon realized their lack of presence of mind.  They left the court and Birbal became all the more adorable to Akbar.