Birbal was one of the nine gems in the court of emperor Akbar. He was respected by everyone for his intelligence and wit. <>
Whenever Akbar was in difficulty, he called Birbal for help.<>
Akbar was very fond of jewellery. He had many rings of gold, pearls and diamonds. <>
His favourite ring was the one with a large diamond at the centre and pearls around.<>
At the emperor’s palace, there were eight servants who looked after his clothes and jewellery. <>
They also helped him get ready to go to the court. No one else was allowed to enter his room.<>
One day, the Emperor wanted to wear his favourite ring. But it was missing. Akbar ordered a search for the ring. But no one could find it.<>
Akbar then asked his men to call Birbal. When Birbal came, he told him about the robbery and asked for help. <>
Birbal called all the eight servants who were in charge of the Emperor’s room.<>
He gave each of them a stick of the same size and asked them to come back with it the next day. <>
He told them that the stick of the person who had stolen the ring would become longer by one inch that night.<>
The next morning, the eight servants stood in a line with their sticks. Birbal caught hold of one of them and took him to Akbar.<>
The man fell at Akbar’s feet and admitted that he had stolen the ring.<>
The king was surprised. <>
He asked Birbal how he found out the culprit. Birbal said the thief had cut his stick by an inch fearing that it would grow.<>
