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 Trikawanpur), on the banks of the river Yamuna. It was only by virtue of his sharp intellect that rose to be a minister in the court of Akbar. His phenomenal success made many courtiers jealous and, if popular accounts are to be believed, they were busy plotting against him. According to legend, even his death, while he was on an expedition to Afghanistan at the head of a large military force, was due to treachery. Though he was killed in the battle, the expedition was successful and subdued the turbulent province.
Akbar had found in Birbal, a true friend and sympathiser. Of the handful of followers of the Dine-e-Elahi, the new faith preached by Akbar, there was only one Hindu – Birbal.
Though popular 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 the he rose to be a minister at the court of Akbar.
He was a good administrator, a brave soldier and perhaps 0 what pleased Akbar the most – a good jester. Hardly known is the fact that he was also a good poet. He wrote under the nam0e, ‘Brahma’ and a collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur Museum.
In the following stories, Akbar is portrayed as more legendary than historical. Raja Birbal, the hero of these stories, is hardly mentioned in history. Yet, the stories of Akbar and Birbal have continued to be a vital part of the folklore of India.
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