The Most Learned Person Story 

Once King Akbar asked Birbal to fetch the most learned person in the royal court.

To this Birbal replied, “As you wish, Your Majesty. But for this task, I need seven days' time and five hundred gold coins.”

King Akbar agreed to that. Birbal took the gold coins and distributed them amongst the poor and needy. After that, he just stayed at home and relaxed. Then he went to a shepherd’s hut. He took the shepherd’s son, gave him a bath, and dressed him up in neat and tidy clothes. He took him to the royal court. On the way, he explained to him all that he was to do in the royal court.

On reaching the royal court Birbal said, ‘Your Majesty, this is the most learned person I have found.”

King Akbar decided to test the boy. So he asked, “Where do you live? What does your father call you? What special quality do you have?”

But minutes ticked by and the boy did not answer.

The King asked again, “Boy, are you deaf or dumb? Why do not you answer me?”

At this Birbal said, “Your Majesty, he is learned and is showing his wisdom. He has learned from his elders not to talk before the King and before the wiser person than himself. He knows it’s best to keep silent. He is merely following what he has learned.”

King Akbar was impressed. He gave many gifts to the shepherd boy and sent him away.