One day, a very eminent sculptor visited the court of Emperor Akbar. The sculptor presented his work before the king. The king was impressed by his work of art and rewarded him amply. Before the sculptor left, he asked Akbar to choose from the best idol from a set of three identical idols.
The sculptor said, 'My Majesty, I have three identical idols which match exactly each other in terms of workmanship. Could you take it as a challenge and rate them as best, better and good?'
Akbar wrinkled his bows and then agreed.
The sculptor installed the idols on a platform and Akbar asked all is courtiers to rate the idols. But none of them was able to differentiate the idols. Even Akbar was clueless on how to differentiate and rate the replicas. He finally turned to Birbal and asked if he had a solution.
All the courtiers tried to rate them but failed, because they were so alike that they did not know how to rate them. Now it was Birbal's turn.
Birbal observed the idols closely. He saw a fine hole in the ears of the idols. Curiously, he took three wires and inserted each of them in those holes.
In the case of the first idol the wire came passed through easily and came out of lateral ear. When the wire was inserted in the ear of second idol, it came out of the mouth, while in case of third idol, the wire was stuck inside. Based in this check, Birbal rated the first idol as good, second one as better and the third one as the best.
But the sculptor asked Birbal the basis for such rating as he could not gather the reason for same.
So Birbal explained, 'The first idol will listen from one ear and let the word out from other ear. So it is good. The second idol would reply to what is said, hence it is better and the third idol would contain a information and hence it is the best!'
Birbal's logic and explanation was completely unexpected. The sculptor stood wordless, while Akbar laughed out. He greatly appreciated Birbal and rewarded him.
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