Once upon a time, King Akbar was taking a walk in his garden with his favourite minister Birbal. King Akbar was a very just and fair king and so he always believed that his people loved him.
King Akbar said, “Birbal. I believe that my people respect me since I am a good king. I believe that everyone in my kingdom loves me because I am a great king and am just and fair.”
Birbal said, “My dear King, you are right. Everyone in the kingdom loves you which is why they do not leave the kingdom and go elsewhere. They however also fear you.”
King Akbar frowned and said, “That is not possible. How can one love me and fear me at the same time? I do not believe it.”
Birbal said, “Let me prove it to you, my King.”
The next day, Akbar announced to his people that he was going on a very dangerous hunt. He would be hunting a dangerous and mad elephant.
King Akbar said, “There is a large tub in the center of the city. If you love me, pour one glass of milk inside the tub and pray for me.”
King Akbar pretended to leave the city and came back one day later. The tub was filled with milk which was mixed with water.
The next day, Akbar announced to his people that he was again going on a dangerous hunt. He would be hunting the same dangerous and mad elephant.
King Akbar said, “There is the same large tub in the center of the city. If you love me, pour one glass of milk inside the tub and pray for me. I shall check who is pouring the milk and who is not.”
King Akbar pretended to leave the city and came back one day later. The tub was filled with pure milk.
Birbal said, “I have proved that your people love and fear you. The first time, there were many who poured water into the tub hoping that the others would pour milk. You did not say anything about checking. They still loved you and wanted to fill the tub. The next day, they filled it up with pure milk since they feared what would happen if they were caught.”
