AKBAR BIRBAL

The Honest Trader

Once upon a time in the illustrious court of Emperor Akbar, a renowned trader named Ravi
was known for his honesty. Ravi's reputation for fair dealings and integrity had spread far
and wide. One day, Akbar decided to put Ravi's honesty to the test.

The Emperor summoned Ravi to the court and said, "Ravi, I've heard of your honesty, but I
wonder if it is as unwavering as people claim. I want you to prove your honesty by
undertaking a task for me."

Intrigued, Ravi bowed before the Emperor and said, "Your Majesty, I am at your service.
Please command, and I shall fulfill your wishes."

Akbar handed Ravi a bag of gold coins and instructed, "Take this bag of gold to the market.
Sell it at any price you wish, and return to me with the money."

Ravi, though puzzled by the unusual request, agreed. He took the bag of gold and headed to
the market. There, he approached the traders and announced that he was selling a bag of
gold coins at a very low price.

The news spread quickly, and a curious crowd gathered around Ravi. One shrewd trader,
seeing an opportunity, approached Ravi and asked, "Why are you selling this bag of gold
coins at such a low price? What's the catch?"

Ravi replied honestly, "There is no catch. I have been commanded by Emperor Akbar to sell
this bag at any price, and I shall do so. I ask for no more and no less than what you are
willing to pay."

The shrewd trader, realizing the potential profit, offered Ravi a sum that was much lower
than the bag's actual value. Ravi, true to his word, accepted the offered amount and
returned to the Emperor.

Upon hearing the story, Akbar questioned Ravi, "Why did you accept such a low price for the
bag of gold? You could have earned much more."

Ravi calmly replied, "Your Majesty, you commanded me to sell the bag at any price, and I
honored your command. My loyalty is to you, and I value honesty over personal gain."
Impressed by Ravi's unwavering honesty, Akbar praised him and rewarded him for passing
the test of integrity. From that day forward, Ravi's reputation as the most honest trader in
the kingdom became even more renowned.

And so, in the court of Akbar and Birbal, the tale of the honest trader became a timeless
example of the value of honesty and integrity.