The history of Birbal retold

In the quaint village of Tikawan, near Kalpi, a young Mahabir grew up with an insatiable curiosity and a sharp mind. His Braja Bhasa teacher, Panditji, marveled at Mahabir's quick grasp of languages and mathematics. The villagers soon recognized the clever boy's talent for trouble-shooting.

One day, the local oil presser, Lala, complained about thieves stealing his precious mustard oil. Mahabir, then just 12, offered to help. He observed the presser's daily routine, analyzed the theft patterns, and set a trap. The thieves were caught, and Lala's gratitude earned Mahabir the nickname "Chatur" (clever one).

Mahabir's mathematical skills also helped expose the village grocer's deceitful practices. The grocer would mix stone particles with rice to increase his profits. Mahabir calculated the discrepancy in weights and measurements, revealing the scam. The villagers applauded his ingenuity.

As Mahabir grew older, his reputation spread. Village elders sought his counsel to resolve disputes. He learned Persian from local mullahs, broadening his linguistic skills.

Years passed, and Mahabir's exceptional abilities caught the attention of Emperor Akbar's courtiers. Summoned to Agra, Mahabir became Birbal, one of the Navaratnas.

My childhood friend Pushkar, a descendant of Khubchand, would often regale me with tales of Birbal's exploits during our school days. He spoke of how Birbal's cleverness had earned him a place in Akbar's court and how Khubchand had supplied firewood, tallow, and other essentials to the Mughal soldiers.

As the Mughal army marched from Agra to Jodhpur, Khubchand joined the entourage. The grand procession was a sight to behold:

At the forefront, horse riders led the way, clearing the path and securing the surroundings. Behind them, Akbar himself rode atop a majestic elephant, a symbol of his power and authority. Following closely were his trusted Navaratnas, including Birbal, Tansen, and Abul Fazl, each mounted on elephants.

Next in line were the foot soldiers, armed with swords, spears, and dhal (shields). These brave warriors formed the backbone of the Mughal army. Make-shift kaccha roads were built to facilitate their passage, as established roads were scarce.

Akbar's chief strategist, Man Singh, planned the army's movements, wisely advising against marching during the scorching hot sun. Day journeys with restful nights ensured the army remained fresh and alert.

When the soldiers pitched their tents, merchants would set up a bustling market at a distance. The aroma of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and spices wafted through the air, enticing soldiers and local villagers. This impromptu marketplace transformed into a vibrant Mela, with villagers and soldiers mingling freely.

Birbal's presence ensured peace and harmony, as he mediated disputes and maintained order. Akbar, pleased with the cordial atmosphere, would sometimes invite Tansen to perform. Tansen's soulful renditions of various ragas would mesmerize the emperor, soldiers, and villagers.

One evening, Akbar asked Birbal, "What is the difference between a wise man and a fool?" Birbal replied, "A wise man learns from others' mistakes, while a fool learns from his own." Akbar smiled, acknowledging Birbal's insightful answer.

On another occasion, Akbar asked Birbal to find the cleverest man in the kingdom. Birbal returned with a humble farmer who had wisely divided his land among his quarrelsome sons, stipulating that each son must cultivate the land together, ensuring unity.

Akbar was impressed by Birbal's choice and asked how he had selected the farmer. Birbal explained that the farmer's innovative solution demonstrated wisdom and understanding of human nature.

During their journey, Akbar once asked Birbal four questions:

1. What is the most valuable thing in the world?

2. What is the fastest thing in the world?

3. What is the biggest thing in the world?

4. What is the most numerous thing in the world?

Birbal replied:

1. The most valuable thing is knowledge.

2. The fastest thing is the mind.

3. The biggest thing is the universe.

4. The most numerous thing is stupidity.

Akbar was delighted with Birbal's thoughtful answers.

Another time, Akbar asked Birbal to find a solution for the kingdom's water scarcity. Birbal suggested building small check dams to conserve rainwater and harvest dew. Akbar implemented the plan, alleviating the water crisis.

When Akbar asked Birbal, "What should a king do when his people are unhappy?" Birbal replied, "He should either change his policies or change his people." Akbar appreciated Birbal's candid advice.

As the Mughal army approached Jodhpur, Birbal reflected on his journey from Tikawan to the imperial court. His childhood experiences had prepared him for the complexities of statecraft.

Decades later, Pushkar, now a cunning lawyer, would exploit our ancestral connections for personal gain, gobbling up a portion of our ancestral house in Allahabad. I couldn't help but contrast Pushkar's deceitful nature with the integrity of Birbal, the clever boy from Tikawan.

