The Famous and Inspiring Story of Half the Reward
This story takes place during the time when Emperor Akbar first met Birbal, then known as Mahesh Das. One day, Emperor Akbar, impressed by Mahesh Das's cleverness in the marketplace, summoned him to the court and bestowed a ring as a token of reward. After some time, Mahesh Das decided to visit the Sultan's palace. Upon arriving, he found a long queue outside the palace, and the gatekeeper was demanding something from each person before letting them enter. When Mahesh Das's turn came, he stated that the Emperor had summoned him for a reward, displaying the Sultan's ring. The gatekeeper, tempted by greed, replied that he would only allow him entry if he gave him half of the reward.
After considering the gatekeeper's proposition, Mahesh Das agreed and entered the palace. He waited in the court for his turn. When it came, Emperor Akbar recognized him immediately and praised him in front of the court. The Emperor asked, "Mahesh Das, what reward do you desire?" Mahesh Das replied, "Your Majesty, whatever I ask for, will you grant it?" The Emperor assured him, "Certainly, ask for whatever you wish." Mahesh Das then requested, "Your Majesty, I wish to be given 100 lashes." Everyone present was surprised, and the Emperor inquired, "Why do you desire this?"
Mahesh Das then recounted the entire incident with the gatekeeper, concluding, "I had promised to give half the reward to the gatekeeper." Incensed, Akbar ordered the gatekeeper to be given 100 lashes. Impressed by Mahesh Das's intelligence, Akbar appointed him as his chief advisor, changing his name from Mahesh Das to Birbal. Since then, numerous stories about Akbar and Birbal have become famous.
The Lesson from This Story: We should perform our duties with honesty and without greed. If you act with the expectation of acquiring something, you often face negative consequences, as the greedy gatekeeper in this story experienced.
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