Book review
Who hasn’t heard of Raja Birbal – the wise and witty minister in the court of Akbar, the Great Mughal?

Though popularly known as Birbal, his real name was Maheshdas. It is believed that he belonged to a poor Brahmin family of Trivikrampur (now known as Tikawanpur) which is situated on the bank of the River Yamuna. It was only by virtue of his sharp intellect that he rose to be a minister at the court of Akbar.

He was a good administrator, a good soldier and perhaps – what pleased Akbar the most – a good jester. Less known is the fact that he was also a good poet. He wrote under the pen-name, ‘Brahma’ and a collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur Museum.

Akbar, in the following stories, is more legendary than historical. Raja Birbal, the hero of these stories, is hardly heard of in history. Yet, the stories of Akbar and Birbal have continued to be a vital part of the folklore of India.

Contents
Birbal the Wise
Birbal the Clever
Birbal to the Rescue