Years passed, and Birbal's legend grew. His wit and wisdom became synonymous with justice and fairness. Akbar's court was transformed by Birbal's presence, and the emperor's reign was marked by unprecedented peace and prosperity.

One day, as Birbal prepared to leave Akbar's court, the emperor approached him with tears in his eyes. "Birbal, my friend and advisor, what can I gift you for your years of service?" Birbal smiled, "Your Majesty, my reward lies in the smiles of the people, the prosperity of the kingdom, and the memories we've shared."

Akbar nodded, understanding Birbal's humility. "Then, let me build a monument in your honor, where future generations will remember your wisdom and wit." Birbal declined, "No, Your Majesty, my legacy lies in the hearts of the people, not in stone or marble."

And so, Birbal returned to Tikawan, his village, where he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, sharing tales of his adventures and imparting wisdom to the next generation.

The story of Birbal serves as a reminder that true greatness lies not in wealth or power but in the positive impact we have on others' lives.

Epilogue:

I sat with Pushkar, now an old man, reminiscing about our childhood days. He looked at me with a tinge of regret, "I wish I had followed Birbal's path, my friend." I smiled, "It's never too late, Pushkar. Share Birbal's stories with your grandchildren, and perhaps they'll learn from his wisdom."

As I left Allahabad, I couldn't help but wonder: what if Pushkar had followed Birbal's example? Perhaps our ancestral house would still be intact, and Pushkar's legacy would be one of integrity, not deceit.

But Birbal's story remains, a beacon of hope, inspiring generations to come.

I have twisted the history about end of Birbal,he was assassinated by jealous courtiers of Akbar as per some historians. As the historians were not present during that period of 16th century  so they used circumstantial evidences from various Urdu and Hindi manuscripts to conclude, hence I used my imagination to give a happy ending.

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Wah Taj

The decision to go to Agra as a group of our family members was taken a month back. We were toying with idea of taking the newly introduced fastest train of India travelling at 160km/h, Gatiman which leaves Nizamuddin in New Delhi at 8.10 am and reaches at 9.50 am to Agra. One can return the same day by taking the same train at 5.50 pm from Agra which reaches Delhi at 7.30pm. The cost of AC Chair car each way is 750 bucks.
But then we all agreed to go by road as after construction of the 6 lanes Yamuna Highway of 205 km to Agra the road journey has become pretty routine. We took a SUV and started off in the morning, it took about 4 hours with a break in between.

break

our SUV

There are numerous hotels suiting to one's budget, we checked in one such budget hotels very near to Agra Fort. One thing to note is that Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
I have chosen a few of my favourite pictures of Taj Mahal which mostly i took during our visit to this marble edifice of symmetrical structure. I don't want to delve into history and geography of this marvel. I know that i could not stop myself from clicking Taj from every possible angle on that day, i was awestruck.I have chosen a few of the pictures taken by me on 13th October,2016. I refrained myself from editing the pictures by putting effect or colours, these are just unpolluted first cuts.
Enjoy the poetry of marble.

First view of Taj from the entrance

Outside from the right Madhuri,me my nephews Monish and Amit with their mother Purnima in the center.

The first view of Taj

The gate from the Taj

From the left my brother Dr.Amarendra Nath Roy, me, Purnima my brother's wife and Madhuri,my wife

Tried to capture Taj from the center, but it is slightly off

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Taj from the right

Taj from the right

Taj with it's reflection in the pond

The signature picture,me and my wife Madhuri with Taj as the backdrop

Taj from left

Taj and Jama Masjid

Madhuri,Purnima and Ronny by the side of Taj

Taj from left ,from the road level

Yamuna flowing behind Taj

Delicate calligraphy on the wall of Taj 

Taj and Jama Masjid from the right

Taj pillar with Yamuna

Tourists at Taj

Calligraphy on the wall of Taj

Resting after visit,Taj in front, Shuvo and Madhuri

Ronny taking picture

Monkey at the back of Taj

Shuvo clicking

Yamuna from Taj

Resting, Purnima,Madhuri,Amu,Shuvo and Ronny

The visitors of Taj

Trooping to Taj

Djinn

curio shop

                                                           

Hasmat

It was time to check out of the hotel, my nephew Monish came and reminded about our next destination to Fatehpur Sikri. I was sitting with the jewel box in hand with the lid open. Inside of the cover there is a mirror which was reflecting my sleepless face. I looked up to him and gave a blank stare.

“What happened you look devastated as though you have not slept last night? What is that box?” He looked at me and then at my wife who was getting ready to go out.

