The Five Queries Story 

One day King Akbar asked five questions to his courtiers.

The first question was…which flower is the best?

No one replied for a while. Then one courtier named rose and the other said that it is the lotus.

The second question was….which milk is the best?

At this, the courtiers argued that the goat’s milk is the best. But others said that the cow’s milk is supreme.

The third question was….which is the best of all sweetness?

Some pointed it to be rasgulla and others listed other such sweets.

The fourth question was…..which leaf is the best?

Some said tulsi and others said banana or neem.

The last question asked by King Akbar was…..which is the best king of all?

To this, all the courtiers agreed that King Akbar is the best king. The last answer pleased King Akbar immensely but he was still not satisfied with the answers to the questions. Just then Birbal arrived in the court. King Akbar posed the same questions to Birbal.

Birbal showed his usual intelligence and answered the questions differently. “Your Majesty,” Birbal said. “The best flower is that of the cotton plant. We get fiber from them to make clothes that cover our naked bodies. The best milk is that of a mother for it helps a baby grow into a healthy being. The best of all sweetness lies in our tongue. Whatever our tongue likes are sweet for us. The best leaf is that of betel as it is offered to all who are friends, foes, guests, and relatives and leaves us feeling fresh.”

Now King Akbar asked, “Who is the best king of all, Birbal?”

To this, Birbal replied, “It is King Indra, Your Majesty. He is the God of Rain. If there is no rain, there will be no crops to feed us, to keep all living creatures alive. Crops, in turn, bring prosperity and wealth in our lives.”

King Akbar was very pleased and satisfied by the answers he received from Birbal.