The cleverness of Birbal, the most famous minister in the Mughal emporer Akbar's court, is legendary. Whenever Emporer Akbar had a problem to solve, or a philosophic question to ask, it was Birbal he turned to. And Birbal would provide him with thought-provoking or bizzarre answers, which resolved the monarch's dilemma. So whether it was why the palms of people's hands are hairless, or if a mango tree could stand witness in court, or whether all sons-in-law should be hanged, Birbal could suggest an intelligent and funny solution to these problems. This made him Akbar's favourite, which in turn earned Birbal the envy of the other courtiers. This collection of twenty-one fabulously funny stories contains all the wit and wisdom that make the stories of Birbal so widely read and loved.

Mango trees are court witnesses Magical sticks identify thieves Birbal must take a trip to heaven The friendship between Emperor Akbar and his minister Birbal created history—and some delightful stories! The tales of Akbar and Birbal have been passed on from generation to generation, enthralling young and old listeners alike. This book brings together a selection of these stories, along with fascinating historical details about the Mughal court, the emperor and his witty courtier. With well-researched introductions to each aspect of Mughal life, Amita Sarin recreates Akbar’s court in all its grandeur and vitality. The stories in this collection are both amusing and thought-provoking, both historical and timeless.

In a small town somewhere in the Middle East lived Mulla Nasruddin. Mulla Nasruddin was famous for being a bit odd. He reacted to the follies of his fellow men and to the challenges of daily life - be it catching a runaway basket or celebrating the birth of a pot - in a manner that people found strange. But most wise men agreed that beneath the apparent foolishness of Mulla Nasruddin was a keen perception that cut straight to the truth. This collection of twenty-five tales contains all the fun and wisdom that makes the stories of Mulla Nasruddin so widely read and well loved.

Adaptation of Vālmīki's Rāmāyaṇa; for children.

Everyone agreed that Raman of Tenali was very clever. As a boy, he exasperated people with his mischief as much as he impressed them with his intelligence. As jester in the court of King Krishna Devaraya, Tenali continued to etertain and annoy the king and courtiers in equal measure. But underlying the buffoonery and audacious exploits was a keen concern for truth and a desire to bring to light the follies of men and society. This collection of eighteen stories contains all the wit and wisdom that make the stories of Tenali Raman so widely read and well loved.

The Broken Flute is a very touching story about human relationship. A story rich in human experience, in which pain and loss and happiness, and the complications of human relationships are dealt with in a way that neither diminishes the power of these emotions nor overwhelms the reader with subjects that are too complex to cope with...Beautifully illustrated by Mario Miranda who has extended the author's setting with lovingly detailed drawings of a Bombay flat and the children in the story.