“It is a strange story and lost a valuable asset which was in this box.” I said absentmindedly clutching the pearl.

He got interested and pulled the chair and sat in front of me. I was sitting on the bed with legs dangling.

Here is what I told him.

“Do you remember the guide Hasmat at Tajmahal whom our guide introduced?”

“Yes that old fellow who said that he is the oldest guide of Taj, I have heard you discussing about Djinns with him.” Monish said.

Yes, he said he has seen Djinns. He further told me as we are born from earth Djinns are born from fire. Djinns live in a parallel world to ours. They are also born and die like us but are not visible in our dimension of world but they do exist around us. They are active at night and mostly hang around the old ruins. He informed there are bad Djinns and good Djinns. During the discussion I asked about the genie in Aladdin’s lamp. He informed me that an evil Emir had punished that Djinn by putting him in that lamp. I wanted to know more about Djinns from him. He asked me to come in the evening near the gate of Taj.

I was curious so after we all returned to the hotel I left for Tajmahal, the sun had set and it was getting dark.

“Oh,I came in search of you in the evening and auntie said you had gone out for some errand, she had no clue about your nocturnal adventure.” Monish said sarcastically.

I smiled at him and continued with my narration.

Hasmat was waiting for me near the curio shop. I had walked down the last one kilometer to Taj where only non-polluting mode of conveyance is allowed. He took me to a room inside the curio shop. It was kind of office of Mustaq, the owner of the shop. Mustaq left us alone. Hasmat asked whether I am interested to go inside Taj to see Djinn.

“How can you arrange to go in? It is closed now.”

“Leave that to me, there are many secret entry points of Moghul time which are not properly guarded. The main entrance point is only guarded.”

“How long will it take to sight Djinn?”

“Depends on them, they have seen me loitering but as you are a new person so they have to make sure that you are not up to some mischief. They may not appear, it is a chance you have to take.”

As such before coming I have Googled about Djinns .I gathered from Google there are some bad Djinns too, but the curiosity of learning more has pulled me to Hasmat. I was not in a mood to do experiment with unknown in a desolate place.

Hasmat watched me hesitating; he got up and went out. He brought this box which I was holding in my hand in the hotel.

Hasmat said, “ This box contains a Djinn, not a dangerous one”. He opened the box there was a small pearl like thing, he pointed to the pearl and said the Djinn is there. He asked me to hold the pearl in hand and look at the mirror which was embedded inside the lid.

I was excited like a school boy, I took the box , picked up the pearl and looked at the mirror. First it was hazy then a face appeared , the face was of a school boy and that was me when I was 13 or 14.I looked up at Hasmat with awe , he smiled and said, “ whatever you are seeing can be seen by you only, it reflects your mental age at that moment.”

I started wondering how that was possible and tried to recall if anything like this had happened to me. Again I looked at the mirror and saw my face of the age of 24 or so when I had met a mystery man in Gauhati during start of my career in Indian Oil refineries. That time a sadhu in Kamakhya temple had touched my forehead and transported me to a dream world. I was ecstatic with that box and asked Hasmat to give that to me at any cost. I was surprised that he did not bargain and gave the box free with a caution not to keep the box open for more than 5 minutes otherwise the Djinn would escape.

I came back before dinner time and had dinner with you all.

‘Yes I remember you were in a kind of hurry to finish the dinner.” Monish said.

My wife said, “ I did not know all these about Djinns but I have seen him getting up a number of times in the night and doing something with that box and a pen torch.”

“ I was so curious that in the night I would get up check which face the mirror would show. Mostly it was showing my this face but sometimes it was showing a much older wrinkled face of mine. I was exhausted by the long walk of Tajmahal and the second time walk in the night. Eventually I fell asleep and forgot to close the lid of the box.I had kept the box by the side of my pillow. In the morning I got up , held this pearl and looked at the mirror, I saw my this face. Then I noticed there is a micro hole in this pearl, I guess the Djinn has escaped by that. I heard some kind of rattling sound in the night but did not bother.”

“ Jethu, I don’t believe in your this story and as usual you made up this yarn, now get ready , we have to check out.” Monish got up with a huff.

It is very difficult to convince someone about my seeing me in that mirror at my different age depending upon my mental frame then. But I did see and know from various articles that Djinns create illusion in the mind and whatever I was seeing in the mirror was nothing but playback of my memory which is cached in the subconscious. It is a kind of hallucination, what people achieve by consuming drugs like marijuana, cocaine etc. Next time when I come to Taj will search for Hasmat , I am writing this article for the benefit of readers to experiment with Djinn when they are in Agra.