Birbal’s sharp intellect saw him rise to a prominent position as a minister in the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. His wit and wisdom has endeared him not only to Akbar, but also to a vast majority of the subjects of the Mughal Empire. He had the rare distinction if achieving immense popularity during his lifetime.


He was a fair administrator, brave soldier and perhaps what pleased Akbar the most, he is a good jester. The fact that Birbal was also a good poet is little known. He has written under the pen name Brahma and the collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur Museum. Though popularly known as Birbal, his real name was Maheshdas.


It is believed that he belonged to a poor Brahmin family of Trivikrampur, which is now known as Tikawanpur. It is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, his phenomenal success made many courtiers jealous and if popular accounts are to be believed, they were constantly plotting against him. According to the legend, even his death while leading military expedition to Afghanistan, was a result of treasury.


Though he was killed in battle, the expedition was successful and managed to subdue the turbulent province. Akbar was so moved when he heard of Birbal’s death that he burst forth into a couplet and lamented. Birbal you never hurt the helpless. You always gave them whatever you had. I am helpless now and let you have left nothing for me. Akbar found Birbal as a true friend and a sympathizer.



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