16th century, historical figure, India, primary source, quotes, stories
A common theme among jester stories is that of intervening on behalf of an individual whom the ruler is treating unjustly. In this case, Birbal saves a man from being executed on a whim by Emperor Akbar (r. 1556-1605). A merchant in Delhi was known for having a face...
16th century, folk fool, fooleum, historical figure, India, primary source
Birbal was a Hindu courtier, described by some as a Minister or of similarly high rank, at the court of Akbar the Mughal emperor (r. 1556-1605). However, his fame stems from having apparently fulfilled the role of jester to Akbar, qualifying him as one of the three...
16th century, folk fool, historical figure, India, primary source, quotes, stories
Attributed to the Mughal Emperor Akbar (r. 1556-1605), expressing his sorrow at the death of Birbal, the poet and courtier whose wit made him morph into one of India’s superstar jesters about whom stories still circulate widely.The capacity to comfort and cheer...
