Wise Counting Moral Story

 King Akbar was in the habit of putting riddle and puzzles to his courtiers. He frequently asked questions which were odd and witty. It took much wisdom to reply these questions.

Once he asked a very bizarre question. The courtiers were dumb folded by question.

Akbar glance at his courtiers. As he looked, one by one the head began to hang low in search of answer. It was at  moment that Birbal entered the courtyard. Birbal who knew the nature of the ruler quickly grasped the situation and asked, 'May I know question so that I can attempt for a answer".

Akbar said, "How countless crows are there in this city?"

Without even a moment thought, Birbal replied "There are fifty thousand five hundred and eighty nine crows, my lord".

"How can you be so confident?” asked Akbar.

Birbal said, "put together your men count, My lord. If you find extra crows it means some have come to visit their relatives here. If you find fewer number of crows it means some have gone to visit their relatives elsewhere".

Akbar was pleased very much by Birbal's wit.

MORAL : A clever answer will serve its purpose.