Birbal Counts the Crows
Emperor Akbar asks how many crows there are in the city, and his clever minister Birbal gives an answer that makes everyone laugh.
Tap a word to see it in Turkish · Long press to translate the whole sentence.
In India there lived an emperor called Akbar. At his court he had a very clever and witty minister called Birbal. Akbar loved to test Birbal with difficult questions.
One morning, while walking in the palace garden, he saw crows cawing on the walls. Akbar suddenly stopped and asked: "Birbal, tell me, how many crows are there in our city?"
The courtiers looked at each other. "Who could ever count that?" they whispered. But Birbal answered at once, with a smile: "There are exactly ninety-five thousand, four hundred and sixty-three crows, Your Majesty."
Akbar raised his eyebrows: "And what if I have them counted and there are more?" Birbal bowed: "Then, Your Majesty, some crows have come as guests from the neighbouring cities. They are visiting their relatives."
"And what if there are fewer?" Birbal was ready again: "Then some of our city's crows have gone to other cities to visit their relatives, Your Majesty."
Akbar burst out laughing. The whole court laughed. The emperor clapped Birbal on the shoulder: "I could never find a cleverer minister than you!" And he gave him a golden ring.
This tale tells us: some questions are asked not to get an answer but to test your wits. A cheerful, quick mind can turn even the hardest question into something sweet.
The tale ends here. Sleep well.
Birbal Counts the Crows is a children's tale from Indian tale, suitable for ages 5-10 and about 2 minutes long. Read it free on Masal Merkezi, play a lullaby or nature sound in the background, tap any word to see its Turkish meaning and save it to your favorites. For similar tales browse the World Tales category.
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