Akbar the Great who ruled over Hindustan for fifty years described Raja Birbal as a perfect man. An impeccable and glowing tribute to an exceptional human from an exceptional monarch!
Children in India who grow up reading Akbar Birbal comics are familiar with Birbal's wit and intelligence.
While doing research for The Final Puzzle, I began to deeply admire the character of a man who lived more than four centuries ago. Of all great human qualities, the one that I believe is the most difficult to demonstrate is true humility.
Humility did not mean being silent. Nor balking from standing up for what is right. Birbal had no qualms disagreeing with the Emperor time and again. It is a testament to Akbar's character as it is to Birbal's, that the Emperor took the criticism in his stride and did not demolish those who disagreed with him.
I realized that good qualities--- kindness, hard work, and honesty—have remained unscathed through time. What has changed, and will continue to change is tolerance of bad behavior.
Would Raja Birbal have got more credit for his personality had he made an attempt to publicize his merits? He didn't, but he lived a life very few could claim- as the most indispensable man for the Emperor of India, molding policy despite the attacks on his character and life. The story details two attempts on Birbal's life and two contemptible attempts to malign him.
Which brings me to the most important realization during my journey writing this book.
One can be as perfect as Birbal, yet be the target of vicious attempts.
So do what you believe is right. Do not measure your success by the absence of enemies. In fact, the higher you rise, the more you will encounter jealous humans who will go to any extent to justify their attacks against you.
This will continue as long as humanity exists. But what we all bank on is this-- that there is sufficient good, sufficient common sense and a sufficient number of fair-minded individuals who are motivated to find the facts and draw their own conclusion about what really happened.
When that ceases to exist, humanity will face an existential threat. On that theme, which is prescient even today, I would encourage readers to read the free book by P.P Sinha referenced below.
As a bonus, the hardcover copy has poems by Raja Birbal, a rare treat to read his actual work.
I obtained the book through an interlibrary loan.
Akbar had once said, “The difficulty is to live in the world and to refrain from evil for the life of a recluse is one of bodily ease.” Raja BirbaTs character exactly reached that high standard. In spite of the earthly bonds,Birbal was essentially a non- worldly man in his attitude; and though apparently fettered he maintained complete freedom"-
Reference - Raja Birbal Life and Times
