Author: Amita Sarin
Publisher: Penguin/Puffin
Year: 2005
Language: English
Pages: 143
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0143334948
Description
The Friendship between Emperor Akbar and his minister Birbal created history, and some delightful stories!
The tales of Akbar and Birbal have been passed on from generation to generation, enthralling young and old listeners alike. This book brings together a selection of these stores, along with fascinating historical details about the Mughal court, the emperor and his witty courtier.
>From the time that a chance meeting in the forest brought Akbar and Birbal face-to-face, the emperor and his minister together faced dilemmas that ranged from the ethical to the personal, from debates on the true nature of justice to the problems of hen-pecked husbands. an old widow is robbed of her bag of gold and Birbal nails the culprit. A thief runs away with the emperor's royal seal but give Amber a surprise later. Birbal manages a miraculous escape when envious courtiers conspire to have him killed. The king asks his ministers how many crows there are in the city, and only Birbal has the answer.
With well-researched introductions to each aspect of Mughal life, Amrita Sarin recreates Akbar's court in all its grandeur and vitality. The Stories in this collection are both amusing and thought-provoking, both amusing and thought-provoking, both historical and timeless.
Contents
Author's note
Introduction
HOW BIRBAL CAME TO AKBAR'S COURT
a meeting in the forest
The dishonest gatekeeper
THE PILAR OF JUSTICE
The Tree witness
Whose money sticks
THE KING AND HIS PEOPLE
The emperor's disguise
The golden touch
The Palms of their hands
The obedient husbands
Matters of Faith
The Holy man
The Holy name of rama
In the Durbar
Mother Tongue
A long story
The five greats t fools in Agra
The Perfect portrait
The flatterer
IN THE FAMILY
Appeasing the begum
The Powers of Children
A suitable punishment
THE KING'S AMBASADOR
Who is the real shah?
Birbal travels to burma
THE FRIENDSHIP OF AKBAR AND BIRBAL
Birbal and the mad elephant
The cross of Agra
Long live the king
Birbal goes to heaven
Bibliography