Since childhood, we have been listening to the stories of Birbal. He is mostly known in the Indian subcontinent for the folk tales. In his folk tales we heard about his wit and intelligence, his advice and opinion given to Akbar in every difficult situation.
Birbal was a advisor and main commander of army in the court of the Mughal emperor. He was appointed as a minister by Akbar. He used to be a poet and singer in around 1960's. He was a very important courtier of Akbar and was part of Akbar's Navratan group.
Birbal's Early life
Birbal's original name was Mahesh Das. He was in 1528, in a Brahmin family in Kalpi, Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh. His father was Ganga Das and mother was Anabha Davito. He studied Hindi, Sanskrit and Persian and he used to write prose. He had mastery in poetry and music in Braj language.
Under the name "Brahma Kavi", he worked at the Rajput of court of Raja Ram Chandra of Rewa. His financial condition slightly improved when he married to a woman of a wealthy family.
At Akbar's Court
It is estimated that between 1556 and 1562 Birbal first met with Akbar and got employment in the Akbar's court. In the book 'Akbar: The Great Mughal' written by Ira Mukhoty states that around 1556 Birbal joined Akbar's court. Within a few years of his appointment, he became the "Kavi Priya" of the Emperor. It was Akbar who named him Birbal with the title Raja, and since then he is known as Birbal.
Birbal was known for his sharp intelligence, adaptable mind, generous nature and he was devoted to Akbar. Seeing his increasing reputation in the court, Akbar included him to the Navratna (Nine Jewels). While serving for 30 years in the Akbar's court, Birbal also played the role of a religious advisor, military figure and he was very close to Akbar.
Birbal was among a large army sent to aid Husain Quli Khan against an attack from the Akbar's brother in 1572, which was his first military role. Despite not having a military background, he accompanied Akbar during his Gujarat campaigns and in many other campaigns.
Abdul Qadir Badayuni and Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak were the historian of the court. Fazl respected Birbal and listed him as having twenty-five honorific titles and rank of a commander but Abdul Qadir distrusted Birbal because he was a Hindu, and being a Hindu musician he was a favorite of Akbar. But he also praised Birbal's talent.
Akbar had started a religion which was a combination of Hindu and Muslim beliefs called Din-i- Ilahi. Other than Akbar, Birbar was Birbal was one of the few people who followed Akbar's religion. Birbal was very closed to Akbar and he was known as the brightest jewel. In Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar gifted a two Storey house within the palace complex for Birbal near his chamber. It is said that Akbar saved Birbal's life twice.
Death
Around 1586, The Yusufzai Afghan tribe had started a rebellion against the Mughal rule. Akbar sent Birbal with reinforcements. But Birbal got caught in the trap of the Afghans who were waiting for him with the army hiding in the hills. The Mughals suffered the biggest defeat of Akbar's reign in which Birbal and more than 8000 soldiers were killed by the Afghan tribe. It is said that after being saddened by the death of Birbal, Akbar had not eaten anything for two days.
Folk Tales and Legacy
In the Akbar-Birbal's folk tales, the focus was on Birbal's sharp and intelligent responses and how he manages to outsmart envious courtiers who try to trap and portray him in poor light in front of Akbar. Other show his conversation with Akbar in which he tries to test Birbal's intelligence and wit and Birbal makes him realise his folly, which always ends with Akbar being happy and impressed. Some other stories were simple and funny.
According to C. M. Naeem, the earliest known reference to Birbal's wit and intelligence is in the 18th-century biographical dictionary, Mathir al-Umara, it shows that Birbal used his poetry and wit to became a member of Akbar's court and outrank other courtiers. A few years later, a third fictional character came Mulla Do-Piyaza.
Are these stories true or just fictional? According to historians these stories are fictional. Historians writes that Akbar did enjoy witty and sharp observations but he also demanded complete devotion and loyalty. It is highly unlikely that these stories are true considering the strict court etiquette of the Mughals, which would not have tolerated outspoken attitude of anyone like Birbal, and these tales are not mentioned in any official Mughal document. As the tales gained popularity in India, he became even more of a semi-fictional legendary figure across the Indian subcontinent.
Birbal in Popular Culture
In Amar Chitra Katha and Chandamama, Akbar and Birbal Folk tales are featured. Many children's comics and books are available containing these folk tales. the character of Birbal plays as a lead role in many paperback editions, films, textbooks and booklets. Chota Birbal and Akbar & Birbal are two animated series based on these tales telecasted by the television channel Cartoon Network in India. The character of Birbal is in Salman Rushdie's novel 'The Enchantress of Florence'. In 2014, Akbar Birbal comedy show broadcast by Big Magic. It was followed by Hazir Jawab Birbal in 2015. In 2020, another historical comedy show Akbar ka Bal Birbal was aired on Star Bharat.
