Akbar was a great patron of art.
Once the emperor declared a contest in which different artist were asked to
paint his portrait. The king conditioned that the portrait should be his exact
replica. Thus, the work produced with closest resemblance to the emperor's real
appearance would be appreciated and set for reward and recognition. The price
set for the winner was a coveted amount of one thousand gold coins.
Sources close to the emperor knew
that Akbar was looking for a man with political and social intellectual who
could help him give his people a balance between growing administrative
seriousness and happiness.
Thus the appointed day came.
Artist from far and wide thronged before the court with their work. Soon the
emperor started the judgment as each work was brought to him individually. The
queue gradually shrank and finally Birbal came before the emperor to reveal his
work.
Seeing that he was the last in
the queue, Akbar asked him, ‘Show us what your work. But before that let me ask
you if you are like other artist who have failed to work satisfactorily?’
Birbal bowed before the emperor
and unfolded a large frame before the emperor saying, ‘My Majesty, as you
demanded; here is an exact portrayal of your!’
Akbar saw that it was a large
mirror that ‘indeed illustrated how Akbar was!’ Though it was no work of art,
it gave exact portrayal of the king himself as he had been seeking. Akbar burst
into a hearty laughter. He declared that Birbal as the winner of the contest,
and rewarded him with one thousand gold coins.
After the dismissal of court,
Akbar called Birbal in person and quizzed him further. He admitted him to his
court and with time became his most trusted, honored and confided courtier.
Birbal later became the chief minister of the court and a very close friend of
Akbar.
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