The companionship of Akbar Birbal is one of the most treasured part of medieval Indian history. Birbal was not just another courtier in Akbar's court, he was his sympathetic, confident and an intimate friend.
The tales of Akbar Birbal companionship are studded with wit, humor and intelligence. It is known that Birbal was liked by Akbar more than any other courtier. Due to the unique position and favoritism enjoyed by Birbal, many of the courtiers envied him. Many of the stories related to Akbar and Birbal exhibit the Birbal's wit and outstanding intelligence in reply to manipulative acts of his envious counterparts.
History recollects that Birbal was a Brahmin from Madhya Pradesh. At age of twenty, Birbal left his hometown in search of career and went to the capital city of Delhi, where a grand competition was organized by Emperor Akbar.
Birbal, as he is popularly known is not his real name. His real name was Mahesh Das Bhatt. He received the name Birbal as a honorary title by Akbar. He was also confronted with the title of Raja for unique and outstanding abilities.
Birbal was born in 1528 to Gangadas and Anabhadevi in Trivikrampur (now known as Tikavanpur) situated on the banks of River Yamuna. He lost his father at a very young age and was sent to his maternal grandfather for education who taught him Sanskrit, Hindi and Hindustani (a mix of Hindi and Urdu).
Birbal was known for his yearning for poetry and music. His poetic compositions were written under the nom-de-plume of 'Brahm Kavi'.
Birbal's fame drew him close to many regional Kings such as the king of Jaipur, Rewa and Akbar (Ab-ul-Fath Jalil-ud-deen Muhammad). He was also admired and visited foreign kings such as those of Persia.
Birbal was one of the Navaratnas (meaning the 'nine gems') at the court of Emperor Akbar (1556 - 1605).
Unlike his contemporaries, Akbar respected non-Islamic traditions. On lines of Hindu culture, Akbar confronted appropriate titles to his courtiers. It is recollected that Akbar confronted Mahesh Das with the title of 'VeerVar' following his exemplary display of bravery during one of the Emperor's expeditions. With passage of time, his real name was forgotten and Veervar (Veer Bal, Bir Bal, Birbal), stuck forever.
Birbal's rise in power and position was remarkable. Due to this, many courtiers envied him. This paved way for many stories, which were arose due to nothing but pure jealousy. The stories indicate that Birbal was quick to read the opponent's mind and react appropriately.
Further, there were several instances when Birbal used his wit and intelligence to pacify the ire of Emperor Akbar, and amusing him at the same time.
A courtier named, Zain Khan, envied Birbal's proximity to the Emperor. During the expedition against the Afghans, Zain Khan took the opportunity to mislead Birbal into a narrow gorge overlooked by steep hills where he was ambushed by the Afghanis.
The news of Birbal's death shocked Akbar. He withdrew himself and mourned for more than two day.
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