Akbar Birbal And Barber Story In English With Moral Read Online
The tales of Emperor Akbar and Birbal are an important part of Indian folklore. These stories blend intelligence, humor, and practical wisdom. This particular story is based on an incident where a barber, driven by his selfishness and flattery, plots against Birbal. However, Birbal uses his cleverness to solve the problem and make Emperor Akbar realize the truth.
Akbar Birbal And Barber Story
Table of Contents

In Emperor Akbar’s court, there were many ministers and servants, but Birbal was the most special among them. He was known for his intelligence, wit, and sense of justice. This was why Akbar greatly admired him and sought his advice on every important matter.
However, not everyone in the court liked Birbal’s influence. Some envied him and wanted to remove him from the court. One such person was Akbar’s barber.
This barber had served Akbar for many years and shaved him daily. Akbar trusted him and occasionally shared personal thoughts with him. The barber noticed that Akbar relied heavily on Birbal’s advice and trusted him immensely. This made the barber jealous, and he wanted to get rid of Birbal.
One day, while shaving Akbar, the barber slyly said, “Your Majesty, have you ever thought about the souls of your ancestors? They must be waiting for your devotion and love in heaven. Shouldn’t you do something for them?”
Akbar was intrigued and asked, “What do you suggest?”
The barber cleverly replied, “Your Majesty, if a true devotee sends a holy man to heaven, he can meet your ancestors and bring back their message.”
Hearing this, Akbar asked, “But who is worthy enough to go to heaven?”
The barber immediately answered, “Your Majesty, the wisest and most pious man in your court is Birbal. If he is sent to heaven, he can meet your ancestors and return with their message.”
Akbar was convinced by the barber’s words. He summoned Birbal and ordered, “Birbal, I want you to go to heaven and meet my ancestors to bring back their message.”
Birbal understood that this was a conspiracy but did not resist. He thought for a while and then said, “Your Majesty, I am ready to go to heaven, but I need some time to prepare.”
Akbar granted him permission.
Birbal then called upon some of his trusted friends and explained his plan. After that, he told Akbar, “Your Majesty, to reach heaven, I must sit in a burning pyre so that my soul can leave my body and travel to heaven. But I request that the fire be lit only by someone you trust the most.”
Akbar thought for a moment and then chose the barber for this task.
Birbal arranged for a large wooden pyre with a secret tunnel underneath it, allowing him to escape safely. When the fire was lit, Birbal used the tunnel to get out and hid for a few months.
A few months later, Birbal returned to the court disguised as a sage. He told Akbar, “Your Majesty, I have returned from heaven. Your ancestors have sent their blessings for you. But they also have a message.”
Akbar eagerly asked, “What is the message?”
Birbal replied, “Your Majesty, your ancestors were very happy, but they had one complaint. They said that they do not have a barber in heaven. If a good barber is sent to them, it would make things easier for them.”
Akbar immediately turned to his barber. The barber’s face turned pale, and he began to tremble. Falling at Akbar’s feet, he pleaded, “Your Majesty, please forgive me! It was all my plan. I conspired against Birbal to remove him from the court.”
Akbar realized his mistake. He punished the barber by banishing him from the court and reinstated Birbal as his chief advisor.
Moral of the Story
1. Intelligence is the greatest strength – Birbal saved his life and exposed the conspiracy through his wit and clever thinking.
2. Do not fall into blind faith – Akbar blindly believed the barber’s words and was about to make a wrong decision. We should always apply reasoning before accepting any claim.
3. The consequences of jealousy and deceit – The barber’s jealousy and cunningness backfired on him. Instead of being envious of others’ success, one should focus on their own hard work.
4. Trust should be placed in the right people – Akbar ultimately trusted Birbal’s wisdom over the barber’s words and reached the truth.
Conclusion
This story teaches us that true intelligence always finds a way out of difficult situations. Birbal’s cleverness, patience, and wisdom always led him to victory. This is why he was not only Akbar’s favorite but also remains immortal in Indian folklore.
Akbar Birbal And Field Of Gold Story
The Happy Prince Story By Oscar Wilde
Selfish Giants Story By Oscar Wilde